General Manager
Position Summary :
This position has responsibility for the full range of operations, product development, internal sales and order processing, material management, manufacturing and engineering of various gear cutting tool products, as well as management of support functions such as Finance, Human Resources and IT.
Reports to Group Vice President.
Operational Excellence
- Plans, directs, and coordinates the execution of operating strategies and manufacturing of products to align with the Company goals and objectives and customer requirements.
- Initiates joint action, cooperation and communication to achieve results between functions for broader and more complex operation or management issues and activities.
- Maintains employee safety by creating a positive working environment.
- Improves the operational systems, processes and practices in support of standardization in product manufacturing and administration procedures, cost reduction, quality, and lead time reduction in order to satisfy production requirements in a cost-efficient manner.
- Responsible for Product Design and Development activities and results
- Responsible for product portfolio, related pricing and go to market strategies in collaboration with Global Sales Organization and Global Tooling Products Group management.
- Plays a significant role in development of Strategic Planning, in support of corporate and Plant directives focused on product and process strategies designed to increase growth and reduce internal costs.
- Assists in development and management of metrics in support of productivity and quality / problem solving improvement activities.
- Works in a collaborative way with other of our operations (including the Global Sales Organization) to develop and achieve strategic goals
Talent Management
- Establishes and leads communication meetings with direct reports, as well as with the greater value stream team on a routine basis.
- Creates annual objectives and development plans for direct reports, establish feedback loops, and perform annual reviews.
- Actively engages in the Talent Management process in accordance with established requirements and usage of provided tools.
- Reviews production schedules and makes appropriate decisions regarding staffing needs, work instructions and priorities.
- Supervisory responsibilities for all Managers within the Operation
Finance and IT
- Is responsible for financial results for the Cutting Tools operation.
- Conducts regular financial reviews with the key leadership group to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Has responsibility for local IT infrastructure aligned with corporate guidelines.
Continuous Improvement
- Drives an organizational culture that focuses on continuous improvement of front-end business and manufacturing processes and management methods to generate improved plant performance and workflow optimization and efficiencies.
- Actively participates in cross functional reviews of business processes to identify waste and implement projects to focus on the elimination / minimization of these wastes (Value Stream Analysis).
Strives towards a Lean Philosophy culture and environment
Lead 5S and continuous improvement activities in the functional areas.
Customer Relationships
- Interacts with customers in the resolution of delivery issues (lateness) and provides solutions in order to satisfy customer and quality requirements.
- Proactively work with customers to obtain feedback and promote product solutions.
- Links customer requirements and industry trends with companies strategic goals and objectives
Leadership Responsibilities :
The person in this role carries out leadership responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies, core values and applicable laws.
Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance;
rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Supports the Business Principles by leading by example as well as holding others accountable for the activities defined within the Core Behaviors as well as the Process Principles.
Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities) :
Knowledgeable in complex technical products; understanding of gear industry / technology and gear manufacturing processes preferred.
A background in cutting tool and its manufacturing is beneficial
- Strong business acumen. Including focus in manufacturing methodologies for engineered products.
- Quick study of new information and technologies.
- Ethical and accountable with a positive, supportive attitude.
- Proven leadership qualities.
- Excellent communication skills.
Preferred Education / Training / Experience :
- Bachelor’s degree in a Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering discipline preferred; General Business discipline considered.
- Master’s Degree in the above mentioned Engineering discipline or MBA preferred.
- 10 year(s) related work experience in supervisory / management position in manufacturing or product management.
- Understanding of markets and development of appropriate strategies to create a competitive product portfolio aligned with market opportunities.
- Prior experience in gear technology and / or cutting tool engineering / manufacturing experience preferred.