The team you will be a part of

This role in summary

The 1st Shift Operations team includes the Backshop and Support Departments. In this role, you will support and direct the shift in achieving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people metrics. You will guide team leaders through production issues and crisis mitigation, with a heavy emphasis on driving operational efficiency, Labor Cost Per Unit (LCPU) reduction, and system-wide innovation.
This position reports to the Support Manager. In this role, you will coordinate and monitor the activities of manufacturing personnel (hourly) and salaried leadership. Beyond maintaining baseline operational performance, you will champion the integration of AI-driven tools and advanced systems to optimize communication and problem-solving between assembly operations, materials, maintenance, and scheduling.

Your responsibilities will include

• Operational Excellence: Deliver daily production targets (Safety, OEE, CAL, Scrap, HPU, and Productivity) for the 1st shift operations.
• Cost & LCPU Reduction: Proactively deliver year-over-year conversion cost savings. Drive aggressive LCPU (Labor Cost Per Unit) reduction by eliminating waste, optimizing headcount allocation, and reducing operating expenses.
• AI & Systems Innovation Champion the adoption of digital manufacturing tools, AI-driven predictive analytics, and automated tracking systems to streamline scheduling, minimize downtime, and modernize legacy processes.
• Continuous Improvement Drive improvements across the department using World Class Manufacturing (WCM) methods and tools, specifically leveraging data and systems automation to scale successful initiatives.
• Leadership & Culture Foster a culture of teamwork, innovation, integrity, and excellence. Set performance goals for front-line leaders, embedding data-driven decision-making into their daily routines.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or Data/Systems Management preferred) Or equivalent experience
• 6+ years of manufacturing experience
• 2+ years of experience supervising or leading a team

Preferred skills and experiences

• Cost Management: Proven track record of successfully executing cost-savings projects and measurably reducing LCPU in a fast-paced assembly environment.
• Tech & Systems Tech-Savviness: Experience or strong interest in leveraging AI tools, automated systems, or advanced data analytics to optimize manufacturing workflows.
• Continuous Improvement: Experience leading Kaizens, line rate changes, flexible manufacturing, or participating in WCM Pillars (Workplace Organization / Focused Improvement).
• Leadership & Communication: Strong people leadership skills with the ability to manage change as new systems and automated processes are introduced to the floor. Proficiency with Google Workspace suite.

Additional information

Whirlpool’s Ways of Working

Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. While employees in this role work in-person Monday through Friday. We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what’s important at work and at home, including:

• Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service

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