Head Plant Operations - Oetiker

Being part of 'Team Oetiker' means working with over 2,000 people in 32 countries and at 13 production sites. We are the leading provider of high-end interconnect solutions for automotive and industrial applications. Our clamps, rings, straps and quick connectors can be found on virtually every vehicle in the world and in millions of household appliances. We are a Swiss family-owned company with a long-term perspective and a focus on sustainable business success. Does this sound like a place you want to work? Then get in touch with us!

Salary Range: $165,000 - $200,000

Job Summary

Location of position: Lancaster, New York

Responsible for: Quality & Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE), Production, Maintenance, Tool Manufacturing, Procurement, Engineering, Logistics, and World Class Operations. Additionally, you have cost responsibility and be accountable for meeting cost budgets. Upholding our quality promise is paramount, ensuring peace of mind for our customers. Our commitment to continuous improvement drives our pursuit of achieving World Class Operations at Platinum Level.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a safety-first and zero-defect mindset throughout the organization, ensuring compliance with quality standards including IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and TISAX. Uphold our quality promise by prioritizing safety first (S), quality always (Q), delivery on time (D), and cost management (C) in all aspects of plant operations.
• Oversee all production, quality and logistics activities, ensuring efficient and timely manufacturing processes to meet KPI’s and customer demands while upholding quality standards and optimizing transportation as well as distribution processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and technological advancements to enhance process safety, product quality and process efficiency. Lead the journey to World Class Operations at Platinum.
•  Ensure adherence to cost budgets across all operational areas, implementing strategies to optimize resource utilization and minimize expenses while maintaining safety and quality standards.
• Compliance of the entity to all governmental requirements and ESG related requirements under the subject of sustainability.
• Representation of the company towards external parties and is responsible for the overall entity matters.
• Leading the Business Review Meetings and chairing quarterly review sessions (QRS) to all employees at the entity.
• Facilitating specific Cross-Functional Initiatives (e.g., COVID-19 Task Force, Margin Improvement Initiatives).
• Support HR in related context of labor relation, union relation, labor board, etc.
• Custodian of the values of Oetiker, including compliance and communication of the same.
• Fosters a culture to solve business issues, and moderate disputes between functions within the entity towards mutual agreements before escalation.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive experience in a leadership role within the automotive industry, with a deep understanding of quality requirements and standards (IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, TISAX).
• Proven track record of success in managing high-volume production environments with a diverse product mix.
• Strong leadership abilities with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of motivating and inspiring cross-functional teams.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and a results-oriented mindset, with a keen focus on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Proficiency in implementing and sustaining continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Total Productive Maintenance (TPM).
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while maintaining a steadfast commitment to quality, operational efficiency, and cost management.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Working together to make over 2 billion connections every year. That’s what we do at Oetiker. Our ‘OneOetiker’ culture is built on open and respectful collaboration and strong relationships with team members. Our strength comes directly from our team, our values and a culture of trust, teamwork, and professional growth. Oetiker strongly encourages equal rights. We appreciate every candidate and explicitly support a diverse and balanced workforce.