Process Engineering Manager (BSA-1, Montgomery, AL)

Role Overview

The Process Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the Process Engineering department to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of production processes. This role provides strategic direction and leadership for process optimization, production support, continuous improvement initiatives, capacity planning, and engineering development. The Manager drives operational excellence by maximizing production efficiency, improving product quality, reducing waste, and supporting the achievement of organizational goals. This position works closely with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Materials, and other cross-functional departments to support manufacturing operations and business objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (To perform within this position successfully, the incumbent must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.)

Leadership & Management

• Lead, develop, and manage the Process Engineering team, including engineers, supervisors, and technical staff.
• Establish departmental goals, objectives, and performance expectations aligned with business requirements.
• Coach and mentor team members on leadership, problem-solving techniques, continuous improvement methodologies, and technical development.
• Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development and succession planning.

Process Engineering & Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement strategies to maximize production efficiency and ensure the manufacture of high-quality products.
• Lead root cause analysis investigations and implement permanent corrective actions to prevent recurring issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Utilize approved problem-solving methodologies to achieve sustainable process improvements.
• Oversee activities related to scrap reduction, cycle time reduction, downtime reduction, and process optimization.
• Establish and maintain standardized work practices across all shifts and production areas.

Production Support & Planning

• Provide capacity planning, labor planning, and resource allocation to support current and future production demands. Adapted from the Assistant Manager role's responsibility for production planning and operational support.
• Monitor departmental KPIs and implement action plans to achieve operational targets
• Support production teams in achieving performance objectives and meeting customer requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Materials, Maintenance, Production, and other departments to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve performance.
• Support new equipment, process launches, and manufacturing improvement projects

Systems & Financial Management

• Ensure compliance with data collection, documentation, and reporting standards within MES, SAP, and other business systems.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and engineering-related expenditures.
• Monitor manufacturing costs and identify opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements. Adapted from cost management responsibilities in the Assistant Manager role.

AUTHORITY & SCOPE

This role operates within defined corporate policies and procedures and exercises judgment appropriate to its level of responsibility. The position may influence decisions related to functional operations, processes, or recommendations and escalate matters as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Yes

Qualifications (The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required and preferred for this position.)

Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive manufacturing or process engineering experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership or management experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), industrial automation systems, PLCs, and manufacturing technologies.
• Experience in managing new vehicle launch projects for Hyundai and Kia.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Advanced problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret production metrics and KPIs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SAP/ERP systems, and MES platforms.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence principles.

Working Conditions: This position operates in both office and manufacturing floor environments and requires frequent interaction with production operations. The role may involve extended periods of standing, walking, and exposure to a manufacturing environment.