30 Oct VP Engineering – Manufacturing

Our client, a Canadian Leader, manufacturer of heavy-duty products and innovative solutions for the Automotive industry is looking for a Vice President of Engineering.  In business for over 35 years, the company has grown significantly, with manufacturing and warehouse facilities in USA and Canada (Montreal) and a network of dealers across North America. Throughout its growth, the team has remained true to its values: innovation, service, integrity, and teamwork.

YOUR MISSION:

Lead the engineering team to execute on the product vision and road map as well as bring continuous enhancements to our existing product line. Ensure alignment of several engineering teams, creating a strong team that works together with many stakeholders to produce products that reflect our dedication to quality, durability and reliability our customers have come to expect with our brand.

ESSENTIALS RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As part of the executive team, contribute to the strategic direction of the company given your knowledge of the industry, products and customer needs.
• Participate in planning and execution of product strategy and roadmap with our Product development, Sales and Marketing teams;
• Establish and maintain relationships with key customers, sales professionals and agents to monitor and profile key “Critical-to-Customer” product requirements to ensure the company maintains a sustainable competitive advantage over current industry and emerging suppliers of like product;
• Work closely with Operations and Finance to understand the key elements of product costs;
• Prioritize and monitor key programs to reduce costs with functional groups and gain efficiency within the product cost structure to maintain a competitive edge with regard to product value.
• Balance and prioritize projects and resources to mange changing demands from various stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain high quality standards for product design and performance.
• Lead, motivate, coach and manage a team of technicians, designers, and engineers as they juggle demands from internal and external sources.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Design simple, tough, and safe products that are world class, appeal to our target market, are reliable and don’t cause injuries;
• Deliver products and quality that wow the industry and maximize customer experience;
• Lead and manage a team that juggles competing demands, while delivering quality designs on budget and on time;
• Ensure team executes on product roadmap through tight project planning and management.
• Act on and prioritize customer requests to keep the products on the cutting edge;
• Supply superior quality documentation to manufacture the products:
• Support New Product Launches: Develop and coordinate activities related to new product development launches; include supporting marketing documentation and sales tools which translate engineering specifications to product features, benefits and customer value;
• Contribute to first to market strategy on targeted vehicle platforms; participate in cross functional teams for product launch initiatives;
• Develop and strengthen strategic relationships with OEM’s that will support a first to market strategy;
• Work with sales and marketing to propose prioritization of engineering development activities;
• Ensure engineering team is helping to provide adequate product training and support to sales, customer service, technical support, to drive growth;
• Participate in trade shows, conferences and sales promotions;
• Meetings once a month, to assess market needs, and customer service -& sales needs;
• Plan and hire the right staff that minimizes training and optimizes design and speed to market;
• Evaluate, improve, and install the right tools for engineering team to perform optimally.
• Establish engineering project plans for new products with estimated start date and estimated end date;
• Review requests for change from CS and production.

REQUIREMENTS:

•  University degree in Engineering, or another relevant field.
•  At least 10 years’ experience in Engineering and team management.
•  US Market experience (an Asset);
•  Results-driven with an eloquent track record in terms of carrying out projects and accomplishments.
•  Knowledgeable of the automotive industry or related technologies, its main players and best practices (an asset);
•  Bilingual: Excellent knowledge of French and English (spoken and written);
•  Proficiency in known office applications, including the Microsoft Office suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
•  Available to travel as needed (~20%)

ADDITIONAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic thinker;
• Clear communicator
• Autonomous, with organizational, planning and prioritization skills;
• Resilient, Agile and adaptable;
• Project planning and management oversight
• Very strong ability to manage several projects at the same time and to prioritize tasks;
• Team player