Vice President of Engineering

 

Plans and directs the overall global engineering department including new product sustaining, test lab, codes and system maintenance.  Plans, coordinates, and executes the design, development, and improvement of the Company’s product portfolio in conjunction with key constituents throughout the organization. Provides engineering advice and assistance to other departments as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Partner with the management team to ensure effective product development for the business. Develop parameters and number of projects based on established market information.
• Investigate design concepts proposed by Marketing, i.e., feasibility, cost, function, and operating parameters/limitations.
• Execute product design to meet company objectives. Direct the design of new products and redesign/modification of components for improved products and/or customer special requests.
• Provide engineering leadership expertise in the areas of tooling, prints, specifications, product maintenance, raw materials, and vended products.
• Hire, develop, and maintain an effective organization with respect to personnel.
• Investigate/create engineering change request processes to improve product, correct errors, facilitate production, and reduce cost. Ensure accurate engineering documents.
• Recommend methods, materials, and layouts for improvement based on manufacturing needs and capabilities.
• Provide technical and engineering support to Marketing, field service, Sales, and customers regarding technical information and engineering problems. Provide Sales staff and Marketing department information regarding the Company's equipment and meaningful comparisons to other manufacturers’ equipment.
• Build, develop, and lead engineering team capable of carrying out needed engineering initiatives.
•   Direct all immediate subordinates in performance of their assigned functions so that plans and programs are carried out in accordance with organizational policies.
• Prepare, maintain, and assure adherence to budgets and schedules for projects falling within the jurisdiction of the Engineering Department.
•   Interact and cooperate with Production, Research and Development, Quality Control, Marketing, Finance, and Supply Chain Departments in preparing production and process design methods and quality standards.
• Coordinate the activities of the engineering function and encourage the interchange of information, ideas, and techniques in the various engineering fields.
• Provide engineering services to other departments of the organization as required.

Requirements and Qualifications

Candidates for this position should have significant proven success leading a global engineering department for a consumer products company (OEM experience a plus). Candidates must also bring to this position a proven ability to lead during a time of growth, and an ability to influence other Executives through both formal and informal leadership. Additional professional requirements include:

• A minimum of at least 10 years of engineering experience with at least 5 years in an executive level engineering position (Director or Vice President
• Expertise in product development and the successful launch of new products.
• Experience in developing product road maps and delivering tactical execution to same.
• Prior management of sustaining engineering relationships and testing facilities.
•   A proven ability to create and execute departmental plans that support corporate strategies.
• Ability to lead a group of professional engineering managers in a manufacturing environment.
•   Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate with members of the executive team, department managers, subordinates and vendors.
• Understanding of the impact of decisions on the marketing plan, budget, and the Company’s sales/profitability.
•   Knowledge of key corporate financial measures, the ability to read and interpret cash flow and income statements to assist the management of the Profit and Loss accountability of the company.
•   Computer literacy with the Microsoft Office suite of programs, Pro/Engineer, and Windchill.

 Personal Attributes

This is a professional, performance-driven culture in which executives with large egos do not find success. Candidates should bring a sense of balance, confidence backed by ability, and a competitive spirit focused on helping the company beat the competition. Additional personal attributes include being:

• A change agent with high energy.
•    A personable teammate who is able to inspire confidence and to build collaborative relationships with others in all levels of the organization.
• A decisive individual who possesses a “big picture” business perspective, but is willing to roll up his/her sleeves and do whatever it takes to get the job done without being overly hierarchical (strategic and tactical).
•   Energetic, proactive, self-motivated, and an independent thinker who is willing to try many new and creative ideas.
•   Commitment to the success of the company and willingness to commit to necessary hours, if and when appropriate, to reach goals and complete tasks on time—this is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the growth of the company.
•   Decisive and willing to drive performance against an opportunity to improve the company’s business with the proper input from key constituencies in the company.

·      Education, Skill, & Experience

 

•   BS degree in Engineering, Masters Degree preferred with ten- (10) years global "hands-on" management experience with emphasis on commitment to continuous improvement.
•    Must have strong problem solving skills, and be results oriented with main Company objective to focus on customer service, employee relations, and on-time project completion.
• Experienced in multiple assignments, strategic planning, with the ability to acts as a facilitator to mentor, builds teams, coach employees and cross functional team experience.
•    Must be focused and customer needs driven.  International Experience a plus.  Must have excellent communication skills.