SummaryThe Head of Industrialization will establish and lead the industrialization function for SHOWA Performance Group. This role is responsible for translating innovative suspension designs into robust, scalable manufacturing solutions, while ensuring alignment with corporate systems, standards, and operational excellence frameworks.
Operate with clarity and urgency in a fast, ambiguous environment. Be decisively collaborative - set expectations, make trade-offs, prototype quickly, document choices, and close loops. Maintain brand integrity and compliance while doing what it takes to help the team deliver. Most importantly, this individual must be able to contribute to a fun and productive environment, maintain a positive attitude, and develop strong working relationships with colleagues and team members.
Key ResponsibilitiesDivision Build & Industrialization Strategy- Build and lead the industrialization organization for SHOWA Performance Group
- Define and execute a scalable industrialization strategy aligned with divisional goals and corporate manufacturing standards
- Establish processes, KPIs, and governance that align with enterprise frameworks while enabling speed and flexibility
New Product Introduction (NPI) Leadership- Lead industrialization from design freeze through Start of Production (SOP)
- Ensure compliance with corporate stage-gate and APQP processes
- Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) integration early in development
- Oversee all APQP deliverables, including PFMEA, control plans, and validation builds
Manufacturing Integration & Footprint Strategy- Define optimal production strategy (internal plants, greenfield, or external suppliers)
- Leverage existing corporate manufacturing sites, capabilities, and shared services
- Lead plant readiness, line setup, and launch coordination across locations
Process Development & Production Readiness- Develop robust manufacturing processes for suspension components (shocks, struts, assemblies)
- Define tooling, equipment, and automation strategies aligned with corporate standards
- Oversee process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), capacity planning, and ramp-up execution
Cost, Efficiency & Continuous Improvement- Deliver industrialization within cost and capex targets
- Apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
- Drive cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and productivity gains
- Identify cross-division synergies to optimize cost and performance
Quality & Compliance- Ensure alignment with corporate quality management systems and regulatory standards
- Partner with Quality to implement robust validation, inspection, and testing processes
- Lead structured root cause analysis and corrective actions during product launches
Cross-Functional & Enterprise Collaboration- Serve as the primary bridge between R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and corporate functions
- Report progress, risks, and launch readiness to senior leadership
QualificationsExperience- 12-15+ years of experience in industrialization, manufacturing engineering, or operations within a global organization
- Proven success launching new products or divisions within an established company
- Experience working within structured corporate systems (APQP, stage-gate, global quality standards)
- Automotive or complex mechanical systems experience strongly preferred; suspension expertise highly desirable
- Experience leading cross-site or global manufacturing programs
Technical Expertise- Deep knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and NPI processes
- Strong understanding of machining, welding, assembly, and testing processes
- Experience with ERP, MES, and PLM systems
- Familiarity with automation and Industry 4.0 technologies
Leadership Competencies- Ability to build new capabilities within an established enterprise structure
- Strong stakeholder management and influence across all levels
- Strategic thinker with disciplined execution
- Proven change leadership and ability to drive adoption of new processes
- Results-driven with accountability for performance, quality, and launch success
