Company Overview
[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]
Role Overview
[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring a Director of Automotive Operations to lead end-to-end operational strategy across manufacturing, supply chain, quality and field service for automotive products and programs. This senior leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, scaling production and service operations for complex systems (ICE, hybrid, EV, ADAS, or telematics), and partnering with Product, Engineering, Program Management and Commercial teams to meet cost, quality and delivery targets. The Director will define and execute metrics-driven roadmaps, deploy continuous improvement methodologies, and represent operations at the executive level.
Responsibilities
- Define and execute multi-year operations strategy to scale manufacturing and service capabilities for automotive programs, including readiness plans for pilot, ramp and full-rate production
- Lead cross-functional operational planning for program launches: production part approval process (PPAP), process flow, PFMEA, control plans, and DVP&R alignment with Engineering
- Own P&L and operational KPIs: throughput, OEE, first-pass yield, cost per unit, SKU rationalization, warranty rates and field failure metrics
- Drive global supply chain strategy: dual-sourcing, logistics optimization, vendor qualification, supplier scorecards, and material planning using ERP/MRP (SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or equivalent)
- Implement and scale quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and corrective action processes (CAPA), ensuring root-cause analysis and containment for safety-critical defects
- Design and implement lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and continuous improvement programs across factories and contract manufacturers to reduce cycle time and cost
- Establish service operations and field support models for diagnostics, OTA updates, recalls and field repairs; partner with Service, Warranty and Customer Success to reduce field incidents
- Build, mentor and scale a high-performing operations organization: plant managers, supply chain leads, quality engineers, operations program managers
- Collaborate with Engineering on DFx, producibility, test strategy, validation plans and factory automation (robotics, vision systems, PLC/SCADA integration)
- Represent operations in executive reviews, investor updates and customer escalations; produce clear, data-driven dashboards and operational reviews
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in the automotive industry, manufacturing or mobility hardware/software programs, with at least 5 years in a senior director or equivalent role
- Proven track record shipping complex automotive programs (OEM or Tier-1) from pilot to high-volume production
- Demonstrated experience owning plant operations, supplier management, quality systems (IATF 16949/ISO 9001) and warranty reduction
- Strong financial acumen: budgeting, cost-of-goods-sold (COGS) optimization, capital planning, and P&L ownership
- Experience with ERP and manufacturing execution systems (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, MES), and familiarity with CAD/PLM toolchains
- Exceptional stakeholder management and executive communication skills; experience working with OEMs, regulatory bodies and cross-functional leadership
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA, MS in Engineering, or equivalent technical degree
- Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Certification with hands-on deployment experience
- Experience with electric vehicle (EV) platforms, battery systems, ADAS, or telematics product lines
- Track record managing global operations across North America, Europe and APAC
- Experience implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives: factory automation, IIoT, digital twins, and advanced analytics
Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies
- Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes: stamping, injection molding, CNC machining, PCB assembly, and test/validation flows
- ERP/MRP systems (SAP ECC/S4HANA, Oracle, NetSuite), MES, PLM (Siemens Teamcenter, PTC Windchill)
- Quality & reliability tools: FMEA, SPC, APQP, PPAP, CAPA, HALT/HASS
- Data and analytics platforms: Tableau, Power BI, Python/R for operations analytics, SQL
- Factory automation and control systems: PLCs, SCADA, industrial robotics, machine vision
- DevOps and software delivery concepts for embedded/connected vehicle systems, OTA platforms, CI/CD pipelines for firmware
Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
- Strategic operator with demonstrated ability to translate customer requirements and program risks into executable operational plans
- Proven leader who hires, develops and retains technical managers; track record mentoring Directors and senior managers
- Data-driven decision maker: establishes clear KPIs, dashboards and accountability mechanisms
- Calm under pressure with experience leading incident response, recall management and customer escalations
- Influential communicator comfortable presenting to C-level executives, OEM partners and board members
- Inclusive leader who fosters psychological safety, builds diverse teams and champions equitable hiring practices
Benefits and Perks
Salary: [$SALARY_RANGE]
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
- 401(k) or local retirement plan with company match
- Equity or long-term incentive plan
- Generous PTO, parental leave, and flexible time-off policies
- Professional development stipend, tuition assistance and certification reimbursement (Lean/Six Sigma, PMP)
- Commuter benefits, relocation assistance and company vehicle allowance where applicable
- Wellness programs, mental health support and employee resource groups
Equal Opportunity Statement
[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
Location
This role is based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] with regular on-site presence required; candidates must be able to work from our facilities and partner sites as needed. Travel up to 40% is expected domestically and internationally to manufacturing partners, suppliers and OEM customers.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant operational leadership experience and major program outcomes. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.