Company Overview
[$COMPANY_OVERVIEW]
Role Overview
[$COMPANY_NAME] is hiring a Director of Automotive Operations to lead end-to-end operations for vehicle production, supply chain, service delivery, and aftermarket systems. Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will define and execute operational strategy to improve throughput, quality, safety, and cost across manufacturing, supplier management, logistics, and field service. This is a senior leadership role requiring deep automotive domain expertise, program management at scale, and a track record of transforming complex, cross-functional operations using modern data systems and lean manufacturing principles.
Responsibilities
- Define and deliver the operational roadmap for manufacturing, inbound/outbound logistics, supplier quality, and service operations to meet volume, quality, and margin targets.
- Own P&L and operational KPIs (OTD, DPU, first-time fix rate, warranty costs, throughput, takt, OEE) for assigned programs and drive continuous improvement.
- Lead cross-functional teams—engineering, manufacturing, procurement, quality, regulatory, and field operations—to execute production launches, ramp plans, and sustained volume production.
- Design and implement scalable processes for supplier qualification, scorecards, corrective action (8D), and supplier cost management.
- Architect and operationalize global logistics and distribution strategies, including inbound sequencing, just-in-time / just-in-sequence flows, and reverse logistics for returns and safety campaigns.
- Drive quality and reliability programs: root-cause analysis, DFMEA/PFMEA alignment with production, SPC implementation, and closed-loop corrective actions that reduce warranty and rework.
- Establish and mature data-driven operational control towers using streaming telemetry, MES/ERP integrations, and analytics to enable real-time decision making.
- Partner with Product and Engineering leadership on DVP&R, manufacturing readiness reviews, and cost-down initiatives during early design and validation phases.
- Build, mentor, and scale high-performing operations teams, including managers and technical leads; define career progression and hiring strategy.
- Lead safety, compliance, and environmental programs to ensure adherence to regulatory (ISO/TS/IATF, EPA/NHTSA where applicable) and corporate standards.
Required and Preferred Qualifications
Required:
- 10+ years of operations leadership in the automotive industry or related heavy manufacturing, with at least 5 years in senior management or director-level roles.
- Proven experience delivering vehicle program launches and volume ramps (target volumes in the tens of thousands per year) with measurable improvements in quality and cost.
- Demonstrated P&L ownership and success in reducing warranty, scrap, and logistics cost through operational interventions.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing systems (MES), ERP (SAP/Oracle), PLM, and QA tools; experience integrating telematics and field data into operational processes.
- Exceptional stakeholder management across suppliers, OEMs, regulatory bodies, and internal leadership; experience negotiating commercial agreements and SLAs.
- Data-driven decision maker with expertise using BI tools (Tableau, Power BI), statistical analysis (Minitab, Python/R), and distributed monitoring for production telemetry.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field; advanced degree (MBA, MS) preferred.
Preferred:
- Experience with electric vehicle platforms, battery assembly, semiconductor contentment in vehicles, or ADAS production processes.
- Familiarity with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and automotive cybersecurity/OTA update processes.
- Experience implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives: automation (PLC/robotics), digital twins, predictive maintenance, and IIoT deployments.
- Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or similar continuous improvement certification.
Technical Skills and Relevant Technologies
- Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), ERP systems (SAP S/4HANA, Oracle), and PLM platforms.
- Production engineering tools: CAD/ECAD familiarity, PLC/HMI basics, robotic cell integration.
- Data and analytics: SQL, Python/R for analytics, time-series data handling, dashboarding in Tableau or Power BI.
- Quality and reliability tools: Minitab, statistical process control (SPC), FMEA, 8D, root cause analysis frameworks.
- Logistics technologies: WMS/TMS, sequencing tools, barcode/RFID systems, and inventory optimization algorithms.
Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
- Strategic operator: ability to translate corporate strategy into executable plans and measurable operational programs.
- Decisive communicator: comfortable presenting complex trade-offs and risk analyses to executive leadership and boards.
- Collaborative leader: track record of developing leaders, running cross-functional governance (steering committees, program boards), and facilitating ADRs for major architecture/process decisions.
- Resilient under pressure: experience managing production crises, recalls, or supplier disruptions with composure and structured incident response.
- Inclusive leader: commitment to building diverse teams and mentoring across levels; fosters psychological safety and operational rigor.
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive total compensation: base salary + annual performance bonus + equity/RSUs (salary range: [$SALARY_RANGE]).
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts and wellness programs.
- Retirement savings plan with employer match, life and disability insurance.
- Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible work policies for operational needs.
- Professional development budget, certification reimbursement (Six Sigma, PMP), and relocation support where applicable.
- Access to advanced manufacturing centers, test tracks, and cross-functional innovation programs.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[$COMPANY_NAME] is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Location
This role is based in [$COMPANY_LOCATION] and requires regular on-site presence at manufacturing and service facilities as well as travel to supplier and partner locations. Candidates must be willing to work on-site and travel up to 40% depending on program needs.
How to Apply
We strongly encourage applicants who meet many but not necessarily all of the qualifications to apply. To apply, submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining relevant program leadership experience and measurable operational results. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.