Building a winning team with Casting expertise with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally to optimize deployment and adoption will be critical to succeed in this role. Cultivate and Lead World-Class Technical Talent: Architect and lead the strategic development of a high-performing, globally distributed team of senior casting engineering professionals. Your remit includes defining critical skill adjacencies, leading strategic talent acquisition initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical mastery, and implementing robust succession planning to ensure sustained organizational capability and future readiness. This involves empowering senior leaders to drive technical breakthroughs and cultivate expertise in emerging casting technologies. Define and Execute Strategic Vision for Casting Technologies: Leverage profound technical acumen and a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, competitive landscapes, and future industry trends to shape the long-term strategic roadmap for casting engineering. You will be instrumental in making enterprise-level decisions regarding significant capital investments in advanced casting technologies, optimizing resource allocation, and influencing global corporate policies to align with strategic manufacturing and product development objectives. Your insights will directly inform business strategy and drive competitive differentiation. Forge Strategic Alliances and Drive Cross-Functional Influence: Establish and nurture high-impact partnerships with critical internal stakeholders across product design, manufacturing, supply chain, and research & development, as well as with external technology partners, key suppliers, and industry consortia. Your leadership will be crucial in resolving complex, multi-faceted technical challenges, driving consensus on strategic initiatives, and securing enterprise-wide adoption of best practices. You will serve as a principal technical ambassador, adept at articulating complex technical concepts to diverse executive audiences, negotiating strategic agreements, and influencing industry standards. Pioneer Advanced Casting Innovation and Problem Resolution: Lead the strategic identification, evaluation, and implementation of disruptive casting technologies and methodologies. You will provide executive oversight for the resolution of technical and manufacturing challenges, applying sophisticated engineering judgment and deep domain expertise. This includes establishing the strategic innovation roadmap for the casting domain, fostering a culture of breakthrough innovation, and guiding the integration of advanced engineering tools, simulation capabilities and digital twin concepts to optimize product performance and manufacturing efficiency. Champion Global Casting Manufacturing Excellence: Direct the strategic planning and flawless execution of complex new casting component launches, setting global benchmarks for manufacturing excellence. You will leverage unparalleled expertise in advanced manufacturing processes, materials science (including a comprehensive understanding of aluminum, steel, and other advanced alloys), and sophisticated heat treatment methodologies to proactively mitigate and overcome high-impact production challenges. Your leadership will ensure the strategic optimization of designs for manufacturability, including post-processing techniques and advanced tooling development. Ensure Enterprise-Wide Quality Assurance and Flawless Product Delivery: Architect and implement a robust, enterprise-wide quality assurance framework for all casting components, establishing global standards for dimensional control, metrology, and materials validation. You will direct the rigorous evaluation of prototype results to assure world-class quality in geometry, metallurgy, and porosity. This includes strategic collaboration with product design teams, and playing a pivotal role in strategic supplier technical capability assessment, selection, negotiation, and adherence to rigorous manufacturing standards and critical Ford launch milestones. Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field. 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, preferably within the automotive industry. 5+ years of experience in Casting, Metallurgy, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering. Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field. Experience with manufacturing processes and technologies. Six Sigma Black Belt or similar process improvement certification. Experience working in a global manufacturing environment. Proven track record of exceeding expectations in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Proven experience applying lean manufacturing principles and methodologies to improve processes and reduce waste. Proficiency in structured problem-solving techniques (e.g., A3 problem-solving, 8D reports). Proven ability to lead and motivate high-performing cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization; demonstrated success in collaborating effectively with supply chain, manufacturing, product development, quality, and purchasing. Strong understanding of quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001) and lean manufacturing principles. Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills; ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant project management software.
