Director of Operations & Supply Chain

COMPANY OVERVIEW:  Dover’s Vehicle Service Group (VSG) is the global leader in vehicle service equipment. It is one of the founding companies of Dover Corporation, an eight billion dollar diversified global manufacturer. VSG consists of fifteen leading vehicle lifting (Rotary, Forward, Blitz, Ravaglioli etc.), collision repair (Chief), wheel services, diagnostics (Butler, Rotary, Chief and Ravaglioli) and tier-one automotive brands (Warn Automotive) with operations worldwide, including regional business operation centers and large manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Company Overview:

Warn Automotive can trace its beginning back to 1948, when Arthur Warn invented the first disconnecting four-wheel-drive hub for surplus World War II vehicles. Since that time, our products have continued to lead the industry with a history of innovation in Powertrain Disconnect technology.

Almost 75 years later, our products are sold to OEMs around the world, enhancing the performance, traction and capability of their vehicles while reducing fuel consumption and emissions to create a more mobile and efficient future.

Operating from our headquarters and manufacturing facility in Milwaukie, Oregon and our customer support center in Livonia, Michigan, Warn Automotive is proud to be part of Vehicle Service Group (VSG) a Dover Company.

Position Summary: 

Oversees, manages and directs all manufacturing operations, logistics, and supply chain for Warn Automotive business.  Monitors the profitability of the product lines in the operation, and manages volume, payroll, and all other expense and variance categories to stabilize and maximize the gross margin.  Assures on-time delivery and quality is maintained at levels that meet the top tier of customer’s supplier rating.  Engages and empowers team members to create a culture of safety, continuous improvement, and personal development.  Works collaboratively across broader Dover and VSG organizations to leverage corporate resources and align Warn Automotive business with top level initiatives. Participates in developing annual strategy and ensures tactical plans are executed throughout operations along with aligning metrics, employee goals, and visual dashboards to ensure business objectives are met. 

Essential Job Functions Include:

