Responsible for leadership and management of all new product launches, special production builds, lifecycle product and process engineering changes, and other launch or change related activities for OEM products in the plant. Provides direction and leadership to a cross-functional team to ensure engineering, quality, and supply chain validation targets have been met for each change. Responsible for production readiness and successful tactical implementation of new launches into production.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Drives and leads OEM program launches establishing and managing project plans, deliverables, milestones and team member responsibilities for new product launches to ensure the timely, cost-effective execution for all assigned projects. Ensures new launches achieve zero safety and quality incidents, zero delivery issues, 100% on target to financial commitments up to at least 90 days into production.
Keeps Program Management, Operations Management, Production Unit Leaders, Plant Management, etc. updated regarding progress, issues, or corrective actions relating to assigned projects.
Ensures organization of and follow-up on open points/actions required to secure a flawless introduction of the program (i.e., regular status reporting, along with issue resolution status tracking).
Ensures conveyed and well-communicated actionable items.
Interacts, integrates and drives results across cross functional teams.
Oversees the complete manufacturing readiness for programs by Quality and Process Engineering, drives scheduling handover from launch planning to production planning; organizes and oversees transitions and follow-up on excess/obsolescence planning and post-program/service activities.
Oversees the finalization of the BOM for the program and all production systems (i.e., SAP, etc.) interacting with Logistics/Purchasing.
Production analysis for costing of all parts.
Manage on-time delivery for all prototype orders.
Coordinates special builds in support of pre-production or change management milestones.
Understands, applies and meets all function-related Occupational, Health & Safety requirements.
Monitors the performance of team members. Provides coaching, guidance and feedback to assure that key milestones are met and that the work product meets appropriate standards.
Coordination & Supervision of 1st production submissions/builds.
Monitors and directs the manufacturing release process throughout all facilities and production units for an on-time delivery.
Responsible for working with process engineering to ensure that all machinery associated with the product launch is working as designed, in place, with sufficient capacity, and capable of producing at required time to meet production requirements.
Ensures that all production staff assigned to new program launches are trained and capable of executing the production of the assigned new product.
Performs and analyzes root cause analysis, time studies and production capability. Creates process efficiencies when needed.
Assists in error analysis and corrective actions of deviations in collaboration with Quality.
Coordinates the change management process to ensure seamless introduction of changes throughout the product life cycle.
Performs all tasks and functions as assigned.
Your profile
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering or equivalent in education and experience. Must have in-depth experience working in automotive manufacturing, specifically a tier one / OEM supplier.
Demonstrated understanding of how complex production lines operate (i.e., industrial workings between facilities/department, line balance, OEE, error proofing, etc.). Is well versed in understanding of production line layout, flow, and modeling.
Strong understanding of job shop, batch, and flow production; cycle time/ bottle neck identification and methods of resolving; workstation organization and setup/Lean manufacturing principles; Statistical Process Control (SPC); designing of one-piece flow lines.
Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills having dealt with all levels of an organization to effectively communicate to senior/executive level leadership.
Previous experience in leading continuous improvement activities.
Knowledge of and proven ability to utilize problem solving tools such as Six Sigma, Fishbone, KT, 8D, etc.
Advanced computer skills including the use of Project, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, CAD software, etc.
Proven strong analytical, project management and time management skills.
Knowledge of and proven experience working with customer launch requirements and PPAP procedures.
Proven ability to juggle multiple tasks and adjust to changing schedules and priorities; maintain organization in a changing environment and maintain flexible attitude & approach towards work.
Ability to think creatively and to develop and present solid solutions to team members and management groups.
Maintains a team-oriented working environment that allows for individual differences and provide for individual growth.
Ability to influence outcomes through situational leadership and collaboration.
