Customer Focused Team Manager 2

About the role

Manager of a Customer Focused team within a site. With senior‑management guidance, leads all indirect functions necessary to execute the customer's business, some or all of which report directly to the role. May include direct management of manufacturing activities. Accountable for executing the customer's business within cost budgets and for driving performance improvements and cost reductions. Reports to a Director or General Manager and may have dotted‑line responsibility to a GCU GBOM. Interfaces with customers at an operating level and provides direct and indirect supervision to subordinate team leaders and professional employees (e.g., Program Managers). Applies in‑depth knowledge of professional standards, receives assignments as objectives, sets goals, recommends policy changes, and assists in developing department budgets and 3‑5‑year plans. Oversees multi‑functional team projects, makes hiring and firing decisions, reviews performance, recommends compensation, and provides final approval for salary recommendations. Builds cross‑functional relationships, negotiates, and maintains positive relationships with key customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Customer Focused team (CFT) within a site.
• Assume overall business responsibility for the execution of a customer’s or small group of customers’ business, encompassing program management and functions such as SCM (planning & purchasing), engineering, and quality.
• Include specialized manufacturing operations in the CFT when required for the customer group.
• Ensure the CFT generates value for the customer and develop customer loyalty, guided by GCU or senior management.
• Create and implement comprehensive action plans to resolve customer issues.
• Promote continuous improvement in CFT activities using lean and 6S methodologies.
• Plan, manage, and control CFT performance by setting direction and priorities.
• Implement policies and guidelines and evaluate results.
• Secure appropriate resources, tools, equipment, and support to meet customer requirements; advocate for these needs with site functional leads.
• Monitor business execution performance using MOR and other metrics.
• Report performance to customers, site management, and GCU leadership as required.
• Manage financial performance, ensuring pricing, service billing, ROIC, A/R, and other financial metrics stay within contract requirements.
• Recommend and manage the CFT budget and financial forecast.
• Collaborate with sales/BD to establish customer pricing for new opportunities or quarterly reviews.
• Select employees, assign objectives, review performance, and make compensation recommendations.
• Work with functional leads to evaluate CFT member performance and set customer‑focused objectives.
• Coach for improved performance, approve disciplinary actions, and reassign personnel as needed to optimize CFT performance.
• Drive employee‑satisfaction improvements within the CFT.
• Participate in or lead cross‑functional process‑improvement groups and support corporate or site‑wide initiatives.
• Represent the company independently to customers at the working level.
• Act as a senior customer contact under GCU guidance.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

In‑depth knowledge of production processes, tools, and equipment. Strong understanding of how business‑unit decisions impact customer satisfaction, product quality, on‑time delivery, and financial performance. Ability to coordinate diverse resources to meet operational, supply‑chain, and financial targets using CLS Project Management methodology. Well‑developed CLS‑defined competencies in personal attributes, interpersonal, business technical, and leadership areas. Proven ability to influence colleagues across specialist and corporate functions, lead, mentor, and motivate diverse teams, and meet tight deadlines. Proficient with PC applications such as Word, Lotus Notes, Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.

Physical Demands

The role is performed in a manufacturing environment with occasional exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, operating machinery, temperature extremes, etc. Duties may require sustained visual concentration on a computer monitor or detailed data and occasional overnight travel, all within local health‑and‑safety guidelines.

Typical Experience

Eight (8) plus years of relevant experience.

Typical Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Educational requirements may vary by geography.