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Job description
Summary
The 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.
Description
The 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 Responsibilities
Division 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
Qualifications
Experience
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
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Worksite address
berea, KY, 40403, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.