Manufacturing Engineering Manager | Automotive Industry

About Our Client

This role supports a global industrial manufacturer of power transmission, motion control, and chain-drive solutions, serving a broad range of industries such as automotive, industrial automation, material handling, and heavy manufacturing. The organization is known for its technical expertise, durable products, and commitment to operational excellence.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop manufacturing engineering personnel while fostering a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and evaluate engineering team members.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and career development opportunities to build future leaders within the organization.
• Manage employee relations matters, performance concerns, and workforce development initiatives in accordance with company policies.
• Collaborate with plant leadership to establish priorities, allocate resources, and achieve operational objectives.

Operational Excellence

• Drive performance improvements focused on safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Ensure compliance with all safety programs, procedures, and regulatory requirements while proactively identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Partner with Quality and Operations teams to achieve and maintain world-class manufacturing standards.
• Support on-time delivery objectives through effective production planning, workflow optimization, and resource utilization.
• Establish and promote a culture of continuous improvement throughout manufacturing operations.

Manufacturing Engineering & Process Improvement

• Design, develop, and implement manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, and process improvements that enhance operational efficiency and product quality.
• Analyze manufacturing performance data and identify opportunities to improve productivity, cycle times, throughput, and process capability.
• Investigate production issues, identify root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions.
• Develop and maintain operating procedures, engineering standards, and process documentation.
• Evaluate manufacturing risks and recommend process or capital improvements to mitigate operational challenges.

Capital Equipment & Project Management

• Develop equipment specifications and requirements for new machinery, systems, and manufacturing technologies.
• Lead capital improvement projects from concept through implementation and validation.
• Create qualification plans and acceptance criteria for new equipment using statistical analysis and engineering methodologies.
• Develop and manage long-range capital investment plans aligned with business objectives.
• Monitor project schedules, budgets, and milestones to ensure successful execution.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Lead implementation of Lean Manufacturing initiatives including: Kaizen, Kanban, SMED, 5S, waste reduction programs, and process standardization efforts.
• Facilitate cross-functional improvement teams focused on increasing productivity and reducing operational costs.
• Drive manufacturing efficiency through workforce optimization, equipment utilization, and material flow improvements.
• Support preventive maintenance strategies that minimize downtime and maximize equipment performance.

Financial & Business Performance

• Manage departmental budgets and support cost-control initiatives.
• Analyze manufacturing costs and identify opportunities for operational savings and productivity gains.
• Support formal cost reduction programs and continuous improvement projects with measurable business impact.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and strategic operational planning activities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing engineering experience within a precision manufacturing environment.
• Prior leadership experience managing engineering, manufacturing, or operations teams.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, tooling design, and process improvement methodologies.
• Experience with project management and capital equipment implementation.
• Proficiency with CAD software and manufacturing engineering tools.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word, and Access.
• Strong communication, presentation, leadership, and organizational abilities.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and engineering drawing interpretation.
• Experience utilizing manufacturing systems and production reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience within power transmission, industrial products, or related manufacturing industries.
• Extensive Lean Manufacturing experience with demonstrated project success.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 and environmental management systems.
• Experience with Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing and material flow optimization.
• Background in precision metal manufacturing environments.
• Familiarity with budgeting, standard costing, and financial performance analysis.
• Experience conducting motion studies, time studies, and productivity assessments.

What's on Offer

• Salary: $140,000 - $150,000 Plus Bonus Eligibility!
• People-Focused Policies
• Career Development
• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage