Operational Excellence Manager (Automotive)

TL;DR

Operational Excellence Manager (Automotive): Coordinating the distribution of Step Vans and stripped-chassis to customers and upfitters with an accent on cross-functional alignment and delivery quality. Focus on managing shipping priorities, overseeing pilot rework activities, and ensuring strict adherence to product configurations and documentation.

Location: Sturgis, MI. Must be work authorized in the United States or able to obtain J-1/F-1 visa

Company

American commercial electric vehicle (EV) startup focused on bringing electric stripped chassis to high volume production for medium-duty vehicles.

What you will do

• Coordinate Step Van and chassis distribution priorities with the Master Scheduler and Sales team to ensure on-time delivery.
• Generate weekly reports comparing planned versus actual shipments to identify and mitigate operational disruptions.
• Manage pilot rework activities, ensuring part availability and accurate documentation within quality systems.
• Collaborate with Engineering to evaluate and approve deviations when rework cannot be completed as specified.
• Verify product configurations and ensure all inspection checklists and paperwork are finalized prior to delivery.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in project or program management.
• Work authorization in the United States or ability to obtain J-1/F-1 visa.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets).
• High attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills for cross-functional coordination.

Nice to have

• Automotive background with a basic understanding of medium-duty commercial trucks.
• Interest in the electrification of automotive stripped chassis.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to work at a fast-paced, high-growth VC-funded startup.
• Exposure to a critical early product development stage in the EV industry.
• Equal opportunity employment environment.