TITLE Manager – Production Engineering
COMPANY JTEKT Automotive North America DEPARTMENT Production Engineering
LOCATION Morristown, TN CLASSIFICATION Salaried Exempt
REPORTS TO Plant Manager GRADE 108
Summary/Purpose

• The primary responsibility of this position is to lead the functions of production and manufacturing engineering including production support, capital procurement, process improvement, facility flow optimization, and total cost efficiency.
• Manage essential plant engineering services such as project management, plant layout, investment planning, new business process development, equipment justification, and process quality improvements.
• Participate as key member of JATM’s leadership team helping to set direction for organization and supporting a culture of continual improvement.
• While new launch and other support functions, such as traceability, will be the primary focus, this position will need to also support daily manufacturing as needed.

Essential Duties and Accountabilities:

• Overall ownership for new launch activities at JATM
• Ownership for Capital Expenditure Planning and Execution within Budgeted Requirements
• Develop production engineering strategy to satisfy customers, shareholders, and team members.
• Implement and Manage proper controls of all heat treat processes
• Implement and Manage proper controls for Automated Processes and Traceability Controls
• Observe department performance, analyze cause & effect, and take appropriate action.
• Develop and be accountable to operating plan and financial commitments.
• Communicate operating plan targets, action plans, and status on a regular basis to all members.
• Promote continuous improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance through Kaizen and leading positive change.
• Support staff and team members by providing training, instruction, and leadership with regards to their personal growth and job performance.
• Support JTEKT Group initiatives for synergistic systems that will benefit JTEKT in total.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• This position is responsible for leading and managing an engineering department comprised of manufacturing engineers, electrical engineers, launch coordinator and a metallurgist.
• Ensures all employees and contract personnel comply with JTEKT policies and procedures.

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Leadership skills with ability to motivate large groups.
• Positive attitude, highly motivated, and high energy level.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to promote a team environment.
• Project Management skills
• Solid problem solving skills using a variety of statistical and root cause tools.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Excellent organizational skills that promote efficiency and leadership.
• Budget preparation and control experience.
• Ability to correct negative behavior fairly and consistently.
• Flexible working hours, overtime and travel required.
• Knowledge and experience in manufacturing systems and processes; safety and environmental regulations; quality systems, gauging, and close tolerance measurement; CNC nomenclature; hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical systems.
• Ability to work overtime is an essential function of the position.

Education and Experience:

• BS in Engineering; Advanced degree preferred.
• 10 years job-related experience.
• 5 or more years of related direct supervisory experience.
• High-volume manufacturing process experience with machining, assembly, and test operations.
• Tier-1 automotive industry experience.
• Project Management Skills / Certification a Plus

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Ability to walk, stand, climb, stoop, reach, grasp, and so forth as required to train others, investigate status of production processes, and assist, as necessary, in the completion of the improvements, equipment grooming, and related projects.
• Ability to travel and meet with suppliers and/or customers.
• Communicate (hearing and speech) with individuals in person and by phone.
• Visually read reports, computer screen, and so forth, and dexterity to use key board for worksheets, various communications, create drawings, and so forth.
• Maintain a minimum of 8 hours worked/day, 5 days/week.

Employee may perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.
Approvals: