Plant Director

Randstad Türkiye

A leading industrial organization in the automotive and defense sectors is seeking an accomplished Plant Manager to lead operational excellence and drive high-tech manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and optimize full plant operations, including production, manufacturing engineering, supply chain, quality, and facility maintenance

• Accountability for plant-level budget execution, cost management, and key operational metrics (OEE, yield, waste reduction)

• Lead lean manufacturing, continuous improvement (Kaizen/5S), and digital transformation initiatives across the factory floor

• Collaborate with R&D and engineering teams to ensure successful industrialization and ramp-up of new automotive and defense projects

• Ensure strict adherence to ISO/IATF 16949, AS9100, EHS (Environmental Health and Safety), and defense sector regulatory standards

• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing cross-functional engineering, production, and technical teams

• Manage plant capacity planning, shop-floor resource optimization, and facility infrastructure

• Represent plant operations to board executive members, auditors, key OEM clients, and defense partners

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering, or related engineering discipline; Master’s degree in Engineering Management or MBA is a plus

• 15+ years of total industrial experience with 5+ years of direct plant management or senior operational leadership experience in automotive, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments

• Proven track record in scaling factory operations, driving operational cost reductions, and applying Lean/Six Sigma methodologies

• Strong leadership capability in managing large-scale shop floor workforce and cross-functional technical teams

• Deep knowledge of regulatory compliance, quality management systems, and safety protocols required by automotive and defense OEMs

• Fluent in English; additional technical languages or experience with international manufacturing standards is a plus