Technical Area Business Leader - Fabrication

GE Appliances’ Camden, SC plant is looking for a Technical Area Business Leader (ABL) in our Fabrication department. This ABL is responsible for the safe, efficient and reliable operation of a manufacturing value stream, with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost and culture. This role combines technical expertise in equipment and facility systems with strong people leadership to ensure stable processes, high equipment effectiveness and consistent performance. The leader drives daily operations, partners with engineering and suppliers, leads structured problem solving and continuous improvement and develops team capability while promoting a strong safety and quality culture. Position Technical Area Business Leader - Fabrication Location USA, Camden, SC How You'll Create Possibilities Operational & Technical Leadership • Serve as the primary point of contact for manufacturing operations and overall equipment effectiveness within the assigned section. • Own operational performance and continuous improvement of key metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost and culture, aligning area targets with plant objectives. • Lead cross-functional manufacturing teams, including salaried and hourly employees, to achieve daily and long-term goals. • Ensure process stability through adherence to standard work and effective deployment of standardized work across the value stream. • Ensure 5S standards are established, maintained and audited throughout the section. Equipment & Facility Systems • Own the effective utilization, reliability and operation of facility support systems including lighting, compressed air, electrical systems, plumbing, vacuum systems, sprinklers, HVAC and heating. • Identify recurring equipment and infrastructure issues, lead troubleshooting efforts and implement sustainable corrective actions. • Lead and support level 2 diagnostics, troubleshooting and repairs. • Identify, prioritize and develop action plans to resolve chronic maintenance and infrastructure issues. • Serve as the primary technical contact for equipment suppliers and external vendors. • Conduct investigations into critical equipment failures and communicate findings and countermeasures. Production Management & Communication • Utilize production line boards to monitor value stream performance, identify issues and initiate problem resolution. • Ensure clear communication of issues, actions and lessons learned across all shifts to prevent recurrence. • Prepare daily performance reports and present metrics during production meetings. • Prepare and cascade daily topics for zone leaders to ensure consistent messaging and execution. • Own information flow across shifts and adjacent maintenance escalation teams to ensure timely and accurate communication. Engineering & Systems Integration • Partner with Advanced Manufacturing Engineering to support equipment strategies and technical readiness. • Ensure technical specifications are complete and aligned with overall equipment and manufacturing strategies. • Serve as gatekeeper for PLC and robot programs, layouts and equipment change documentation. • Support TPM initiatives and events across the manufacturing footprint. Continuous Improvement • Live, promote and teach the Appliance Production System philosophy within the value stream. • Lead structured problem solving and root cause analysis for operational and technical issues. • Identify and eliminate waste through continuous improvement initiatives. • Promote and lead Kaizen and TPM events within the department. Leadership & Talent Development • Issues timely, well-documented discipline and supports HR in completing prompt, thorough investigations when needed. • Coach, mentor and develop future leaders within the organization. • Ensure ongoing performance feedback, training and career development for team members. Quality • Ensure products are manufactured to specification and are defect-free. • Enforce Manufacturing Control Plan (MCP) requirements and all quality standards. • Partner cross-functionally to resolve production and quality issues. • Monitor scrap data and lead permanent corrective actions to reduce waste. Safety • Own safety performance and metrics for the value stream. • Promote a strong safety culture through active support of safety programs. • Ensure compliance with safety procedures and timely investigation of incidents. What You'll Bring to Our Team Requirements: • Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Controls, Industrial) or equivalent experience. • 5 years’ experience in maintenance, mechanical or equipment engineering. Preferred: • Broad working knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems in an automated manufacturing environment. • Hands-on experience with industrial automation, including vision systems, pick-and-place processes and 6-axis robotics, preferably Fanuc. • Experience supporting high-speed, high-volume automated manufacturing operations. • Familiarity with a wide range of manufacturing equipment, including adhesive dispensing systems, plastic welding, bowl feeders, conveyors, AGVs and packaging equipment. • Strong mechanical aptitude with demonstrated ability in logical controls, diagnostics and root cause problem solving. • Proven experience troubleshooting, programming and supporting automated equipment and robotic systems. • Prior supervisory experience or direct leadership within production or manufacturing operations. • Demonstrated leadership capability, including communication, facilitation, collaboration and team development. • Strong analytical and technical skill set, with experience applying Lean, Six Sigma or similar continuous improvement tools. • Ability to translate long-term operational and equipment strategies into effective day-to-day execution. • Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office tools, with working knowledge of PLCs, automation software or programming environments preferred. Working Conditions: • Working conditions are normal for both an office and manufacturing environment. • Work may involve lifting materials and products up to 25 pounds. • Working in the manufacturing environment requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to: safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, work shoes/boots.