About this role
Dana is a global leader in the supply of highly engineered driveline, sealing, and thermal-management technologies that improve the efficiency and performance of vehicles with both conventional and alternative-energy powertrains. Serving two primary markets – passenger vehicle and commercial truck – Dana provides the world's original-equipment manufacturers and the aftermarket with local product and service support through a network of nearly 100 engineering, manufacturing, and distribution facilities.
Job Purpose
Responsible for the safe, efficient and successful operation of the assigned shift in a particular Business Unit which includes managing the labor, productivity, maintenance and engineering to meet or exceed customer production requirements and plant deliverables. Success in this role also requires effective communication with other supporting department personnel (ex. Materials, HR, Environmental, Health & Safety, Engineering, Quality, Program Management and DOS) and working within the terms of the union agreement.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Assist the BU Operations Manager in all aspects of running the business unit as needed and fill in during his/her absence.
• Assist the BU Operations Manager with the determination of the (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual) goals and objectives for the BU direct reports.
• Provide direct reports with the tools, coaching, training and mentoring needed to accomplish goals and objectives. Remove roadblocks to ensure success.
• Hold all employees in the BU accountable for doing their job in a safe and efficient manner. This includes the ability to delegate responsibilities effectively, drive team-based problem-solving activities while leading and motivating a diverse group of subordinates.
• Analyze all BU Key Performance Indicators (KPI) to identify areas for top focus and continuous improvements.
• Closely monitor production, labor, quality, scrap, throughput, efficiencies, etc… and address issues with the team and supporting personnel as they occur.
• Closely monitor equipment uptime/efficiencies and ensure preventative maintenance is completed as scheduled.
• Work closely with the BU Operations Manager on the Open Issues list to develop action plans, champions, timelines and drive closure to improve overall BU efficiencies.
• Elevate issues to the BU Operations Manager according to procedure and protocol.
• Report BU KPI as required.
• Attend and/or conduct daily shift, BU or plant meetings.
• Ensure the Supervisors follow standard shift to shift handoff protocols.
• Provide an environment and culture where safety is the most important manufacturing consideration. All decisions are based first upon our employee’s safety.
• Lead problem solving activities utilizing 8D methodologies with the team.
• Instill and sustain a culture where 5S is way of life that the entire BU shares in.
• Provide an environment supportive of team-based problem solving that facilitates and fosters communication throughout the operation.
• Ensures that company policies, procedures and goals are adhered to. Also ensure that all actions taken are within the guidelines of the union agreement. Ensure that all Supervisors are treating their employees fairly and consistently. Take corrective action when appropriate to ensure compliance.
• Work closely with supporting department activities (Human Resources, Production Control, Maintenance, Quality and Engineering) to ensure operational throughput and customer satisfaction.
• Assure training and tools are identified and provided, as needed, throughout the operations organization.
• Study production schedules, review performance and customer releases to determine changes in operations schedules as required.
• Develop a strong team with employees cross trained to cover for absenteeism, vacations and turnover without any loss in efficiencies.
• Ensure that the Dana Operating System (DOS) and established quality system is implemented and maintained per the requirements.
• Ensure all IATF requirements are met for the BU.
• Drive compliance with all Dana Performance Management, Talent Management and Engagement Management requirements.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.
Education and Qualifications
• Bachelor’s Degree in a related field and/or the combined equivalent of education plus job related experience of at least 5 years.
• Automotive manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Strong leadership abilities with a positive attitude and enthusiasm to overcome challenges are required.
• Experience as a Manager or Supervisor responsible for 25 or more employees is preferred.
Skills and Competencies
• Effective teambuilding and decision-making skills are required.
• Effective professional communication and people skills are required.
• Excellent time management, organizational and planning skills are required.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining focus to deliver expected results is required.
• Ability to motivate and drive new ideas is required.
• Lean manufacturing skills are preferred.
• Project management skills are preferred.
• Mechanical ability and aptitude is especially helpful.
• Data analysis and computer skills are required.
• Good working knowledge of IATF or TS-16949 audits and requirements is preferred.
• Union experience is preferred, but, not required.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters
Please note that as per Dana policy, we do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless such recruiters were engaged to provide candidates for a specified opening. Any employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume does so with the understanding that Dana will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion without any fee owed to the submitting employment agency, person or entity.
Other facts
About Dana Incorporated
In a world of constant motion, life is about balance. At Dana, our balanced approach considers the people, products, and planet that sustain us all.
For 120 years, we've been powering innovation to move our world. Today, over 25,000 Dana people, in more than 20 countries, advance drive and motion systems, thermal and sealing technologies, and power management innovations. Supporting traditional, hybrid, and EV manufacturers, wherever the road takes us. We're not just adapting to the future of mobility. We're shaping it.
Headquartered in Maumee, Ohio, United States — Dana reported sales of $7.7 billion in 2024. We were named among the "World's Most Ethical Companies 2025” by Ethisphere and as one of "America's Most Responsible Companies 2023" by Newsweek. We’re always looking for talented people to join the Dana team. For more, please visit https://jobs.dana.com.
What you'll do
- The Area Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and successful operation of the assigned shift within a Business Unit, managing labor, productivity, maintenance, and engineering to meet production requirements. This role involves assisting the BU Operations Manager, providing coaching and mentoring to direct reports, and ensuring accountability for safe and efficient job performance.
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