Job Overview
Responsible for the day-to-day operations and mid/long-term planning of manufacturing functions —production, production control, engineering, inventory control, purchasing, and shipping/receiving—, translating customer requirements into cost-effective and profitable manufacturing strategies. The role's focus distribution is: People 30%, Processes 20%, Metrics 20%, Strategy 15%, and Structure 15%.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Facilitate and/or participate in S&OP meetings using data analysis to position the plant to meet future sales forecasts and address projected production gaps.
- Drive Quality and Continuous Improvement initiatives, including TEOA (LEAN) programs, process enhancements, and STAR certification activities aligned with plant objectives.
- Cascade strategic objectives from Segment, Business Unit, and Operations leadership, ensuring clear expectations for direct and matrixed teams.
- Manage production operations within budget requirements.
- Identify operational bottlenecks and coordinate corrective actions with cross-functional teams.
- Ensure execution of safety initiatives to maintain a zero-incident workplace.
- Lead employee engagement initiatives across the site.
- Lead plant-level S&OP meetings to align production plans with customer requirements.
- Develop and execute communication strategies to drive employee engagement and recognition.
- Provide visible leadership on the production floor and maintain regular communication with employees and supervisors.
- Conduct daily GEMBA walks to identify improvement opportunities and support operational excellence.
- Lead weekly operational review meetings, monitor KPIs, and escalate critical issues when necessary.
- Generate and analyze operational and business performance reports.
- Serve as a point of contact for customers regarding quality, operational, and relationship management matters.
- Partner with Finance to manage headcount, budgets, and operational resources.
- Oversee new product launches and continuous improvement projects.
- Lead safety initiatives, audits, inspections, and behavioral-based safety programs.
- Address employee performance issues and drive achievement of operational goals.
- Retain and develop key talent within the organization.
- Lead hiring, onboarding, coaching, training, and development activities.
- Support succession planning and organizational development initiatives.
- Monitor, evaluate, and manage employee performance.
- Conduct performance reviews and support talent assessment processes.
- Ensure accountability for business results and behavioral expectations.
- Drive performance management processes, including goal setting, development planning, calibration, and compensation reviews.
- Manage complex employee relations issues in coordination with HR and Legal teams.
- Develop and manage employee recognition and reward programs.
- Create and execute individual development plans and leadership development initiatives.
- Partner with HR on workforce planning, recruiting, staffing, and retention strategies.
- Manage and coordinate training programs for operations personnel.
General Requirements
- 5+ years of professional experience in production, logistics, or industrial/automotive engineering, including at least 3+ years in a manufacturing or production environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Financial acumen ability to develop and manage operations plans, budgets, and cost management.
- Proven people-leadership experience: managing direct and matrixed reports, performance management, coaching, and development.
- Fluent English communication skills (verbal and written).
- Advanced proficiency in SAP and Microsoft Office.
- Strong experience implementing Lean Manufacturing / TEOA tools and methodologies: 5S+1, Visual Factory, Standard Work, Quick Changeover (SMED), problem-solving methodologies, DMAIC, CoPQ, TPM.
- Experience with Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and line balancing.
- Working knowledge of EHS management systems (e.g., SAFE tool, BBS) and driving a zero-incident safety culture.
Nice to Have Requirements
- Master's degree or advanced degree in Engineering or a related field.
- Six Sigma Certification (Black Belt / Master Black Belt).
- Experience developing and implementing strategic and competitive business plans.
- Experience with Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) aligned to customer demand.
- Prior experience in a support function that collaborates with operations (Materials, Engineering, Supply Chain, Purchasing, or HR).
- Exposure to continuous-improvement certification programs (e.g., TEOA STAR level).
Most Critical Competencies (differentiators for screening)
- Ethics & Values and Integrity & Trust — Expert level. Non-negotiable given the leadership and compliance nature of the role and business environment.
- Building Effective Teams, Developing Direct Reports, and Drive for Results — Extensive . Core to the People focus (30% of the role).
- Lean Management, Quality Management, and Cost Management — Extensive . Essential to operational excellence and profitable manufacturing.
- Business Acumen and Customer Focus — Extensive. Key to translating customer requirements into cost-effective strategies.
Location: Hermosillo, Sonora.
Travel: Less than 10%
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