Engineering Manager - Acquisitions

In the United States, BILSTEIN of America employs approximately 750 extremely focused, driven and passionate employees in four different locations: San Diego, CA, Mooresville, NC, Troy, MI and our only North American production and headquarters facility in Hamilton, OH. This 24/7 facility uses the newest technology to assemble the majority of our shock-absorber production for three separate yet integral production groups Original Equipment (OE), Aftermarket (AM) and Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV). We work with our customers to provide the right system for the desired ride from passive monotube shock absorbers to those that are adjustable, we have you covered for the optimal driving experience.

Summary:

The Engineering Manager, Acquisitions is responsible for supporting the Sales Department in the acquisition of new business by leading the technical design and development of a new product concept ensuring customer requirements are met. Coordinates and directs projects, making detailed plans to accomplish goals and directing the integration of technical activities. Acts as a leader to foster collaboration, support and communication between cross-functional teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages and leads the technical development activities of an acquisition project team in accordance with the Product Evolution Process (PEP) to ensure all customer requirements are met. Plans and monitors the teams overall progress, resolving issues and initiating correct action as appropriate, and reviewing status to ensure project deadlines are met.
• Coordinates and participates in the processing of the key PEP points as the acting Acquisition Team Leader - Technical (ATL-T).
• Provides technical expertise in the analysis of a new acquisition project request.
• Leads and drives the product concept development process.
• Defines objectives, responsibilities and work plans for personnel that have a technical role in the acquisition process and monitors their progress.
• Analyzes the extent to which the product concept aligns with existing development capacities.
• Interfaces with the Procurement Team to identify strategic sub-suppliers/service providers and establish a Bill of Materials (BOM).
• Represents and supports the technical area in Gate Reviews and Steering Committees and all meetings with customers and suppliers.
• Coordinates with the Test Department to define the product test scope and review the Design Validation Plans (DVP) to plan and schedule concept parts to be built in the Prototype lab.
• Interfaces with the Process Engineering Team on the development of the production concept and reviews the performance of the design.
• Works closely with the Quality and Logistics team to ensure feasibility of product concept.
• Collaborates with T&I, Sales, and Process Engineering team on the USMCA technology strategy as the voice of the customer based on current discussions for future acquisitions.
• Develops the project plan schedule with respect to the scheduling of Bilstein quality gates, customer requirements, important processes, milestones and target deadlines all in coordination with the affected departments.
• Coordinates the activities to develop full project calculations and costs in collaboration with cross-functional departments.
• Communicates with stakeholders to clarify the desired outcome of acquisition.
• Performs budget and personnel planning for the cost center and acquisition projects.
• Maintains close working relationships with customer contacts.
• Performs all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science or comparable degree.
• Considerable experience as a Product Engineer in an automotive engineering capacity with proven experience in handling complex technical design concepts and techniques.
• Considerable technical experience in the field of vehicle suspension dampers (preferred).
• Experience with coordination and presentation of technical data and information to key component suppliers & customers.
• Experience effectively leading teams and inspiring others to achieve goals through innovation, quality and excellence. Ability to identify strengths and weaknesses of team members and suitably make changes if required.
• Strong, proven effective hands-on leader that garners trust and loyalty from subordinates and possesses and displays integrity and ethics that are beyond reproach. Proven ability to build strong business relationships at all levels throughout an organization.
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office Products (Outlook, Word, Excel, Project, PowerPoint).
• Experience working with large ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of staff and management in a professional manner.
• Demonstrated strong project management experience in planning, executing, and maintaining a project from start to finish.
• Demonstrates a strong attention to detail with excellent organization skills with experience in and capable of working in a fast-paced business environment with tight deadlines.
• Broad operating style, ability to adapt across cultures, environments and styles.
• Makes decisions and commits to a course of action with appropriate information and recognizes uncertainty of success; weighs and manages risk in decision making.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Highly organized with ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Exhibits integrity through fair and ethical behaviors in all activities; maintains accountability for performance.
• Strong attention to detail with well-developed organizational and communication skills.
• Proven experience developing work processes to improve outcomes for the team/customers.

Beyond the competitive benefits and compensation packages, Bilstein of America proudly offers a rich history, steeped in innovation and a lasting commitment to our customers, employees and communities. We invite you to learn more about our culture and company at www.bilsteinrocks.com .

Benefits offered on the first of the month after your employment date:

• Medical, Dental and Optical
• 401(k) with 5% company match (after 90 days of employment)
• Company paid short-term disability (after 6 months employment)
• Paid personal time off
• Annual Company bonus