Operations Manager (Cable Backplanes)

THE COMPANY

Our client is one of the world’s largest providers of high-technology interconnect, sensor and antenna solutions. They are a market leader in interconnect development for the information technology (IT) and datacom market, with industry-leading high-speed, power and fiber optic technologies.  Their value-added cable assemblies include cable assemblies and harnesses, cable management products and backplane interconnect systems.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Mexicali Cable Backplanes Plant Manager, the Operations Manager role is to lead and manage a multi-function team in the areas of safety, quality, and delivery,  and drive cost and continuous improvement performance on Cable Backplanes.  The Operations Manager is accountable for meetings and improving the business P&L.  Driving a culture of continuous improvement in all facets of the operation is necessary for success. The Operations Manager plans, organizes, directs and controls all the Operations activities to assure that key performance indicators of the Cable Backplanes Operations are met.   This manager will strategically manage  capabilities and capacities to support aggressive growth (new product introductions). The operation will grow 400% from 500 to over 2000 employees.

Responsibilities and Experience:

• Lead the Operations management team related to the Cable Backplanes Business Unit.
• Lead operation of 500 to 1,000 which will grow to 1,500 to 2000 direct employees.
• Be accountable for Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost  performance and profitability (gross margin) of his/her Business Unit, in terms of targets achievement, and improvement.
• Drive safety and quality world class performance, culture and mindset, through standard work and initiatives.
• Responsible for resource planning and material planning to meet customer demand profiles and the revenue plan.
• Meet financial objectives and goals (operating margin), managing P&L
• Ensure manufacturing processes run reliably and efficiently by monitoring the supply chain for the production center from raw materials to shipping and invoicing.
• Liaison with Product Line Management and Sales organization.
• Support new product introduction and transition strategic initiatives to enable growth.
• Facilitate effective and actionable Gemba walks utilizing KPIs to meet performance objectives and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure optimal performance of processes and equipment (OEE- overall equipment efficiencies) through uptime and yield world class performance, driving continuous improvement to meet and exceed goals.
• Manages production operation expenses and budgets for the production center, including direct and indirect manufacturing expenses and capital expenses
• Establishes performance objectives and leads cell performance and productivity.
• Lead Tier and Gemba activities with his/her team.
• Partner with human resources area to manage employee services, recruiting, training, and development.
• Drive initiatives to improve employee work environment.

THE CANDIDATE

Qualifications:

• Manufacturing experience as Operations Manager, Business Unit Manager or Senior Production Manager in labor intensive operations with at least 5 years of experience in a management capacity.
• Cable and harness and/or interconnect solutions a plus.
• Hands-on GEMBA Manager
• Desired Six Sigma Green Belt certified and exposure to Operative systems based on Toyota Production System.
• Demonstrated experience with New Product Introduction.
• Knowledge of MRP/ERP system. AX Microsoft Dynamics a plus.
• Experience with budget elaboration.  Some experience with P&L management.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Previous client relations experience a plus.
• Proficient communication skills (written and verbal).
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical or Industrial Engineering or similar.
• Bilingual 90% English – Spanish. Excellent verbal and writing communication skills in both Spanish and English
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• The ideal candidate will be capable to grow one level above to a plant manager role and will be a situational leader who is empathetic, consistent but flexible, and with a successful track record developing top performing teams.

TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED

Able to travel up to 5% of the time (Mexican Passport and valid US VISA holder)