Department Manager I

About the role

As a Department Manager I at Element’s Warren, MI location, you will join the operational leadership team reporting to the General Manager. The facility provides comprehensive testing services—full-vehicle, subsystem, and component—for automotive, transportation, aerospace, defense, commercial, and industrial customers. Capabilities include climatic and environmental simulation, fuels and fluids testing, polymer and composite analysis, materials testing, corrosion, vibration, hydraulic and dynamics testing, and advanced hybrid and electric vehicle battery testing.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the department's safety performance and champion initiatives that foster a safety-first culture.
• Under the direction of the General Manager, lead the efficient operation and growth of the assigned department.
• Plan, assign, and schedule work for designated staff.
• Assist in engineering and coordinating projects from start to finish.
• Ensure quality, timeliness, consistency, and accuracy of test reports.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of Element’s capabilities, processes, and expertise to articulate the benefits of Element’s testing services.
• Represent Element with integrity and professionalism at all times.
• Promote and enforce Element’s quality assurance and safety program initiatives.
• Make staffing decisions, including hiring, performance management, reviews, overtime approval, and time-card validation.
• Work with staff to maintain and balance work schedules.
• Foster an environment of respect, dignity, and problem-solving while ensuring adherence to work rules.
• Manage a team fairly and consistently, with a focus on the development of direct reports.
• Handle general administrative functions such as invoicing, job-list upkeep, and supply reporting.
• Review testing services and drive additional capacity and process improvements.
• Translate client technical requirements into pricing, timing, and technical knowledge for quoting and commercial efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in a leadership role.
• Experience with electrical and electronics testing methods and equipment.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety and extensive familiarity with current testing capabilities.
• Ability to read and interpret test specifications, drawings, test plans, and/or blueprints.
• Strong computer skills; basic mathematical skills with the ability to apply concepts of algebra and geometry is a plus.
• Technical leadership to oversee the production and operation of assigned tests, including advanced working knowledge of various testing equipment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with great attention to detail and timing of results.
• Proven ability to multitask and work under strict deadlines.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills to establish and maintain effective two-way communications.
• Understanding of continuous improvement disciplines such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, or 5S is preferred.

About Element

Element is one of the fastest-growing testing, inspection, and certification businesses in the world. With over 9,000 employees across 270 sites in 30 countries, we share an ambitious purpose: to “Make tomorrow safer than today.” When failure is not an option, we help customers ensure that their products, materials, processes, and services are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose. From early R&D through regulatory approvals and into production, our global network of scientists, engineers, and technologists supports customers in achieving product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access. Despite our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company—we empower employees to take charge of their careers and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.