Director of Operations

General Information

Manufacturing Production manages various production activities including: planning, directing, and monitoring production to meet established specifications, schedules, volume , cost targets and quality standards. Liaising with Process Engineering, Engineering , Production Planning, Materials, Customer Success etc. as input to developing production schedules and allocating labor & capital resources. Planning, prioritizing, and managing production line maintenance downtime to minimize disruptions. Manages a department that includes multiple teams led by Managers and Supervisors. Responsibilities typically include: Ownership of short to mid-term (1-3 years) execution of functional strategy and the operational direction of the Department. Problems faced are often complex and require extensive investigation and analysis. Requires ability to influence others to accept practices and approaches, and ability to communicate and influence executive leadership.

- Budget

- Responsible for developing business action plans that are aligned to Division / Business Unit / Product Group /Local Business Unit and Local Product Group. Participates with Controller and other stakeholders to prepare annual production budget, then oversees progress, and determines actions to cost issues as necessary in order to manage production operations within the budget and resources.

- Operational Performance

- Ensures achievement of established targets through oversight and definition of improvement actions as needed; focus on key metrics and is accountable for managing to annual goals for each metric as well as overall budget. Implements lean manufacturing processes through implementation of the Integrated Transformer Management System (ITM), such as GEMBA and Tiered Accountability processes. Collaborates with the Operational Excellence Staff to identify, gather, and review metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the analysis and management of local production processes. Also monitors progress and leads production team’s identification, analysis, and actions to correct deviations from targets. Has ownership and communication with the multifunctional operations team to ensure RCA (root cause analysis) and corrective action are taken to ensure optimal performance of the manufacturing processes. Identifies and leverages support from other functions when appropriate.

- Operations Improvement

- Ensures continuous improvement projects are in place so that the highest level of operational performance can be met. Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, employee involvement and open communications. Develops and leads the production team to execute plans to reduce non-value added costs while delivering products in desired market lead times, on time with high factory and supplier yields and decreasing product field failure rates. Collaborates with Production Development Manager to integrate new and update technologies and lean manufacturing principles into production processes.

- Customer Relations

- Responsible for achieving customer requirements for OTD, lead time, quality Participates in the integrated business planning process to ensure the appropriate labor is available to meet medium and short term customer demands and expectations. May provide support to Sales during customer visits to explain capabilities of the manufacturing facilities. Supports the customer complaint resolution process (CCRP) as a resolution owner for production related issues that involve assembly methods, processes, and equipment. Primary contact and communication path to provide regular, timely updates on overall lead times and on time delivery statuses regarding customer service.

- Health, Safety and Environment (HSE)

- Ensures (with HSE Manager support) compliance with Group health, safety and environmental directives and that regulations are implemented, while monitoring and reporting progress and results. Assesses risks and safety hazards and implements plans to ensure people and equipment safety.

- People Leadership and Development

- Ensures (with HR support) that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed, skilled and directed. Guides, motivates and develops direct and indirect subordinates within HR policies. Establishes training requirements and updates and monitors progress for all production staff using appropriate training programs. Develops talent through active coaching.

- Living Hitachi Energy’s core values of safety and integrity, which means taking responsibility for your own actions while caring for your colleagues and the business.

Your Background

- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, preferably Mechanical, Electrical or Manufacturing engineering.

- Candidate must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for Hitachi Energy in the United States.

- Twelve (12) years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management with a minimum of five (5) years senior level manager.

- Process Engineering or Quality Management experience a plus.

- Lean Manufacturing training and implementation experience.

- Six Sigma training and certifications.

- Working knowledge of OSHA regulations.

- Ability to communicate complex concepts via presentations to senior level audiences.

- Change Management experience

- Proven experience in developing teams

- Preferred Qualifications

- MBA or relevant master’s degree.

- Working knowledge SAP.

- Electrical products manufacturing experience

Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, powering a sustainable energy future through innovative power grid technologies with digital at the core. Over three billion people depend on our technologies to power their daily lives.

With over a century in pioneering mission-critical technologies like high-voltage, transformers, automation, and power electronics, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time – balancing soaring electricity demand, while decarbonizing the power system.

Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $16 billion USD. We welcome you to apply today.