Director, Advanced Manufacturing

At GE Appliances, a Haier company, we come together to make “good things, for life.”  As the fastest-growing appliance company in the U.S., we’re powered by creators, thinkers and makers who believe that anything is possible and that there’s always a better way.  We believe in the power of our people and in giving them the freedom to explore, discover and build good things, together.  

The GE Appliances philosophy, backed by three simple commitments defines the way we work, invent, create, do business, and serve our communities: we come together, we always look for a better way, and we create possibilities. 

Interested in joining us on our journey? 

The Director, Advanced Manufacturing Engineering is responsible for the strategy and execution of capital equipment, tooling, automation, and facilities projects (NPI, capacity, material cost out, plant efficiency) for the assigned product line and manufacturing site.
The role will develop and execute the capital equipment budget, leading a multi-discipled Advanced Manufacturing Engineer team. They will ensure projects are run safely, on budget, and on schedule maximizing return on investment. They are the primary reviewer and approver for manufacturing projects in the facility, responsible for ensuring all activities and processes conform with regulatory, OSHA, GE Appliance, and industry standards.
Goals include reducing manufacturing complexity, improving efficiency, and implementing state of the art automation and material systems to achieve best in class safety, quality, and operational efficiency.PositionDirector, Advanced ManufacturingLocationUSA, Louisville, KY

How You'll Create PossibilitiesEssential results-based duties    

Organizational Leadership (30%)

• Review, Track, and Manage all advanced manufacturing risk within the facility. Ensure resources are adequately deployed to resolve gaps based on business priorities and elevate any organizational gaps as required.

• Responsible for the AME team’s compliance to GEA Controllership rules with respect to asset classification, asset identification and capital effort allocation for all tooling and equipment projects lead by the team.  Provide appropriate mentoring to AME project leaders as needed.

• Recruit, manage and mentor AME team members within the product line. Duties include relevant human resource and development aspects, annual reviews, training, and career development of employees. 

• Ensure all resources are appropriately allocated to support program objectives.   

Standards and Compliance (20%)

• Primary manufacturing reviewer for all product line/project checkpoints.  As the primary reviewer, They are responsible to provide in-depth analysis of all programs/projects and provide an overall assessment of the program risk with respect to conforming to GE standards, processes, and initiatives in addition to ensuring the manufacturing plan for the program optimizes business objectives/metrics and factory deliverables (Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost).They are expected to provide feedback and recommendations for improvements when gaps are identified.  

• Ensure all equipment executed in GEA factories comply with Industry and Governmental Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) standards.

• Work with functional leaders to ensure equipment & processes support business initiatives including Lean Manufacturing, Ergonomic Design and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)    

Strategic Execution & Cross-functional Leadership (50%)

• Prioritize project activity and resources to ensure on-time implementation and benefit; leverage financial metrics to manage risk to schedule, budget or program costs. 

• Work with Product Management and Product Development teams to align manufacturing resources to execute project.   Provide manufacturing input to project scopes for capital equipment/tooling, factory layout, manufacturing processes, material flow, testing equipment and resources required to execute the projects.

• Identify, elevate and/or mitigate project risks that could impact project delivery of safety, product performance, quality, cost, factory readiness, regulatory or commercial requirements.  

• Manage project budgets, including the NPI, capacity, and Factory Master Plan spend.

• Compile and analyze data, prepare and present reports and project information for leadership reviews.

• Champion, promote and teach the use of lean tools and principles in all areas of the project.  Facilitate/lead/promote the use of the Production Preparation Process (3P) while developing manufacturing equipment and processes.  Utilize cross-functional participation to ensure that the equipment and processes are compatible with the entire value stream.  

• Promote and teach Lean manufacturing principles including the use Appliance Production System within the factory process areas. 

• Work with design team to ensure Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA) is executed on all parts, assemblies, and processes.     

What You'll Bring to Our Team

Position Requirements:

• Experience managing capital equipment procurement projects: Including specification development, supplier selection, technical reviews, installation, and qualification of equipment

• Experience in a large-scale appliance manufacturing environment.

• Fluent in Lean manufacturing principles

• Ability to work in large cross-functional teams and at multiple levels in the organization (both salaried and shop floor operators / skilled trades team members).

• Ability to communicate effectively and be an agent for change.

• Good organizational, project management and presentation skills to interact with all levels within the organization and with suppliers/vendors.

• Experience and understanding of cross-functional appliance NPI process.

• Experience leading an advance manufacturing engineering team.

• Demonstrated ability to mentor, develop, grow, and maintain a skilled engineering team.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering discipline.

• Master’s Degree in business or engineering.

• 10+ years of experience with procurement, testing, installation of manufacturing equipment.

• Manufacturing project leadership experience: demonstrated ability to build and manage an engineering team.

• Demonstrated project management capabilities

• Manage project risk to meet technical & commercial requirements.

• New Product Introduction (NPI) experience capabilities.

• Strategic planning capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with assembly line design, automation and customized fabrication equipment and manufacturing processes

• Experience with implementing Lean process improvement in a manufacturing operation

• Experience in operational plant Manufacturing Engineering a plus

• Familiarity of capitalization requirements, understanding business financials

• Six Sigma Certification

• Proficient in MS Office, MS Scheduler (or equivalent) and AutoCAD

Working Conditions:

• Working conditions are normal for a high-volume manufacturing environment.

• Work may involve lifting of materials and product up to 30 pounds and working in and around heavy equipment.

• Working in this environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; eye safety glasses, hearing protectors, work boots, and hardhats.

• These roles will require frequent walking in a manufacturing plant environment.

• 20-30% travel may be for domestic and/or international travel to supplier sites/ plants, etc

• Hours & Weekends: Working off-shift and weekends will be required.

Our Culture

Our work is centered on our People and Culture as reflected in our Zero Distance philosophy and we recognize the importance of reaffirming our commitment to inclusion and diversity (I&D). This underscores our commitment to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, connected, and empowered to contribute, while positioning our organization to adapt seamlessly to the evolving needs of our workforce and communities.
This reflects our dedication to creating solutions that: Empower colleagues by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, valued, and encouraged to contribute. Strengthen communities where we live and work. Reinforce a culture of belonging, purpose, and engagement. Reflect the diversity of the communities we serve through our workforce, products, and practices.
By further embedding Zero Distance into our People and Culture framework, we will continue to build a deeply connected organization. We are cultivating a culture of engagement, belonging, and connection, because while attracting new talent remains a priority, retention is a cornerstone of our strategy.

GE Appliances is a trust-based organization. It is important we offer our employees the flexibility they need to do their best work while balancing the needs of the business and individuals. When you join GE Appliances, you will have the opportunity to work with your leader to create a flexible work arrangement that balances the needs of the individual, team, and organization.

GE Appliances is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Appliances participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S

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