Assembly Operations Manager HDEP & MDEG at Daimler Truck

Assembly Operations Manager HDEP & MDEG (First Shift)

The Assembly Operations Manager HDEP & MDEG (First Shift) is accountable for the end to end performance of the primary production shift across Heavy Duty Engine Platform (HDEP) and Medium Duty Engine Group (MDEG) assembly operations. This role owns safety, quality, delivery, cost, and morale (SQDCM) outcomes for a large, complex, multi platform value stream, setting the operational standard for the department.

As the senior operational leader on first shift, this position provides direct leadership across HDEP and MDEG assembly operations, ensuring disciplined execution of production plans, strong cross functional alignment, and sustained development of leaders and teams. The role establishes daily operating rhythm, drives issue resolution, and ensures performance continuity across all shifts.

Position offers a starting salary range of $128,000 $164,000 USD. Pay offered dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits include annual bonus program; 401k company contribution with company match up to 6% as well as non-elective company contribution of 3 - 7% depending on age; starting at 4 weeks paid vacation; 13+ calendar holidays; 8 weeks paid parental leave; employee assistance program; comprehensive healthcare plans and wellness programs; onsite fitness (at some locations); tuition assistance and volunteer paid time off; short-term and long-term disability plans.

Operational Leadership & Results

Own first?shift production performance across HDEP and MDEG assembly, operations, ensuring consistent attainment of SQDCM targets.
Lead execution of daily production plans for both platforms, maintaining stable product flow while rapidly identifying and resolving safety, quality, delivery, cost, or manpower constraints.
Serve as the primary escalation point for first?shift operational issues impacting HDEP and MDEG value streams.
Establish and sustain standard work, tiered accountability, and visual management aligned to TOS Fundamentals across both platforms.
Ensure effective shift?to?shift handoffs, setting standards and expectations that drive consistent performance across all shifts.

Safety Leadership

Establish, execute, and continuously improve safety policies, procedures, and behaviors across HDEP and MDEG operations.
Ensure a safe working environment for employees, contractors, equipment, and facilities.
Lead incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective actions, ensuring lessons learned are embedded into standard work.
Champion proactive safety engagement and accountability at all levels of the organization.

Quality & Customer Focus

Demonstrate full accountability for product quality as built, tested, and delivered across both HDEP and MDEG platforms.
Lead containment, root cause, and countermeasure implementation for internal and customer quality issues.
Partner with Quality and Engineering to drive defect prevention, process capability, and adherence to platform?specific standards.
Maintain a strong customer focus with awareness of global product and compliance expectations for HDEP and MDEG.

People & Leadership Development

Directly lead and develop supervisors, team leaders, and salaried staff supporting HDEP and MDEG first?shift operations.
Build leadership capability through coaching, feedback, and structured development aligned to DTNA leadership expectations.
Plan, assign, and review work; address employee concerns; and manage grievances in alignment with labor agreements and company policies.
Make final decisions related to hiring, promotions, performance management, disciplinary actions, and reclassifications.

Cost, Productivity & Continuous Improvement

Achieve and sustain production efficiency, labor productivity, and cost targets across both platforms.
Identify, prioritize, and execute cost improvement and operational excellence initiatives using Lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
Develop and manage annual operating and capital budgets for assigned areas; monitor performance and adjust to meet financial objectives.
Make timely, responsible decisions regarding product disposition and cost?effective repair strategies.

Workforce & Resource Management

Assess and adjust manpower requirements based on production demand, skill mix, and absenteeism across HDEP and MDEG operations.
Ensure effective utilization of labor, equipment, and materials to support stable multi?platform production.
Coordinate closely with Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality to address constraints and improve overall equipment effectiveness.

Knowledge You Should Bring

Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of relevant manufacturing leadership experience.
Strong working knowledge of diesel engine assembly operations, including HDEP and/or MDEG platforms.
Proven experience leading mixed salaried and UAW?represented teams.
Demonstrated application of TOS principles, Lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Working knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data?driven problem solving.
Experience managing production budgets, cost initiatives, and operational metrics.
Strong oral and written communication skills with the ability to influence across functions.
Solid understanding of plant operations, equipment, safety systems, and labor relations.

Exceptional Candidates Might Also Have

Degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
Experience leading multi?platform or mixed?engine value streams (HDEP, MDEG, or similar).
Demonstrated success leading large first?shift operations in a high?volume manufacturing environment.

Where We Work

This position is open to applicants who can work in (or relocate to) the following location(s):

Detroit, MI US. Relocation assistance for this position is available when the selected candidate meets eligibility criteria.

At Daimler Truck North America, we recognize our world is changing faster than ever before. By listening to the needs of today, we're building to solve with cutting-edge solutions in sustainability and future driving technology across electric, hydrogen and autonomous. These solutions, backed by years of innovative success and achievement, continue DTNA's legacy as the undisputed industry leader. Our evolving brand portfolio is second to none, including Freightliner Trucks, Western Star, Demand Detroit, Thomas Built Buses, Freightliner Custom Chassis, and Financial Services. Together, we work as one team towards our envisioned future building a cleaner, safer and more efficient tomorrow for all.

That is what we are working toward - for all who keep the world moving.

Additional Information

This position is not open for Visa sponsorship or to existing Visa holders.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work permanently in the country the position is located in at the time of application.
Final candidate must successfully complete a criminal background check.
Final candidate may be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen.
Contractors, professional services, or other contingent workers should confirm with their local agency if they are eligible to apply for FTE positions.
EEO - Disabled/Veterans

Daimler Truck North America is committed to workforce inclusion and providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (including transgender and transitioning status), genetic information, or veteran status.

For an accommodation or special assistance with applying for a posted position, please contact our Human Resources department at 503-745-8982 or toll free 800-206-3369. For TTY/TDD enabled call 503-745-2137 or toll free 866-355-6935.