Plant Business Office Manager

Let's introduce ourselves Our factory in South Carolina is currently responsible for assembling the Volvo EX90, a fully electric SUV, and contract manufacturer for the Polestar 3. Between now and 2030, we're also preparing to introduce two new models to the Charleston Plant. Our plant employs nearly 2,000 employees and sits on 1,600 acres of land in Ridgeville, South Carolina, just a short drive from Charleston. What you'll do As the Plant Business Office Manager, you will play a key leadership role within the Plant Engineering (PE) organization, driving strategic planning and operational excellence across the plant. You will lead the development and execution of strategies that enhance plant performance, optimize layouts and processes for new model introductions, and support long-term capacity and staffing plans. In this high‑visibility role, you will partner closely with cross‑functional teams—manufacturing, engineering, facilities, environmental, program offices—to guide plant vision, operational targets, investments, and key performance indicators. This position reports to the Director of Plant Engineering and leads a team of individual contributors and supervisors. Coaching, mentoring, and cross-functional leadership are essential parts of this role.

Principal Responsibilities:

Set and manage short- and long-term efficiency targets for the plant and individual shops. Prioritize project resources, budgets, and timelines to deliver non-product (facility, transformation, insourcing) projects. Represent the plant in early program phases to ensure plant needs and constraints are addressed. Lead the Plant Functional Plan process, including technical reviews, vision layouts, capacity planning, and investment alignment. Maintain and update long-term plant and shop vision layouts in collaboration with engineering experts. Own the Technical Masterplan, outlining installation needs for production and non-production areas (including Facilities Management and Environmental) over a 1+4 year horizon. Drive the 1+4-year capital expenditure planning process; challenge and consolidate investment proposals to align with plant priorities. Prepare and present shop and plant vision reviews covering major operational or layout changes. Serve as Chair for the Plant Engineering Technical Meeting (PETM) driving future requirements of the plant both technically and operationally. Lead staffing and efficiency governance for the plant, including target setting and routine follow-up. Advocate for plant requirements, ambitions, and risks in cross-functional forums and leadership discussions. Govern non-product projects from concept through budget approval (scope, timing, cost) and support execution through project closure. What you'll bring Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field. 5-7 years of professional experience in a manufacturing environment. Understanding of the automotive industry, including OEM operations and manufacturing processes. Strong data analysis skills with the ability to troubleshoot reports, validate metrics, and resolve discrepancies. Demonstrated project leadership experience (strategy development, team formation, timeline management, reporting, escalation). Strong organizational and leadership skills—including delegation, coaching, and accountability. Excellent verbal, visual, and written communication skills (presentations, schedules, layouts, process flows). Experience leading cross-functional meetings and collaborating effectively across all levels of the organization. Professional presence and ability to communicate with global counterparts and senior plant leadership. Let's talk benefits Join Volvo Cars and enjoy a comprehensive range of benefits designed with you in mind. Our programs offer choice, flexibility, and exceptional value, including competitive medical, dental, and vision plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and a wellness program with discounts and gifts, most of which start on day one of employment. You'll also have access to voluntary benefits and a robust retirement savings plan with employer contributions. As part of our commitment to your well-being, we offer The Family Bond by Volvo Cars, a global paid parental leave policy covering all employees, including adoptive, permanent care foster, and surrogate parents. Additionally, employees and their eligible family members can lease a new Volvo at discounted rates through the Volvo Employee Lease Program (VELP). At Volvo Cars, our benefits extend beyond the workplace to enhance your life and support your family. Volvo Car is an equal opportunity employer. The successful candidate must be legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship.