Director of Engineering

Our client is an established organization operating within a technically complex product and manufacturing environment.

The organization is seeking an experienced Director of Engineering to lead key engineering and product development activities while supporting the continued development of the engineering function.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an individual who combines strong technical expertise with effective people leadership and the ability to work successfully across multiple areas of a business. The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring engineering programs are effectively prioritized, resourced and delivered while continuing to strengthen the team's capabilities and ways of working.

The Role

The Director of Engineering will lead a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for the development and delivery of new products, product enhancements and technical initiatives.

Working collaboratively across the organization, this individual will provide leadership throughout the development process, from early-stage concepts and feasibility through design, validation, production readiness and launch.

The role requires an engineering leader who can operate effectively across both technical and business environments. The successful candidate will bring sound engineering judgment, strong organizational and people leadership, and the ability to make effective decisions in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering team responsible for product development and related technical initiatives
• Establish clear priorities and ensure engineering activities support broader organizational objectives
• Lead technical programs from concept and feasibility through development, validation, production readiness and launch
• Support the continued development of engineering capabilities, resources and talent
• Recruit, develop and retain strong engineering professionals while creating a collaborative and accountable team environment
• Establish and continuously improve engineering processes, standards and development practices
• Ensure product designs appropriately consider manufacturing, sourcing, cost, quality and scalability alongside technical requirements
• Evaluate engineering programs and make informed decisions regarding priorities, resources, timelines and technical considerations
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across manufacturing, operations, supply chain, quality and other functional areas
• Support ongoing product and engineering requirements as needed
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering effectiveness, execution and consistency
• Provide clear recommendations and updates to senior leadership
• Build effective relationships across technical and non-technical functions
• Support the successful introduction of new and improved products into production
• Evaluate existing approaches, identifying opportunities for improvement and creating greater consistency in how engineering programs are planned and delivered.
• Establish clear expectations, develop talent and foster an environment of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Balance technical performance with manufacturing considerations, quality, cost, resources and effective execution.
• Travel periodically to other locations as required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required in Engineering; MBA or an advanced technical degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive engineering experience
• An experienced engineering leader with a strong technical foundation in a relevant engineering discipline
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams within a technically complex environment
• Demonstrated experience managing product development or engineering programs from concept through production or commercialization
• Experience within a manufacturing, industrial, engineering or other technically complex product environment
• Strong understanding of structured product development methodologies and engineering best practices
• Experience developing engineering teams, capabilities, processes and ways of working
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturing and the relationship between engineering, cost, quality, sourcing and production requirements
• Ability to balance technical considerations with timelines, resources and broader organizational requirements
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing initiatives and make sound decisions when information may be incomplete
• Strong people leadership skills, with experience developing talent and establishing clear expectations
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work credibly with senior leaders, technical teams and cross-functional stakeholders
• Experience within an established manufacturing, engineering or industrial environment is beneficial
• A proactive and accountable leadership style with the ability to take ownership and work effectively across an organization

Benefits

• Base range of $200k (commensurate with experience)
• This is primarily an on-site leadership position with some flexibility
• Periodic business travel will be required
• A comprehensive benefits and retirement program is offered
• Additional incentive opportunities may form part of the overall compensation package

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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.