Job Description: Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Company Overview: Our client is a diversified, vertically integrated alloy producer in the United States. With manufacturing facilities in North America and worldwide, our client is committed to delivering high-quality products with shorter lead times and reduced risk of supply disruptions. As an equal opportunity employer, our client values integrity, teamwork, diversity, continuous improvement, urgency, and analytical thinking.

Role Summary: The Manufacturing Engineering Manager (MEM) at our client will play a pivotal role in maximizing the efficiency, effectiveness, cost, quality, and speed of manufacturing processes. Reporting to the VP of Operations and based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the MEM will lead a team to develop and implement manufacturing technologies, processes, and equipment strategies. This role requires a self-motivated individual with a hands-on leadership style, capable of troubleshooting collaboratively and prioritizing work in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership:

• Support and promote the company culture, emphasizing safety as the top priority.
• Foster a climate of respect, trust, teamwork, and collaboration.
• Oversee Manufacturing Engineering, translating strategic objectives into action plans.
• Champion continuous improvement philosophies, including lean enterprise and Six Sigma.

Deliver Targeted Business Results:

• Aggressively manage teams to meet or exceed business goals.
• Implement strong programs aligned with SBS tools to increase productivity and reduce waste.
• Work cross-functionally to maximize the efficiency of production teams.
• Maximize the use of repeatable and sustainable processes.

Promote Leadership Development:

• Align company goals with individual team member goals.
• Foster a learning environment that encourages employee development.
• Develop succession plans for key positions within Manufacturing Engineering.

Communicate Powerfully:

• Share company goals and performance to inspire employee action.
• Create high levels of engagement and commitment.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

Key Goals:

• Ensure the Safety program drives the goal of zero injuries.
• Develop and implement a Manufacturing Engineering business plan focused on continuous improvement, productivity, maximizing CAPEX, TPM, and innovation.
• Identify resource needs and execute staffing plans.
• Utilize strategic thinking and leadership development tools.
• Achieve exceptional leadership team and solid bench strength.
• Drive regular use of GEMBA, Stage Gate, and Kaizens.
• Develop into a strategic business partner for the VP of Operations.
• Utilize consistent communication and transparency to gain the trust of employees.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Track record of delivering results in a Manufacturing Engineering capacity.
• Success utilizing strategic planning tools, including metrics and countermeasures.
• Application of lean principles to achieve operations excellence.
• Ability to use Manufacturing Engineering strategies, including 3D design, drawings, proof-of-concept, design for manufacturability, material selection, feasibility analysis, and product costing.
• Demonstrated leadership development with specific examples of mentoring and coaching direct reports.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, and strong self-awareness.
• Ability to execute plans to goals.
• Experience creating or maintaining a strong culture promoting safety, respect, and integrity.
• Experience increasing employee engagement with specific examples of tools utilized.
• Excellent PC skills, including experience with MS Office Suite.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline preferred.
• 8 to 12 years of progressive and related business experience (Manufacturing Engineering preferred).
• Experience with metals preferred.
• Experience with tool and die design, technology, and software preferred.

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Ability to attend GEMBA and travel throughout the production environment to oversee program implementation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to analyze data to make rational decisions.
• Effective communication with others.
• Ability to utilize company computer equipment and software programs.
• Ability to understand engineering software programs utilized by Manufacturing Engineers.
• Ability to understand engineering principles to coach and mentor the Engineering team.
• Ability to travel to company locations/meetings, including maintaining a credit card for expenses (to be reimbursed) and driving rental vehicles/flying.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, and bending may be required.