Director of Engineering and Maintenance

Director of Engineering and Maintenance

This position is the Leader of our clients Manufacturing Technical Services & Maintenance organization. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all Engineering & Maintenance activities related to the production of these critical automotive components.

This is a regional role with oversight to facilities in Detroit, Windsor and Toronto areas. Individual can reside in Detroit Metro or Ontario, Canada. Must be able to travel to locations as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for the technical services team, ensuring alignment with company goals and objectives
• Develop and implement technical service & maintenance strategies to drive innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness as it relates to manufacturing
• Direct the engineering team in developing and implementing efficient manufacturing processes for laser welded structural components
• Ensure adherence to quality standards, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of projects.
• Serve as the primary Technical Services contact for key customers & vendors, fostering strong relationships and addressing technical inquiries and concerns
• Provide training and development opportunities for engineering and maintenance staff to enhance their skills and knowledge
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation and development initiatives
• Manage the maintenance department to ensure the reliability and uptime of manufacturing equipment. Develop preventive maintenance schedules, troubleshoot equipment issues, and coordinate repairs as needed
• Identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency improvements. Implement best practices and technologies to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and minimize downtime
• Collaborate with customers & vendors to understand their evolving needs and requirements, translating them into actionable Technical Services initiatives
• Provide coaching and guidance to Engineering & Maintenance staff, promoting professional growth and career development opportunities
• Develop and manage Engineering and Maintenance budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements to optimize Technical Services operations and maximize profitability

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, mechanical or related field. Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in leadership roles within the automotive industry working at a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Automotive Manufacturing Parts supplier
• Proven track record of successful product development, innovation, and project management
• In-depth knowledge of laser welding processes, automotive design principles, and materials selection
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and drive results in a highly competitive market
• Basic knowledge of automotive sheet steel products
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) A Must
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Fulfill all Health and Safety & Environmental responsibilities as identified in the HSE Management Standards, and ISO 14001 Management Systems