Motherson is a multinational, people-focused enterprise serving a diversified industry range with a broad range of products and services and is one of the 22 largest automotive suppliers worldwide. With facilities spread across 47 countries and the strength of over 200,000 employees, the company has a truly global environment where diversity and inclusion drive our culture.

SMP Automotive is the Motherson Group’s specialist in innovative modules and complete systems for the automotive industry.

• A globally preferred supplier of cockpits, door panels and bumpers in Europe, United States, Mexico, Brazil, and China.
• A leading plastic expert with innovative processes and technologies.
• One of the largest suppliers of bumpers, instrument panels and door panels to the premium segment.

Locally, since 2018, SMP Alabama has been producing modules and polymer products for Mercedes Benz US International (MBUSI) in our state-of-the-art facilities. Parts we produce include:

• Interior door panels
• Front and Rear Bumpers
• Grills
• Claddings
• Rear Spoilers
• Rocker Panels
• Running Boards

Director - Exterior Assembly

The Director of Exterior Assembly is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and strategic direction of all exterior assembly operations within the plant. This role oversees production, quality, safety, staffing, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure customer requirements, operational targets, and financial objectives are consistently achieved. The Director provides leadership to multiple production areas and leaders, driving a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and employee engagement.

The ideal candidate must possess the following attributes and/or skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or related field preferred
• 8+ years of manufacturing experience, with progressive leadership responsibility
• Experience in automotive manufacturing and assembly operations required
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and production systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams through multiple levels of leadership
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Excellent communication and leadership presence
• Proficiency with production reporting systems and standard office software

The ideal candidate should possess the following attributes and/or skills:

• Experience leading high-volume assembly operations
• Background in exterior automotive components (fascia, trim, panels, lighting, etc.)
• Experience with program launches and cross-functional coordination
• Six Sigma or Lean certification

Main Duties

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for all exterior assembly production areas
• Ensure safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are met or exceeded
• Lead and develop Production Supervisors, Team Leaders, and support staff
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) including productivity, scrap, downtime, and labor efficiency
• Ensure adherence to customer quality standards and internal operating procedures
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, lean manufacturing practices, and waste reduction
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Logistics to optimize production flow
• Lead workforce planning, staffing strategy, and labor utilization
• Oversee training, development, and performance management of production leadership
• Support new program launches, equipment installations, and process improvements
• Manage departmental budgets and control operating costs
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork across all shifts
• Serve as a key member of the plant leadership team, contributing to overall plant strategy and performance
• Address and resolve escalated production, personnel, or operational issues

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Operational Excellence
• People Development
• Safety and Quality Focus
• Financial and Business Acumen
• Continuous Improvement Mindset