Title:  VP, Global Operations & Quality

About Us:

We are committed to finding smart solutions that enable an intelligent and seamless world. Our success as a world-class leader in technology has evolved from humble beginnings. In 1896, the enterprising father and son team of A.J. and George A. Briggs partnered with S.A. Buffington, a Chicago lawyer, to establish Chicago Telephone Supply Company (later to become CTS).

Today, CTS is a leading designer and manufacturer of sensors, actuators, and electronic components for suppliers and original equipment manufacturers. We have over 20 locations in 12 countries and more than 3,500 employees. Our innovative sensing, connectivity, and motion solutions offer a diverse range of products across diversified end markets including transportation, medical, aerospace and defense, and industrial. We are at the forefront of supporting innovating life-changing technology, focusing on quality to keep people safe, healthy, and happy. 

Position Summary

Lead, direct and manage the worldwide SBU manufacturing operations with the highest focus on quality to attain corporate, business unit, product family, plant, and operations objectives. Developing and delivering a sustainable growth strategy, global standardization, and long-term footprint planning are key aspects to the success of the business unit. This will result in increased profitability and Return on Assets (ROA), optimized Working Capital and total customer satisfaction.  Responsible for the safe production of products that meet and exceed all the customer’s requirements. Scope of responsibility includes all Sensors & Mechatronic manufacturing, quality and logistic globally. Responsible for business unit strategies related to APQP, manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, global manufacturing footprint, service & low volume part strategy, materials, production tooling, logistic, and resulting quality. Ensure cross functional alignment of global manufacturing locations strategy with strategic business plans.  Maximize the utilization of business unit assets.  Monitor, review, and improve related business unit performance indicators as defined and agreed to. Take on special assignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to business planning process, develop and communicate the manufacturing strategy, represent and drive manufacturing viewpoint into product design, ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) objectives are met prior to design freeze, drive manufacturing concept standardization in alignment with the design team, manufacturability and required technologies. Develop, lead, and implement business models for all manufacturing locations that support current and future business strategies.
• Leads regular site and manufacturing KPI reviews and resulting improvement initiatives, discusses and reviews the planning at the manufacturing locations, Value Stream Mapping (VSM) event review, prepares status updates for corporate review.  Develops plans to implement state of the art Lean Manufacturing System (e.g. Toyota Manufacturing System TMS) throughout SBU.
• Establishes quality strategic direction as part of the Business Plan, planned scrap reduction activities, and other activities aimed at reducing cost, improving product quality and increasing levels of customer satisfaction. These quality improvement strategies apply to production as well as to the TS16949 quality system.  Provide leadership on quality improvement activities in the SBU by following up on the execution of quality improvement activities, providing required technical, professional, and training resources, advising divisions on quality issues, and reinforcing the core values of variation reduction, root cause analysis, prevention of occurrence, and initial process capability.
• Act as the representative in residence to represent the manufacturing locations in business policy development.   Remove barriers between the locations and aids in developing effective communications across all functions globally. Develop a process to identify “best practices” throughout the SBU as it applies to manufacturing and logistics. Look for opportunities to standardize processes, policies, organization structure, and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) within all manufacturing locations.
• Review improvement and cost reduction project selection and progress in collaboration with cross functional team, provide direction on types of projects, collect and communicate the results, prepare updates for corporate review, work with finance to ensure the savings are genuine, and to incorporate the information into business plans. Develop and implement a Cost Improvement Program (CIP) that meets or exceeds business goals.
• Engage in training, coaching, selection, and development of effective leaders and their respective teams.  Perform organization assessments and conduct performance reviews with developmental plans. Ensure that developmental/ training programs are in place.
• Represent Sensors & Mechatronic manufacturing & logistics in front of CTS and customer senior executive management.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Production plant experience, manufacturing engineering, operations, lean methodologies, continuous improvement (quality), financial understanding, business acumen, and technical understanding are required. Experience within automotive is a strong benefit.
• Must be able to make decisions that affect the SBU’s business and its future.
• Must be self-motivated and stay current with state-of-the-art manufacturing methodologies which can add value to CTS. Able to identify, lead, and drive necessary changes
• Planning needs to be done on a strategic basis.
• Needs to be able to communicate well, verbally and written
• Presentations are required to customers and corporate officers.
• This is a highly visible position. Must be able to coach and mentor others.  Self-awareness is important along with understanding the impact of behavior on others. Utilizes feedback to improve own leadership skills.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. degree in an engineering, technical discipline, or business management. Respective M.S. or MBA desirable will be a benefit.
• Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing experience at the executive level.  Minimum 8 years’ experience with production and materials management.
• SAP experience and expertise is a plus.
• Cross functional experience is a benefit.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work several hours at a computer.
• Ability to travel (domestic and international) as needed (up to 50%).

Join Us

At CTS, one of the ways we recognize the value of our employees is through our comprehensive benefits program.  Highlights of our benefits program for full-time employees include:

• Health Benefits
• 401K
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Pay
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement

The expected annual salary range for this position is $200-240K.

This position is eligible for a discretionary bonus with a target incentive of 30% of base salary.

This position is eligible for annual grants of restricted stock units in accordance with CTS’ policies in place from time to time with respect to equity awards.

Please note the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. CTS considers a variety of factors when setting base salary rates including, without limitation, a candidate’s skills, experience, and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Ready to shape the future? Apply now to join a world leader in sensing and connectivity.

United States EEO Statement

CTS Corporation is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer who complies with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at CTS Corporation will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. It has been and shall continue to be both the official policy and the commitment of CTS Corporation to further equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of, among other characteristics, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, status as a protected veteran or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristics protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law.

ADA accommodation statement: If you require reasonable accommodation in the application process, call Human Resources at 630.577.8811. All other applications must be submitted online.

United States Additional Considerations

It is unlawful in all states where the Company operates, including Massachusetts, to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates applicable laws may be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. The Company does not require a lie detector test as a condition of employment nor continued employment. 

Applicants must have valid work authorization that does not now and/or will not in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

No agencies, please. We do not accept any unsolicited resumes and are not looking to engage an agency. We receive inquiries from agencies daily. Do not direct any inquiries or emails to hiring managers. It is not our standard practice to utilize agencies; we are a federal contractor and need to comply with the same process for all.

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