Director, Global Manufacturing Services

Director, Global Manufacturing Full-Time Columbia, SC Meet your Talent Advise Dan Witters A leading global Tier 1 supplier of precision fuel systems and powertrain components is adding a transformative Director of Global Advanced Manufacturing Engineering to drive our relentless pursuit of World-Class Operations across 10+ manufacturing sites worldwide.

This is a high-visibility, P&L-impacting leadership role for a proven Lean Manufacturing executive with extensive Tier 1 automotive experience who has successfully deployed global Bill of Process (BoP), Design for Manufacturing (DFM/A), and Centers of Excellence in high-precision machining, grinding, laser welding, and assembly. Director of Global Manufacturing Key Responsibilities – Global Ownership:

• Develop and deploy a standardized Global Bill of Process (BoP) for core processes (precision machining, grinding, lapping, laser welding, clean assembly, functional testing)
• Establish and lead Global Centers of Excellence for critical technologies (e.g., nozzle manufacturing, high-pressure pump heads, precision component assembly)
• Embed Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), DFMEA, and PFMEA from NPD/concurrent engineering phases
• Implement the 5 Levels of Process Design and enterprise-wide Lean Operating System – achieving zero defects, best-in-class flow, and rigorous continuous improvement
• Champion Yokoten (horizontal deployment of best practices) and global standardization of equipment, spare parts, TPM, and preventive maintenance
• Build and develop a high-performing Global Advanced Manufacturing Engineering organization focused on waste elimination and YoY productivity gains
• Own strategic Make vs. Buy and insourcing/onshoring decisions using advanced capacity modeling and ROI analysis
• Partner with world-class integrators (Durr, Grob, Chiron, etc.) to design and launch benchmark lean production lines
• Deliver flawless new product launches with industry-leading OEE, Cp/Cpk > 1.67, zero defects, and optimized PPH
• Create and execute the annual Global Process Lean Roadmap, Strategic A3s, and CAPEX portfolio for maximum ROI and facility optimization

Director of Global Manufacturing Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (Master’s/MBA preferred)
• 10–15+ years of progressive leadership in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering within Automotive Tier 1 environments (fuel injection, powertrain, or precision components strongly preferred)
• Proven global track record deploying Lean Manufacturing Systems, Bill of Process, and Standard Work across multiple plants and regions
• Mastery of DFM/DFA, PFMEA, Control Plans, GD&T, APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949
• Experience building Centers of Excellence for high-precision processes (sub-micron grinding, laser welding, clean-room assembly)
• Demonstrated success leading Kaizen, Yokoten, A3 Thinking, and achieving top-quartile SQDCM performance
• Strong capital planning, installed capacity modeling, and facility space optimization expertise
• Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification highly desired
• Proficient with CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks, Minitab, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Global travel anticipated.