Director, Engineering

About the Role

A confidential client is seeking a Director of Engineering to lead the engineering department within manufacturing facilities employing about 300 staff. Reporting to the General Manager, this leadership role is critical as the business prepares to substantially grow and aims to double in size. The Director will manage a team of Manufacturing Engineers and will drive technical operations, strategy implementation, and process efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support the engineering team ensuring high performance and continuous development.
• Act as the subject matter expert providing technical guidance and staying updated on industry innovations and technology advancements to incorporate these into company practices.
• Develop strategies to optimize die designs for better productivity and quality.
• Manage maintenance scheduling to reduce downtime and enhance production efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong vendor and supplier relationships to guarantee timely and cost-effective supply chain operations.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders aligning engineering initiatives with overall business goals.
• Identify and resolve bottlenecks and inefficiencies in manufacturing processes using data-driven approaches to improve throughput and reduce cycle times.
• Investigate causes of scrap material and implement corrective measures for improved recovery rates.
• Apply lean manufacturing principles to analyze and improve production processes.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable engineering regulations and standards while managing associated risks.
• Oversee quality inspections to ensure products meet established industry standards.
• Specify technical requirements and solicit competitive bids from suppliers and contractors.
• Evaluate equipment and recommend upgrades to enhance productivity, reliability, and safety.
• Report and control production inefficiencies effectively while maintaining operations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Materials Science, or Industrial Engineering.
• Over 15 years of progressive leadership experience in industrial manufacturing environments.
• Extensive manufacturing background, including 24/7 operations management.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the metals industry with a strong understanding of product manufacturing from raw materials to finished parts.
• Proven leadership skills including motivating engineering and technical teams and fostering a performance-driven culture.
• Expertise in metals manufacturing processes and quality management systems such as ISO/TS 16949.
• Commitment to hands-on improvement and floor presence to optimize performance and processes.
• Strong credibility and recognized engineering authority among senior colleagues and customers.

Additional Information

The client values fairness, equity, and inclusivity, encouraging applications from people with disabilities and offering accommodations throughout recruitment and selection.