Director of Operations & Supply Chain

Director of Operations & Supply Chain

Position Summary:

Oversees, manages and directs all manufacturing operations, logistics, and supply chain for Warn Automotive business. Monitors the profitability of the product lines in the operation, and manages volume, payroll, and all other expense and variance categories to stabilize and maximize the gross margin. Assures on-time delivery and quality is maintained at levels that meet the top tier of customer’s supplier rating. Engages and empowers team members to create a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and personal development. Works collaboratively across broader Dover and VSG organizations to leverage corporate resources and align Warn Automotive business with top level initiatives. Participates in developing annual strategy and ensures tactical plans are executed throughout operations along with aligning metrics, employee goals, and visual dashboards to ensure business objectives are met.

Essential Job Functions Include:

• Oversee and direct overall production including efficient use of equipment, materials and personnel required to produce Tier 1 automotive products. As well as ensuring outgoing quality, safety and compliance with customer, state and federal regulations.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures, formulating manufacturing operations strategies, building and mentoring manufacturing employees and driving business results. This includes ensuring quality equipment, materials and production standards, overseeing and maintaining manufacturing budgets and staffing to manufacture quality products that meet customer expectation in the most cost-effective manner.
• Responsible for seeing that manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, and purchasing employees are adequately trained and have sufficient documentation, instruction, and supervision to complete assignments.
• Responsible for creation and ongoing management of standard work, KPI’s and associated dashboards that ensure objectives and performance goals are met along with driving clarity to every employee every day.
• Partners with executive team in developing business strategy and operating plans. Including leading the creation and implementation of tactical plans to achieve Strategy. Extending to production team leaders and team members through communications tactics, goal alignment and performance management.
• Partners with the Quality Manager in creating manufacturing programs that ensure quality product.
• Partners with key stakeholders to ensure Continuous Improvement and provide visible support and leadership for Lean initiatives. Driving continuous improvement projects such as lean, 5S, and visualization throughout the Warn Auto operations organization.
• Represent Warn Automotive in the community and promote the organization’s goodwill and interests in community activities.
• Collaborate with and engage team members to ensure flawless execution of new technology and new automotive programs. Ensure strategic supply base is engaged and acting as part of the team.
• Review and develop strategic supply base in collaboration with quality, engineering functions, and Dover Asia Pacific Office. Drive customer requirements and automotive standards to all suppliers with a focus on clarity and understanding. Including negotiation, review, and management of contracts for all procured goods, services, and capital equipment globally.
• Conduct supplier visits as needed to ensure positive/constructive relationships, and to monitor/manage all ongoing projects – new products, cost improvement, quality improvement, inventory reduction, terms negotiations, etc.
• Develop plans and lead critical supplier negotiations to ensure competitive pricing and terms aligned to strategic goals, automotive requirements and customer expectations. Including assignment of resources (Dover Sourcing, VSG, APO, 3rd party, and WA Team) and clear guidance to ensure comprehensive negotiation targets are met across entire supply base.
• Participate in and support Quality Operating System activities including review of key supplier metrics as they relate to customer warranty, and operational quality. Drive continued improvement across supply base and ensure zero disruption in production and customer delivery.
• Direct team of planning, purchasing, and shipping/ receiving personnel to stated strategy, goals, and objectives set forth by the organization. Ensure team is engaged and collaborating across all responsibilities. Including production planning, inventory control, purchasing, receiving, warehousing and product shipping.
• Participates in and coaches team members and partners to support a culture of Continuous Improvement and growth. Including efforts to reduce costs, grow margins, improve cash flow, and increase turns.
• Support facilities manager and operations team in running a safe and efficient operation. Including assessment of material flow, make versus buy analysis, quality and safety audits.
• Develop strategic direction, objectives, tactics, and supporting budgets, justification, and resource plans to ensure corporate growth and financial objectives are met. Includes collaboration with Warn Automotive leadership team, VSG Leadership team, and Dover Corporate functions.
• Take the lead in planning and forecast meetings (SIOP) to ensure uninterrupted delivery to customers, minimal downtime, and sufficient notification of supply base and operational teams.
• Develop and maintain a Plan for Every Part (PFEP) to ensure optimal inventory levels and warehousing strategies.
• Develop strategies, policies, and procedures to develop a high functioning Material group and achieve world class level performance.
• Analyze Supply Chain Data to forecast demand, set inventory levels and manage exceptions to meet targets. Track supply chain metrics, analyzing cost drivers, and reporting performance to support decision-making.
• Maintain active presence in development and implementation of ERP system upgrades and transitions.
• Maintain strict controls of material accuracy through cycle count and adherence to transactional practices.
• Coordinating transportation, warehousing, distribution, and order fulfillment to ensure timely delivery and operational flow.
• Partner with sales, marketing, production, finance, and operations to align forecasts, production plans, and business priorities.
• Perform or direct regular and ongoing assessment of supply base for optimal performance, value, and sustainability. Including developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance in assigned area.
• Accountable for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance in assigned area. Responsible for design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, including a self-assessment and report to management.
• Accountable for developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance in assigned area.
• Work safely and without injury.
• Responsible for prompt and regular attendance as scheduled.
• Performs other various duties as may be assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelors degree in applicable field from an accredited college or university is required. MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum ten years of operations and supply chain leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• High volume critical operation such as aerospace and aut