Manager, Manufacturing Engineering

G&W Electric Co - Woodridge, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Woodridge, IL

Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing

About the position

Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive. In this position, reporting to the Director of Advanced Operations Technology, you will be responsible for all EPOX Engineering and Technology for Molding Manufacturing Processes. You will manage and lead the Engineering and Technical Innovation team for our Molding Manufacturing Processes, playing a crucial role in driving continuous improvement activities aimed at achieving world-class operational excellence. Your responsibilities will include overseeing all engineering disciplines in the Molding department, which encompasses Process Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering. You will create and implement business excellence strategies to foster a world-class manufacturing culture, focusing on Continuous Improvement Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering. As a thought leader in the culture change towards Continuous Improvement (CI), you will drive the transition and complete adaptation of CI practices across the organization. Utilizing tools such as Lean, Six Sigma, and other Continuous Improvement Processes, you will cultivate a culture of operational excellence. Additionally, you will work closely with the New Product Development group to launch new products and innovative manufacturing processes. You will evaluate and recommend key projects that enhance Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost metrics for the department. Your role will also involve driving a culture of quality through PFMEA, Control plans, and other quality documentation to ensure process consistency and quality. You will actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and problem-solving projects with cross-functional teams, translating performance improvements into financial values that align with corporate goals. You will communicate and coordinate all CI initiatives throughout the organization, engaging with stakeholders at various technical knowledge levels, from directors to engineers to operators. Supporting production with capacity increase projects through innovative manufacturing processes and new purchases will also be part of your responsibilities. You will evaluate the performance of your subordinates, monitor their adherence to safety, quality, delivery, and morale metrics, and provide necessary counseling and training to enhance their skills and improve departmental throughput. Your leadership will be essential in developing "Hi-potential" talent within the plant staff and collaborating with the Director of Advanced Operations Technology to achieve departmental goals. This position will also involve making hire/fire decisions, conducting performance appraisals, and handling disciplinary issues, with your performance evaluated based on these decisions.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for all engineering disciplines in the Molding department, including Process Engineering and Manufacturing Engineering.
• Create and drive business excellence strategies for a world-class manufacturing culture.
• Serve as a thought leader in the CI culture change, driving transition and adaptation across the organization.
• Utilize tools of Problem Solving, Lean, Six Sigma, and other Continuous Improvement Processes to foster operational excellence.
• Develop capabilities for implementing and driving continuous improvement strategies within the Molding department.
• Work with New Product Development group in launching new products and innovative manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate, decide, and recommend key critical projects to improve Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost metrics.
• Drive a culture of quality with PFMEA, Control plans, and other quality documents to ensure process consistency.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and problem-solving projects with cross-functional groups.
• Translate and document performance improvements to financial values that align with corporate goals.
• Communicate and coordinate all CI initiatives throughout the organization to various stakeholders.
• Support production with capacity increase projects through innovative manufacturing processes and new purchases.
• Evaluate performance of subordinates against job requirements and performance goals.
• Monitor conformance of subordinates to safety, quality, delivery, and morale metrics.
• Develop employee work skills to improve throughput and reduce scrap/rework through training and communication.
• Provide visual communications of goals to current performance through daily management metrics display.
• Conform with EMS policies and procedures, including applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support training for new employees on EMS procedures, work instructions, and standard work.
• Create and monitor OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) at departmental and process levels.
• Provide leadership and direction consistent with company and business goals.
• Work closely with plant staff to develop "Hi-potential" talent.
• Collaborate with the Director of Advanced Operations Technology to achieve departmental goals.
• Responsible for hire/fire decisions, performance appraisals, employee training and development, and handling disciplinary problems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a related engineering field.
• 5+ years of Engineering Management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Molding experience (APG preferred, but injection or other types of molding acceptable).
• Computer proficient with MS Office applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to learn new applications such as Microsoft Project or similar.
• Understanding of P&L at a departmental level.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills.
• Ability to motivate others through excellent leadership skills.
• Problem-solving experience using standard tools and methods such as 8-steps, DMAIC, or similar root-cause analysis methods.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in Engineering is preferred.
• Leadership experience with examples of building high-performance teams and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Strong experience in managing and driving innovation through manufacturing excellence projects.
• Six Sigma black belt or green belt.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.