General Manager of
Design
Join our team in Detroit, Michigan as a General Manager
GM of Design is a senior-level role responsible for overseeing the engineering department of an organization. They manage the technical aspects of projects, ensure engineering standards are met, lead a team of engineers, and maintain the efficiency and safety of all engineering operations. This role typically involves strategic planning, innovation, and continuous improvement of engineering practices to align with business goals. This person will be a technical expert who operates in a consultancy capacity across all areas of engineering and sales.
General Manager
Duties and responsibilities
- Technical Leadership:
- Project Planning: Be the technical lead for projects, responsible for planning and deploying the design of components and their integration into systems.
- Liaison: Provide technical liaison with suppliers, manufacturing, and customers.
- Innovation: Apply engineering knowledge and principles to devise innovative solutions for unique design problems.
- Design Content: Oversee the overall design content from concept through detailed component drawings.
- Independence: Work independently, with outcomes reviewed at senior levels.
- Multiple Projects: Handle multiple major projects requiring cutting-edge technical expertise.
- Strategy and Development:
- Technology Strategy: Support the development of technology strategy and product offerings for the business.
- Business Opportunities: Develop business opportunities by preparing proposals in response to Requests for Quotations (RFQs).
- Global Customers: Create proposals for global customers, including successful contract negotiations.
- Technical Expertise:
- Resource Management: Define technical resource requirements for successful project execution.
- Team Performance: Maximize team performance using standard processes.
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Assess cost/benefit trade-offs of technical solutions.
- Continuous Improvement: Identify areas for technological advancement and maintain excellent engineering standards.
- Tight Deadlines: Work closely with tight deadlines while maintaining engineering standards.
- Reporting and Communication:
- Technical Papers: Support the generation of technical papers.
- Risk Management: Escalate and manage program risks and issues.
- Meetings and Presentations: Attend meetings, produce written reports, and make presentations.
- Training and Development: Undertake continuous training and development.
- Collaboration and Expertise:
- Effective Interface: Ensure effective interface with other departmental staff.
- Technical Skill Sets: Identify and deploy technical skill sets and resource levels.
- Cutting-Edge Solutions: Work on projects requiring innovative solutions at the forefront of the technical field.
Impact and Image
- Decisions and Results: Your decisions and results have a prolonged impact on project direction and success.
- Technical Image: Your performance affects the functions technical image.
- Education: A Bachelors degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, or related field) is typically required. A Master’s degree or Professional Engineer (PE) license may be preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 8-10 years of experience in engineering, with at least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
- Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of engineering principles, project management, quality control, and relevant software tools (e.g., CAD, project management tools).
- Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and motivate a diverse team of engineers, technicians, and other personnel.
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to address complex technical challenges.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders.
- Project Management: Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Knowledge of relevant industry regulations and safety standards.
General Manager of Design
We are a team that supports each other, collaborates on projects, celebrates success, and works hard. Many staff in leadership positions began their work on the factory floor! Whether your goal is to become an engineer, quality specialist, or executive, there is an upward path.