Senior Engineering Manager

SUMMARY:
BAM is seeking an experienced Senior Engineering Manager to lead and manage the Engineering function within a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

POSITION INFO:
The role is responsible for ensuring that engineering projects and initiatives are delivered safely, on time, within budget and to the required quality standards, while meeting customer requirements and supporting the company''s overall business objectives. The incumbent will work closely with the Executive Management team to ensure that the Engineering function is appropriately structured, resourced and qualified to meet current and future customer and business requirements. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Leadership & Engineering Management Lead, mentor and develop the Engineering team, including Process, Project and Maintenance Engineering resources. Set departmental goals, objectives and performance standards aligned with business strategy. Ensure the Engineering department has the appropriate skills, competencies and resources to meet operational and customer requirements. Promote a culture of safety, quality, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement. Manage departmental budgets, capital expenditure and engineering resources effectively. Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures and applicable legislation. 2. Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement Oversee process design, validation, optimisation and implementation to achieve efficient and cost-effective production. Identify production bottlenecks and drive improvements using Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Six Sigma, 5S and other continuous improvement methodologies. Drive improvements in cycle times, productivity, waste reduction, process capability and equipment utilisation. Conduct and oversee time studies and process analysis. Ensure manufacturing processes comply with OEM and Tier 1 customer requirements. 3. Project Engineering Management Plan, execute and oversee engineering projects, including New Product Introductions (NPI), equipment installations, automation projects, tooling and line upgrades. Develop project plans, budgets, resource requirements and timelines. Monitor project progress and ensure delivery against agreed milestones. Lead cross-functional project teams involving Engineering, Production, Quality, Logistics, Purchasing and other relevant departments. Ensure projects are implemented safely and meet required quality, environmental and operational standards. Identify and manage project risks, issues and corrective actions. 4. Technical & Operational Support Provide technical leadership and expertise in tooling, automation, robotics, equipment and process control systems. Ensure engineering drawings, technical documentation, specifications and Standard Operating Procedures are maintained and controlled. Support Root Cause Analysis (RCA), corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and problem-solving activities. Work with R&D, Product Engineering, customers and suppliers on Design for Manufacture (DFM) initiatives. Provide technical support to Operations in resolving production and process-related issues. 5. Quality, Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with applicable automotive quality and environmental standards, including IATF 16949 and ISO 14001. Participate in internal, external and customer audits. Ensure appropriate engineering risk assessments, FMEAs, Control Plans and process control documentation are maintained. Ensure engineering activities comply with applicable health, safety, environmental and legislative requirements. Drive corrective actions arising from audits, customer complaints and process-related quality issues. 6. New Business & RFQ Engineering Lead and support the Engineering function throughout the RFQ and product realisation process, including: Review customer drawings, specifications and technical requirements. Determine manufacturing process line-ups, including tools, jigs, fixtures and assembly equipment. Establish labour requirements and manufacturing cycle times. Evaluate existing technologies and determine requirements for new technologies or equipment. Participate in the ECI (Early Cost Involvement) process. Support product realisation and industrialisation activities. Identify engineering risks, opportunities and cost-saving initiatives during the quotation process. Ensure effective change management when implementing new technologies, products or manufacturing methodologies. 7. Management Reporting Attend management and Executive Management meetings. Provide accurate and timely reports on Engineering performance, projects, capital expenditure, risks and key initiatives. Monitor departmental KPIs and implement corrective actions where required. Provide management with technical recommendations and engineering solutions to support business decisions. 8. Supplier & Customer Relations Develop and maintain effective relationships with key customers, suppliers and service providers. Liaise with customers and suppliers on technical, engineering and process-related matters. Support the resolution of customer concerns and technical issues. Participate in customer meetings, technical reviews and improvement initiatives MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES Minimum 5 years'' experience in Engineering Management, preferably within an automotive manufacturing environment. Proven experience managing engineering projects within a manufacturing environment. Strong knowledge and practical experience in process engineering and process optimisation. Experience conducting and interpreting time studies and manufacturing process analysis. Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies. Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams. Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment and production systems. Ability to work effectively at both strategic and operational levels. ADVANTAGEOUS EXPERIENCE The following will be advantageous: Automotive manufacturing experience. Lean Manufacturing and\/or Six Sigma certification. Knowledge of CAD software. Experience with IATF 16949 and automotive Quality Management Systems. Advanced Project Management experience. Experience leading cross-functional teams. Knowledge of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and data analysis. Change Management experience. Experience with supplier and customer technical interactions. Experience with automation, robotics and manufacturing technologies. Experience in NPI, product realisation and RFQ\/ECI processes. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. Appointment will be made in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.