Manager: Launch Operations, Solutions at DSV

Main Purpose Of The Role

Key focus areas will include holistic approach to supporting, operations – Manage the Change, new launch programs, change control and obsolescence management at Ford Assembly Plant. This person needs to manage the successful storage and supply of all parts related to engineering change and launch programs as well as supporting operations readiness. The successful candidate will also be required to interact with customers and manage a diverse teams within the department as well as with the customer.

Additional Computer Skills

• MS Visio,
• MS Project,
• Nimbus
• Advanced AutoCAD
• WMS experience (CMMS3) – will be advantages

Job-related Requirements

• 8 + years industrial engineering, Automotive material handling-line supply experience, and 3 + years project management;
• OEM or Tier-1 manufacturing experience;
• Experience working in a key position (Program, Engineering or Launch Manager) on a major new product launch for automotive OEM or similar;
• Experience managing multiple programs concurrently;
• Solid business aptitude and experience managing overall program implementation performance;
• Strong computer skills and expert knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Access;
• Excellent time management skills and ability to multi-task;
• Detail-oriented, organized, and collaborative;
• Strong people management skills to manage diverse teams;
• Demonstrated problem solving and critical thinking skills;
• Tact, a sense of urgency, and an overall customer satisfaction focus;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Experience with APQP, TS16949;
• Ability to work extended hours during the week and weekends
• Travel when required
• Own vehicle & valid license
• Ability to work under pressure & adapt to change
   

Added Advantages For The Role

• Negotiation skills & relationship management – client and / or supplier
• Sound knowledge of OEM change control and obsolescence process
• Operational experience and the ability to work independently
• Knowledge of HSE compliance
• Knowledge of ERP/WMS/Systems Integration will be beneficial.
• Member of an Engineering Council or registered as an engineer will be advantageous

Duties & Responsibilities

• Attend daily custmer meetings related to launch programs / change control / obsolescence management
• Manage receipt, storage and identification of all engineering change and launch program parts
• Manage stock integrity in the launch and obsollescences store
• Support line side station readiness process with respective production areas
• Supply parts to respective line stations in timeous manner for successful launch implementation
• Manage part level changes and obsolescence process in line with customer requirements
• Manage all HR / IR related processes for all direct reports
• Establish departmental objectives and manage succesfull execution
• Provide direction and leadership and prioritize the activities of the MP&L launch team
• Develop and manage the MP&L launch plan
• Develop a plant synchronous material flow strategy that eliminate waste
• Coordinate the development of a lean plant layout that achieves FPS requirements with the operations area leaders
• Select the MP&L Product Specialists (PSG's) and provide leadership and direction to the group, Pan, Develop, Perform Workforce Readiness
• Interface with the launch, staff and production personnel to:
• Establish line-feeding and pick requirements for each new model part
• Coordinate supplier park requirements and logistics
• Develop and implement the ILVS/Broadcast strategy
• Implement supplier information/communication systems
• Develop a plan for racks and dunnage with the MP&L Engineer and the Staff MP&L Engineers.
• Coordinate and resolve all rack and dunnage issues with staff MP&L activities and the plant area launch leaders
• Assist MP&L Staff with the testing and certification of new racks and dunnage
• Maintain a regular dialogue with the area launch leaders to identify and resolve launch issues
• Communicate all concerns to the launch team for coordination and resolution.
• Attend cycle line layout (CLL) reviews and provide feedback on MP&L feasibility and issues
• Develop a training plan with the LPWR Leader to ensure that each material handler is aware of new or changing material handling processes
• Develop and execute an effective balance out and system fill plan
• Identify and resolve line side part complexity and part presentation issues with the area leaders
• Identify and resolve broadcast issues with the area launch leaders and the plant I.T. engineer
• Manage engineering alert changes with the plant launch team and the affected suppliers
• Manage the staffing and workings of the new model parts crib, ensuring that proper levels of new model parts are available to enable the launch activities
• Provide direction and leadership and prioritize the day to day activities of the MP&L launch team
• Represent MP&L in all launch activities and at each gateway review
• Coordinate material handling equipment changes and installations with the Tooling & Facilities engineer
• Review all product changes, understanding the differences relative to the current product and their impact to packaging, part presentation, marketplace storage, supplier shipment frequency and all other MP&L processes
• Review recommended MP&L process changes with the engineers
• Identify, track and resolve all material equipment, process and design concerns encountered during the builds
• Assist operations during all the pre-production builds
   

Additional Job Information

• Team player
• Well presented (meeting with customer and suppliers)
• Assertive
• Deadline driven and can work with little to no supervision to achieve objectives
• Organized with structured approach
• High attention to detail and quality of work
   

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should an external candidate not hear from us within four (4) weeks following their application, they should consider their application unsuccessful. Strictly fair and non-discriminatory selection procedures will be followed. We use Affirmative Action (AA) measures in an endeavor to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. Where possible, preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act and in line with DSV’s Employment Equity plans. DSV reserves the right to defer or close a vacancy at any time.