As a Stamping Area Manager, you will be responsible for leading daily manufacturing operations within the stamping department, ensuring the achievement of business objectives through strong leadership, data-based decision making, and continuous improvement. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize production performance while fostering a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and employee development.
The ideal candidate combines technical manufacturing expertise with exceptional leadership skills and has a proven ability to develop people, solve complex operational challenges, and drive sustainable process improvements using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
Responsibilities
- Lead daily stamping operations to achieve Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, Maintenance, People, Environmental and Innovation (SQDCMPEI) objectives.
- Develop, coach, and mentor salaried and hourly team members to maximize engagement and performance.
- Drive a culture of accountability, inclusion, teamwork, and continuous learning.
- Analyze operational data to identify trends, prioritize improvement opportunities, and make informed business decisions.
- Lead problem-solving activities using structured methodologies and root cause analysis.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, waste elimination, quality, and cost reduction.
- Ensure compliance with Ford manufacturing standards, environmental regulations, and safety requirements.
- Monitor and improve key manufacturing performance indicators.
- Support the implementation of new products, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
Key responsabilities
- Ensure a safe working environment and promote a strong safety culture.
- Deliver production commitments while meeting quality and cost targets.
- Develop talent through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
- Utilize manufacturing data and KPIs to drive operational decisions.
- Lead Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma improvement projects.
- Promote an inclusive and respectful work environment.
- Champion standardized work and continuous improvement across the organization.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- Several years of progressive leadership experience in automotive manufacturing, preferably within stamping operations.
- Experience leading large manufacturing teams in a high-volume production environment.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to make data-driven decisions.
- Proven experience leading continuous improvement initiatives.
- Advanced English proficiency, both written and verbal.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
- 5-6 years of experience
Must Have Skills
- Strong people leadership and coaching abilities.
- Data-driven decision making using manufacturing metrics and KPIs.
- Six Sigma practitioner with experience applying DMAIC and statistical problem-solving tools. (Six Sigma Black Belt certification).
- Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement.
- Root Cause Analysis (5 Why, Fishbone, A3, PFMEA, Control Plans, etc.).
- Production planning and manufacturing execution.
- Cross-functional collaboration.
- Performance management and talent development.
- Strong communication and presentation skills.
- Advanced English proficiency.
Highly Desirable Skills
- Experience in automotive stamping operations.
- Knowledge of Ford Production System (FPS) or similar manufacturing systems.
- Experience with automation and Industry 4.0 manufacturing technologies.
- Statistical analysis using Minitab or similar software.
- Change management experience.
- Project management experience.
- Knowledge of PPAP, FMEA, SPC, and other automotive quality tools.
Education Preference
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Master's degree is considered a must.
Competencies to be Gained
- Advanced manufacturing leadership in a world-class automotive environment.
- Strategic decision making using operational analytics.
- Expertise in Lean Manufacturing and Ford Production System principles.
- Leadership of cross-functional, high-performing teams.
- Continuous improvement and operational excellence practices.
- Organizational development and talent management.
- Large-scale manufacturing operations management.
- Exposure to global manufacturing best practices and collaboration across Ford's worldwide operations.