• Oversee and direct overall production including efficient use of equipment, materials and personnel required to produce Tier 1 automotive products.  As well as ensuring outgoing quality, safety and compliance with customer, state and federal regulations.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures, formulating manufacturing operations strategies, building and mentoring manufacturing employees and driving business results.  This includes ensuring quality equipment, materials and production standards, overseeing and maintaining manufacturing budgets and staffing to manufacture quality products that meet customer expectation in the most cost-effective manner.
• Responsible for seeing that manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, and purchasing employees are adequately trained and have sufficient documentation, instruction, and supervision to complete assignments.
• Responsible for creation and ongoing management of standard work, KPI’s and associated dashboards that ensure objectives and performance goals are met along with driving clarity to every employee every day.
• Partners with executive team in developing business strategy and operating plans.  Including leading the creation and implementation of tactical plans to achieve Strategy.  Extending to production team leaders and team members through communications tactics, goal alignment and performance management.
• Partners with the Quality Manager in creating manufacturing programs that ensure quality product. 
• Partners with key stakeholders to ensure Continuous Improvement and provide visible support and leadership for Lean initiatives.  Driving continuous improvement projects such as lean, 5S, and visualization throughout the Warn Auto operations organization.
• Represent Warn Automotive in the community and promote the organization’s goodwill and interests in community activities.
• Collaborate with and engage team members to ensure flawless execution of new technology and new automotive programs.  Ensure strategic supply base is engaged and acting as part of the team.
• Review and develop strategic supply base in collaboration with quality, engineering functions, and Dover Asia Pacific Office.  Drive customer requirements and automotive standards to all suppliers with a focus on clarity and understanding.  Including negotiation, review, and management of contracts for all procured goods, services, and capital equipment globally. 
• Conduct supplier visits as needed to ensure positive/constructive relationships, and to monitor/manage all ongoing projects – new products, cost improvement, quality improvement, inventory reduction, terms negotiations, etc. 
• Develop plans and lead critical supplier negotiations to ensure competitive pricing and terms aligned to strategic goals, automotive requirements and customer expectations.  Including assignment of resources (Dover Sourcing, VSG, APO, 3rd party, and WA Team) and clear guidance to ensure comprehensive negotiation targets are met across entire supply base.
• Participate in and support Quality Operating System activities including review of key supplier metrics as they relate to customer warranty, and operational quality.  Drive continued improvement across supply base and ensure zero disruption in production and customer delivery. 
• Direct team of planning, purchasing, and shipping/ receiving personnel to stated strategy, goals, and objectives set forth by the organization.  Ensure team is engaged and collaborating across all responsibilities.  Including production planning, inventory control, purchasing, receiving, warehousing and product shipping.
• Participates in and coaches team members and partners to support a culture of Continuous Improvement and growth.  Including efforts to reduce costs, grow margins, improve cash flow, and increase turns.
• Support facilities manager and operations team in running a safe and efficient operation.  Including assessment of material flow, make versus buy analysis, quality and safety audits.
• Develop strategic direction, objectives, tactics, and supporting budgets, justification, and resource plans to ensure corporate growth and financial objectives are met.  Includes collaboration with Warn Automotive leadership team, VSG Leadership team, and Dover Corporate functions.
• Take the lead in planning and forecast meetings (SIOP) to ensure uninterrupted delivery to customers, minimal downtime, and sufficient notification of supply base and operational teams.
• Develop and maintain a Plan for Every Part (PFEP) to ensure optimal inventory levels and warehousing strategies. 
• Develop strategies, policies, and procedures to develop a high functioning Material group and achieve world class level performance. 
• Analyze Supply Chain Data to forecast demand, set inventory levels and manage exceptions to meet targets. Track supply chain metrics, analyzing cost drivers, and reporting performance to support decision-making.
• Maintain active presence in development and implementation of ERP system upgrades and transitions. 
• Maintain strict controls of material accuracy through cycle count and adherence to transactional practices. 
• Coordinating transportation, warehousing, distribution, and order fulfillment to ensure timely delivery and operational flow.
• Partner with sales, marketing, production, finance, and operations to align forecasts, production plans, and business priorities.
• Perform or direct regular and ongoing assessment of supply base for optimal performance, value, and sustainability.  Including developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance in assigned area.
• Accountable for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance in assigned area.  Responsible for design and operating effectiveness of internal controls, including a self-assessment and report to management.
• Accountable for developing and monitoring processes and practices necessary for legal and ethical compliance in assigned area.
• Work safely and without injury.
• Responsible for prompt and regular attendance as scheduled.
• Performs other various duties as may be assigned.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelors degree in applicable field from an accredited college or university is required. MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum ten years of operations and supply chain leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.  
• High volume critical operation such as aerospace and automotive is preferred.  Rapid growth and transformation experience is preferred.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong oral and written communication skills commensurate with the job tasks and position necessary to communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external customers while providing exceptional quality of work and outstanding customer service. Ability to present information in a manner designed to educate or inform other team members and customers in one-on-one or group interactions as directed.
• Ability to review, comprehend, interpret, process and evaluate effectively written work instructions and procedures written in English in conjunction with the performance of the essential functions and other assigned job duties.
• Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills including ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced work environment while maintaining a calm, rational and respectful demeanor and communication style in times of stress occasioned by work demands, tight timelines, heavy production expectations, unexpected quality control issues, and other work-related issues or concerns that may cause a heightened level of anxiety, frustration, anger, disappointment, confusion, etc.
• Enthusiastic adoption and consistent demonstration of Warn Automotive’s Core Values:  Collaborative Entrepreneurial Spirit, Winning Through Customer Focused Innovation, Respects & Values People, Expectations for Results, High Ethical Standards, Openness and Trust.
• Strong technical, trouble-shooting, problem solving, research, organizational and analytical skills, combined with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet established deadlines.  Ability to multitask is also essential while remaining flexible with changing priorities and deadlines. 
• Well-reasoned decision making with a high attention to detail regarding organization, planning, work flow, and project prioritization to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and accurately.
• Highly ethical, self-motivated individual with ability to work independently and/or with limited direction, as well as cooperatively in a team environment, while consistently demonstrating collaborative, respectful and productive work habits.

Benefits & Perks:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision start on day one of hire
• Fertility Treatment Coverage
• 10 Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• 401(k) with Employer Matching, Profit Sharing, and Annual Contributions
• Bonus Plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Employee Discount Programs
• Career Growth, including Onsite Training and Tuition Reimbursement

Work Culture:

At Warn Automotive, we not only respect diversity, we actively seek it. We have a culture that promotes continuous improvement for our products and our people. We provide learning opportunities to help you take your skills to the next level. We value innovation, integrity and ownership in exceeding the high bar we set for ourselves in delivering for our customers.

The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties that may be required for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this or similar positions and additional duties may be assigned.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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This position is eligible to earn a discretionary bonus based on performance metrics and other criteria outlined in our applicable bonus plan.

We consider several job-related, non-discriminatory factors when determining the pay rate for a position, including, but not limited to, the position’s responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, a candidate’s education/training, the position’s location, and the key skills needed for the position. Pay is one of the Total Rewards that we provide to compensate and recognize employees for their work.




All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other factors prohibited by law.

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