Location: Lake Orion, MI, US (Flexible work model offered. Onsite required.)

Job Summary:

The Senior Manager, Operations and Launch is responsible for all aspects of Operations leadership, planning, execution, and delivery activities required to launch new programs and meet customer and business plan requirements. Drive culture and processes that promote continuous improvement and flawless launch with quality. This position will mentor and lead the Lake Orion Operations leadership team and work cross functionally with program management, engineering, purchasing, logistics, quality, and Springboro operations teams. This position will also lead Engineering & Process Change control and VAVE activities.

 Responsibilities:

• Responsible for managing and overseeing operations activities with the Lake Orion facility including but not limited to prototype operations, advanced manufacturing engineering, facilities, maintenance, shipping, receiving, inventory management and warehouse.
• Provide leadership and mentor operations personnel to achieve desired results.
• Accountable for overseeing all aspects of new program launch as it pertains to operations including but not limited to build scheduling & reporting, driving customer demand with purchasing, tracking materials and WIP through builds, resolving issues & priority conflicts, managing readiness actions, leading shipment signoffs, and managing Engineering & Process Change Control.
• Work collaboratively with Engineering and Program Management teams to provide clear communication of accountability and timelines, and that all internal departments understand their role in releases, facilitate communication of release readiness to internal teams and external customers.
• Work with all Engineering disciplines to create technical Product & Process design solutions that balance cost tradeoffs for most effective outcomes.
• Coordinate prototype and production workflow to allow for a multiple product portfolio. 
• Plan and prioritize operations to ensure maximum performance and execute schedule to established timelines. 
• Ensure resources of staff, equipment and raw materials are in place to cover production demand.
• Lead all launch OPL (Open Points List) meetings and drive open items to closure. 
• Hold cross-functional reviews as required to progress the plan, then report and escalate items as required.
• Create strong cross functional linkage between Engineering, Prototype, Production, and Suppliers to ensure flawless transfer between Product Life Cycle Phases. 
• Identify bottlenecks and roadblocks upfront and facilitate improvement to APQP value stream. 
• Involved in the early stages of new product development to ensure all areas of the business are ready for the launch.
• Create project timelines in cooperation with Sales, Engineering and Operations. 
• Identify critical path and work with local management to execute the plan.   
• Connect with partners throughout all levels of the organization, including preparing and giving presentations as rolled out by Director, Operations.
• Produce reports based on findings and performance of production.
• Responsible for operational deliverables for Phase Gates.
• Ensure all production documentation required is in place including DFM, DFA, PFD, PFMEA, WI, etc.
• Support Springboro production launches and manufacturing as needed.
• Participates in DFMEA.
• Identify and resolve problems relating to inventory.
• Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Adhere to federal and state regulations.
• Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned. 
• Predictable and reliable attendance.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering or related degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of ten (10) years’ progressive leadership experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ of management experience within operations or manufacturing. 
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in program launches within manufacturing.
• Strong leadership qualities and experience. 
• Knowledge and working experience with quality management systems.
• Strong technical and communication skills. 
• High level of integrity, ability to deal with ambiguity, takes initiative/self-directed.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, and MS Project.
• TS 16949 and ISO 14001 experience preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.

Key Competencies: 

• Focuses on Quality: Drives work results with a quality focus on actions and results.
• Decision Making & Analysis: Makes sound decisions based upon a mixture of data-driven analysis, expertise, experience, and judgment; collects relevant information, seeking input from others, and identifies connections and/or root causes of problems.
• Continual Improvement: Displays a consistent orientation toward producing the highest quality products or services, while keeping a focus on sustainability. Constantly looking for incremental improvements in work processes and results.
• Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.
• Working Safely: Demonstrates safe behaviors. Aware of potential risks and threats in the workplace.
• Delivers Results: Achievement-oriented, feeling a sense of urgency to reach goals on time, if not before.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish team goals and organizational objectives.
• Communications: Exchanges thoughts, feelings, and information effectively.
• Organization and planning: Establish a systematic course for self and/or others to assure the accomplishment of objectives. Determines priorities and allocates time and resources effectively. 
• Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Priorities Focused: Understands and actively supports the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.