Head of Technical Planning

Objective of job:

• Managing of several small linked or one larger, complex organizational unit with very diverse functions. 
• Secure the planning and realisation of production equipment for existing and new products with the target to industrialize the product in the most efficient way. 
• Lead a team of professionals to improve the productivity of active production lines. 

Principal activities:

• Develop and implement personnel planning within area of responsibility, in cooperation with the supervisor; as well as ensuring the assignment of employees based on suitable qualifications.
• Provide technical and disciplinary leadership to associates reporting to him/her. Make personnel decisions in cooperation with the HR department and supervisor.
• Support the strategic planning of the Technical Planning Department by breaking down or developing the strategic planning for the group, within a short or medium-range time frame.
• Assure personnel planning with focus on upcoming needs for the area (New projects, series demand, Life Time Support,…).
• Assure that the planning, procurement and launch of production processes & equipment is according to existing and new standards which aim to increase productivity and reduce failure costs.
• Develop department-specific employee goals. Break-down, prioritize, follow-up, and evaluate goal achievement.
• Ensure that the Technical Planning team in the Duncan, SC and Livermore, CA are properly trained and operates according to the latest standards. Identify training needs and implement training concepts  in area of responsibility to achieve a high level of training.
• Support global Technical Planning Team in optimizing existing standards (MPP, Line Balancing, Productivity, equipment standards,…) and developing new standards.
• Support US plants in daily Industrial Engineering activities (Line Balancing, Material Flow, Equipment & layout optimizations,...) & industrialization of new projects.
• Constant investigation for improvements within the US plants to improve the overall plant performance (equipment improvements, scrap reduction, OEE increase, idle time reduction, headcount reduction,…). Assure implementation of improvements for structures.
• Ensure that all related documentation for production is current (MPP, Work Instructions, Process Monitoring Check sheets, Process Flows,…) and according to IATF/VDA standards.
• Communicate and coordinate with other department managers to achieve Plant goals and improve plant performance.
• Monthly floor space utilization tracking.
• Ensure an efficient project management in the own area of response.
• Support the global strategic planning team with resource planning for future projects.
• Market Surveillance: Review the current trends and developments for new equipment and IE concepts.
• Representing the Engineering team when needed.
• Manage plant team to implement new product and process changes through an ECR process.
• Safety and Environment setup for production lines (Ergo mats, eye wash stations, etc.) with support from EHS.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelors Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Business Management preferred. 
• 1 to 2 years of Personnel Management.
• 6 to 8 years of previous experience or comparable training.
• 3 to 5 years of Project Management experience. 
• 3 to 5 years of Automotive experience.

Benefits:

 Competitive Pay Structure.

 Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage.

 Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match.

 Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays.

 Career Development Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement. 

 Employee Discounts on Company Products and Services.

 Fun and Inclusive Company Culture with Regular Team Events.

 Opportunities for Advancement and Professional Growth.