Director of Industrialization

Leadership & Team Development

Provide strategic leadership, direction, and mentorship to Process Technology Experts, Launch Managers, and Prototype Shop teams, building a high-performing organization across multiple sites.

Industrialization Strategy & PDI

Define and execute the Industrial Development Plan (PDI) and multi-site roadmap, ensuring capacity planning and technology development aligned with growth objectives. Drive successful project launches and industrialization initiatives across multiple plants, meeting timing, cost, and quality targets.

Process & Technology Innovation

Develop and implement advanced processes in rubber mixing, surface preparation, molding, and assembly, integrating automation, digitalization, Industry 4.0, and lean principles to achieve world-class standards.

Design, optimize, and organize technical solutionsincluding feasibility, capacity, reliability, and profitabilityto meet HES safety, productivity, quality, delivery, and profitability requirements.

Product Launch Excellence

Oversee industrialization for new programs, including process design, layout, equipment procurement, and DFM&A integration, ensuring flawless ramp-up and run-at-rate at SOP. Drive early involvement of technology experts in product development to ensure manufacturability and cost optimization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with ED&D, Supply Chain, Quality, and Operations to ensure manufacturability, cost optimization, and readiness for new product launches.

Prototype Factory Management

Operate the prototype factory as a lean mini-factory for validation parts and process testing, supporting innovation and customer requirements.

Financial & Vendor Oversight

Manage the CAPEX budget, tooling, machine and equipment investments, and vendor relationships, ensuring cost control and performance.

Performance Reporting

Provide executive-level updates on industrialization progress, cost savings, and operational KPIs.

Ensure adherence to Health, Safety, and Environmental policies.

Directly supervises the industrialization team across multiple sites.

Responsible for staffing, performance management, training, and development of team members.

Refer to the Organizational Chart for detailed reporting structure.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage and develop high-performing teams.

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of robotic systems integration.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Engineering degree, advanced degree preferred.

10+ years in industrialization/manufacturing leadership within automotive or complex product environments.

Expertise in process development, lean manufacturing, automation, and digitalization.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel. Experience with ERP systems and knowledge of Infor ERP (MAPICS) preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Familiarity with automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Primarily office-based with regular interaction across multiple plant sites (US and MX).

Occasional work in laboratory and manufacturing environments require PPE (e.g., safety glasses, hearing protection, safety shoes). Frequent travel between sites and to vendor locations.

Shared office environment with periods of on-site presence during launches and audits.