Program Leader - Stamping and Knob Forming

Job Summary

The Program Leader will perform a variety of duties related to conceptualizing, developing and implementing stamping, knob forming, and machining solutions within Mechanical Locks facilities. They will need to be able to create and implement a stamping, knob forming, and machining strategy for the team’s entire manufacturing network. They will be responsible for projects involving equipment design, build and assembly, installation, and equipment acceptance for the wide variety of lock, faucet, and hardware products produced within the facilities.   They will need to drive continuous improvement activities across all the stamping, knob forming, and machining operations.  They will need to possess a broad industry and functional background.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• (25%) Provide leadership in assuring project targets are achieved relative to safety, ergonomics, environment, cost, quality, timing, ongoing delivery fill rate, working capital, space, and timing limitations.
• (25%) Identify, investigate, evaluate, specify, procure, implement and develop new equipment, processes and facilities to support new products, new technology and plant capacity with optimum manufacturing efficiencies including latest trends with robotics and automation. 
• (50%) Develop and improve current stamping, knob forming, and machining processes.

• Support the development of conceptual designs and budgetary quotes stamping, knob forming, and machining operations at Mechanical Locks sites in US and Asia. This includes stamping, knob forming, and machining equipment selection, tooling development, and implementation.
• Clarify project scope, objectives, deliverables, and metrics.
• Develop road map of investment and continuous improvement actions to take stamping, knob forming, and machining operations to the next level.
• Provide executive briefings as needed such as those required at the monthly Business Improvement Reviews.
• Own the Capital and Expense budgets associated with assigned projects.  Execute tooling & equipment start-ups and qualifications.
• Keep abreast of the latest developments in manufacturing technology, including robotics, related to their area of expertise.
• Direct outside suppliers as needed to support the needs of the business.
• Interact and direct global supply base.
• Develop and launch new products and processes globally.
• Work closely in cross functional team environments.

Education and Experience Profile

• BA/BS Degree or 10 years of equivalent experience required.  Engineering degree and/or MBA preferred.
• 10 or more years’ experience preferred in any or all of the following:
  • Project Leader role in a high volume, consumer product manufacturing environment for stamping, knob forming, and machining
  • Stamping, knob forming, and machining tooling development and qualification
  • Practical shop-floor work experience. 
  • Previous supervisory experience. 
  • Experience with modern factory management techniques (e.g. Demand Flow Technology, Design of Experiments, Design for Assembly, etc.).
  • PMP – Project Management Certification Preferred

Required Skills

• Ability to develop and execute operational strategic plans
• Project management skills that demonstrate the ability to set goals and priorities in order to complete projects in a systematic and timely manner. 
• Demonstrated skills in independent problem solving, decision-making, and follow through
• Develop positive, supportive relationships with internal customers, external suppliers and business development teams.
• Proven ability to work and thrive in a team-based matrix environment
• Experienced reading, interpreting and communicating engineering drawings, specifications and project plans
• Capable of writing detailed technical specifications to ensure process and product capability, set-up and calibration procedures, and support the development and implementation of equipment standards to insure ease of operation, safety, and maintainability.
• Comprehension & experience in financial analysis, budget attainment, ROI, forecasting, RFQs, bid analysis, material & tooling negotiation, contract negotiation & execution
• Knowledge in ERP system, e.g. SAP
• Solid computer skills, including Outlook, Excel, Word, & PowerPoint.
• High level of competency with high volume automated manufacturing systems. This includes design, testing and implementation of process.

Work Environment:

• Working conditions are normal for a plant environment.
• Significant travel (Domestic & International) required. (60-75%)

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this job/classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

ASSA ABLOY is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.