Director of Operations

About the job

Hitachi ABB Power Grids is a pioneering technology leader that is helping to increase access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. We help to power your home, keep the factories running, and our hospitals and schools open. Come as you are and prepare to get better as you learn from others. Bring your passion, bring your energy, and plug into a team that appreciates a simple truth: Diversity + Collaboration = Great Innovation

Hitachi ABB Power Grids is seeking a Director of Operations for its South Boston, VA location. This role is responsible for managing a a group or groups engaged in a variety of activities within the Operations organization. Promote, develop and implement measures to achieve cost-effective improvements in all aspects of operations, increase customer satisfaction, and ensure compliance with policies and regulations.

Your Responsibilities

• Budget: Responsible for developing business action plans that are aligned to Division / Business Unit / Product Group /Local Business Unit and Local Product Group. Participates with Controller and other stakeholders to prepare annual production budget, then oversees progress, and determines actions to cost issues as necessary in order to manage production operations within the budget and resources.
• Operational Performance: Ensures achievement of established targets through oversight and definition of improvement actions as needed; focus on key metrics and is accountable for managing to annual goals for each metric as well as overall budget. Implements lean manufacturing processes through Hitachi ABB Power Grids ITM (Integrated Transformer Manufacturing) System, such as GEMBA and Tiered Accountability processes. Collaborates with the Operational Excellence Staff to identify, gather, and review metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the analysis and management of local production processes. Also monitors progress and leads production team’s identification, analysis, and actions to correct deviations from targets. Has ownership and communication with the multifunctional operations team to ensure RCA (root cause analysis) and corrective action are taken to ensure optimal performance of the manufacturing processes. Identifies and leverages support from other functions when appropriate.
• Operations Improvement: Ensures continuous improvement projects are in place so that the highest level of operational performance can be met. Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, employee involvement and open communications. Develops and leads the production team to execute plans to reduce non-value added costs while delivering products in desired market lead times, on time with high factory and supplier yields and decreasing product field failure rates. Ensures that RCCM (Root Cause and Counter Measure) Program (the standard Hitachi ABB Power Grids process improvement methodology) training and methods are implemented into and used in the production organization.
• Customer Relations: Responsible for achieving customer requirements for OTD, lead time, quality Participates in the integrated business planning process to ensure the appropriate labor is available to meet medium and short-term customer demands and expectations. May provide support to Sales during customer visits to explain capabilities of the manufacturing facilities. Supports the customer complaint resolution process (CCRP) as a resolution owner for production related issues that involve assembly methods, processes, and equipment. Primary contact and communication path to provide regular, timely updates on overall lead times and on time delivery statuses regarding customer service.
• Health, Safety and Environment (HSE): Ensures (with HSE Manager support) compliance with Group health, safety and environmental directives and that regulations are implemented, while monitoring and reporting progress and results. Assesses risks and safety hazards and implements plans to ensure people and equipment safety.
• People Leadership and Development: Ensures (with HR support) that the area of responsibility is properly organized, staffed, skilled and directed. Guides, motivates and develops direct and indirect subordinates within HR policies. Establishes training requirements and updates and monitors progress for all production staff using appropriate training programs. Develops talent through active coaching.

Your background

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in a business or engineering field and a minimum 12 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations management with a minimum of five years senior level manager.
• Candidate must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for Hitachi ABB Power Grids in the United States.
• Process Engineering or Quality Management experience a plus.
• Lean Manufacturing training and implementation experience.
• Six Sigma training and certifications.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts via presentations to senior level audiences.
• Change Management experience
• Proven experience in developing teams
• MBA or relevant master’s degree.
• Working knowledge SAP
• Electrical products manufacturing experience