Production Unit Leader - Aftermarket Operations

Aftermarket Production Unit Leader

Company thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America, Inc. is a world class manufacturer of suspension solutions headquartered in Hamilton, Ohio USA. thyssenkrupp Bilstein of America supplies products to a wide range of Original Equipment Automotive Manufacturers as well as Aftermarket and Motorsports customers. Our Aftermarket operations are based out of Poway, CA and our Motorsports operations are based out of Mooresville, NC. For decades, the name BILSTEIN has been synonymous with high tech in suspension design, driving comfort, and safety. In order to expand this position BILSTEIN became a division of thyssenkrupp Technologies AG in 1988, and a wholly owned subsidiary in 2005. This partnership has enabled us to continue the BILSTEIN tradition of excellence.

Your responsibilities

The Aftermarket (AM) Production Unit Leader (PUL) at thyssenkrupp BILSTEIN of America is responsible for structurally improving the production area across all dimensions, including people, processes, and performance. The AM PUL sets a clear vision and ambitious goals for the unit, aligning them with other PULs, Logistics management, functional heads, and plant management. This position is also responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations and customer requirements, manage the unit's financial budget, and actively develop the skills of BILSTEINERs within the unit. The AM PUL also supports new project acquisition(s) and drives the implementation of the thyssenkrupp production system.

Essential duties and responsibilities

Maintains a safe working environment by complying with safety and environmental policies. Advocates for and promote a safe work environment by reporting hazards and ensuring PPE compliance. Sets a clear vision for the unit and establish ambitious goals aligned with all other stakeholders. Drives the unit's overall performance using KPIs following the SQDC logic (COPQ, PPM, Delivery, OEE, DLE, PPOH, etc.). Meets quality objectives, cost targets, and short- and long-term goals defined in the AM business plan. Sets goals for continuous improvement of processes, equipment efficiency, and quality. Plans and implements workplace layouts to optimize process flow and efficiency. Ensures high customer satisfaction and market position. Maintains and improves 6S Standards within the production unit. Ensures the operation and supporting departments within the unit is following all local, state, and federal regulatory and customer requirements. Implements countermeasures to address deviations in the production unit. Interface and collaborate with the BILSTEIN AM Sales Center in San Diego (SSAD) to ensure effective coordination and communication between production and sales teams. Establish a strong working relationship to support the timely fulfillment of customer orders and address any production-related inquiries or requirements. Plans and manages the financial budget for the Unit. Implements cost-saving measures and assesses their impact on the area. Develops the skills of personnel within the unit. Creates and fosters an engaged work environment that is built on trust, mutual respect, open / transparent communication, empowerment, and engagement. Manages, participates and decides personnel planning and hiring within the unit. Supports the acquisitions of new projects and represent the unit in the project phase. Ensure that new product launches meet customer timelines.

Your profile

Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree (Preferably in Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering, or Operations). Manufacturing or process engineering experience, preferably in the automotive industry. Knowledge and experience with lean manufacturing and world-class manufacturing principles. Strong interpersonal communication skills, including influence, collaboration, and relationship-building. Demonstrated project management