Job Summary:
The Technical Director will play a critical leadership role in overseeing the engineering and manufacturing operations within the company. This position requires a highly skilled and experienced professional who will lead the technical team, drive the development and improvement of engineering processes, and ensure the efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of products. The Technical Director will work closely with the senior leadership team to develop and execute the company's technical vision, ensuring alignment with business goals while maintaining high-quality standards and innovation in product development.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategy
Lead and manage the engineering and technical teams to achieve business objectives.
Develop and implement the technical strategy in alignment with the company's overall goals and objectives.
Provide technical leadership and guidance to ensure the engineering and manufacturing teams are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to be successful.
Act as a liaison between the technical team and senior management to communicate progress, challenges, and opportunities.
Oversee and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering and Design
Oversee the engineering design and development processes, ensuring that products are designed to meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements.
Lead the design of new products, engineering solutions, and modifications to existing products to enhance performance, cost, and quality.
Ensure that engineering projects are completed on time and within budget, while meeting the highest standards of technical excellence.
Drive innovation by evaluating emerging technologies and industry trends to keep the company competitive.
Manufacturing Oversight
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure smooth production processes and the successful scaling of operations.
Ensure that manufacturing processes are optimized for efficiency, cost, and quality.
Develop, implement, and maintain robust quality control processes to meet or exceed customer expectations.
Identify opportunities for automation and process optimization within manufacturing operations.
Project Management
Oversee complex technical projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with project objectives, timelines, and budgets.
Manage resources effectively, ensuring that the technical team is working efficiently and effectively.
Coordinate cross-functional teams including engineering, production, and quality assurance to ensure seamless project execution.
Proactively address and resolve technical challenges or issues that arise during the project lifecycle.
Budgeting and Financial Management
Prepare and manage the technical departments budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
Monitor costs and ensure adherence to project budgets while seeking opportunities to reduce production costs without compromising quality.
Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of technical initiatives.
Regulatory Compliance and Safety
Ensure that all products and processes comply with industry regulations and safety standards.
Lead efforts to maintain certifications and accreditations for engineering and manufacturing processes.
Promote a culture of safety within the engineering and manufacturing teams, ensuring all operations comply with health and safety regulations.
Vendor and Supplier Management
Work closely with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely procurement of materials and services.
Oversee the selection and management of suppliers to ensure they meet technical and quality standards.
Negotiate contracts with suppliers and ensure the timely delivery of components and materials.
Talent Development and Team Building
Hire, mentor, and develop engineering and technical staff, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform at their best.
Establish and maintain a strong team culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and innovation.
Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities to ensure the team stays current with industry trends and technologies.
Key Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
Master's degree in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field is a plus.
Experience:
Minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, or related technical fields, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
Proven experience in product development, design, and manufacturing in a fast-paced, high-tech engineering environment.
Experience with both small-scale and large-scale manufacturing processes.
Strong background in process optimization, automation, and lean manufacturing practices.
Experience in managing cross-functional teams and projects with a demonstrated ability to deliver results.
Technical Skills:
Expertise in engineering principles, product design, and manufacturing processes.
Strong understanding of CAD software, product lifecycle management (PLM), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Knowledge of quality control standards, regulatory compliance, and industry-specific safety standards.
Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., 3D printing, automation, CNC, etc.).
Leadership Skills:
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and inspire a diverse team.
Strong decision-making skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
A strategic thinker with a keen ability to align technical objectives with business goals.
Proven ability to manage budgets, resources, and timelines effectively.
Personal Attributes:
Highly analytical with problem-solving skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement.
Working Conditions:
Full-time, in-office role with occasional travel to manufacturing sites and suppliers.
Will require flexible working hours to meet project deadlines and business needs.
This role may require hands-on involvement in troubleshooting or on-site management of engineering and manufacturing processes.