Director of Operations & Supply Chain

About the role

Oversees, manages and directs all manufacturing operations, logistics, and supply chain for Warn Automotive business. Monitors the profitability of the product lines in the operation, and manages volume, payroll, and all other expense and variance categories to stabilize and maximize the gross margin. Assures on-time delivery and quality is maintained at levels that meet the top tier of customer’s supplier rating. Engages and empowers team members to create a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and personal development. Works collaboratively across broader Dover and VSG organizations to leverage corporate resources and align Warn Automotive business with top level initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

• Oversee and direct overall production including efficient use of equipment, materials and personnel required to produce Tier 1 automotive products.
• Ensure outgoing quality, safety and compliance with customer, state and federal regulations.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures, formulating manufacturing operations strategies, building and mentoring manufacturing employees and driving business results.
• Ensure quality equipment, materials and production standards, oversee and maintain manufacturing budgets and staffing to manufacture quality products that meet customer expectation in the most cost-effective manner.
• See that manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, and purchasing employees are adequately trained and have sufficient documentation, instruction, and supervision to complete assignments.
• Create and ongoing manage standard work, KPI’s and associated dashboards that ensure objectives and performance goals are met along with driving clarity to every employee every day.
• Partners with executive team in developing business strategy and operating plans. Leading the creation and implementation of tactical plans to achieve Strategy. Extending to production team leaders and team members through communications tactics, goal alignment and performance management.
• Partners with the Quality Manager in creating manufacturing programs that ensure quality product. Partners with key stakeholders to ensure Continuous Improvement and provide visible support and leadership for Lean initiatives. Driving continuous improvement projects such as lean, 5S, and visualization throughout the Warn Auto operations organization.
• Represent Warn Automotive in the community and promote the organization’s goodwill and interests in community activities.
• Collaborate with and engage team members to ensure flawless execution of new technology and new automotive programs. Ensure strategic supply base is engaged and acting as part of the team.
• Review and develop strategic supply base in collaboration with quality, engineering functions, and Dover Asia Pacific Office. Drive customer requirements and automotive standards to all suppliers with a focus on clarity and understanding. Including negotiation, review, and management of contracts for all procured goods, services, and capital equipment globally. Conduct supplier visits as needed to ensure positive/constructive relationships, and to monitor/manage all ongoing projects – new products, cost improvement, quality improvement, inventory reduction, terms negotiations, etc. Develop plans and lead critical supplier negotiations to ensure competitive pricing and terms aligned to strategic goals, automotive requirements and customer expectations. Including assignment of resources (Dover Sourcing, VSG, APO, 3rd party, and WA Team) and clear guidance to ensure comprehensive negotiation targets are met across entire supply base.
• Support facilities manager and operations team in running a safe and efficient operation. Including assessment of material flow, make versus buy analysis, quality and safety audits.
• Develop strategic direction, objectives, tactics, and supporting budgets, justification, and resource plans to ensure corporate growth and financial objectives are met. Includes collaboration with Warn Automotive leadership team, VSG Leadership team, and Dover Corporate functions.
• Take the lead in planning and forecast meetings (SIOP) to ensure uninterrupted delivery to customers, minimal downtime, and sufficient notification of supply base and operational teams.
• Develop and maintain a Plan for Every Part (PFEP) to ensure optimal inventory levels and warehousing strategies. Develop strategies, policies, and procedures to develop a high functioning Material group and achieve world class level performance.
• Analyze Supply Chain Data to forecast demand, set inventory levels and manage exceptions to meet targets. Track supply chain metrics, analyzing cost drivers, and reporting performance to support decision-making.
• Maintain active presence in development and implementation of ERP system upgrades and transitions. Maintain strict controls of material accuracy through cycle count and adherence to transactional practices.
• Coordinate transportation, warehousing, distribution, and order fulfillment to ensure timely delivery and operational flow. Partner with sales, marketing, production, finance, and operations to align forecasts, production plans, and business priorities.
• Partner with key stakeholders to ensure optimal performance, value, and sustainability. Including developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance in assigned area.

Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor's degree in applicable field from an accredited college or university is required.
• MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum ten years of operations and supply chain leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Rapid growth and transformation experience is preferred.

Required Qualifications, Skills And Abilities

• Strong oral and written communication skills commensurate with the job tasks and position necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers while providing exceptional quality of work and outstanding customer service.
• Ability to present information in a manner designed to educate or inform other team members and customers in one-on-one or group interactions as directed.
• Ability to review, comprehend, interpret, process and evaluate effectively written work instructions and procedures written in English in conjunction with the performance of the essential functions and other assigned job duties.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills including ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced work environment while maintaining a calm, rational and respectful demeanor and communication style in times of stress occasioned by work demands, tight timelines, heavy production expectations, unexpected quality control issues, and other work-related issues or concerns that may cause a heightened level of anxiety, frustration, anger, disappointment, confusion, etc.
• Strong technical, trouble-shooting, problem solving, research, organizational and analytical skills, combined with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet established deadlines. Ability to multitask is also essential while remaining flexible with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Well-reasoned decision making with a high attention to detail regarding organization, planning, work flow, and project prioritization to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
• Hightly ethical, self-motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or with limited direction, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful and productive work habits.