SR. MANAGER - ENG TOOLS AND SYSTEMS - JACKSONVILLE, FL/ VANCOVER
Purpose of Position
The Senior Manager of Engineering Tools and Systems provides strategic, technical, and operational oversight for all engineering design and documentation software (mechanical and electrical). This role ensures that these critical tools and processes meet current and future organizational needs—particularly as the engineering team expands. Collaborating closely with IT, ERP teams, and various design groups, the Senior Manager drives digital transformation initiatives that optimize workflows, bolster cross-functional collaboration, and secure best-in-class performance and efficiency. This position also spearheads the development and maintenance of a scalable engineering change management (ECN) system, ensures thorough integration of CAD/PLM tools with enterprise systems (including ERP), and promotes continuous improvement through training, best-practice sharing, and LEAN methodologies. The incumbent will anticipate and proactively address challenges arising from rapid organizational growth and the need for robust change control, guaranteeing the engineering organization can adapt to evolving business demands while maintaining data integrity and product quality.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Direct leadership of a newly formed Tools & Systems team, merging existing roles and introducing new positions as the manager deems necessary. This includes defining team structure, onboarding, mentoring, and driving professional development to ensure a scalable, high-performing organization.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Strategic Planning & Digital Transformation
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive roadmap for engineering tools (CAD, PDM, PLM, etc.) aligned with business objectives and growth projections.
- Champion digital transformation initiatives, evaluating and implementing new technologies that enhance engineering collaboration and productivity.
- Ensure robust integration between CAD/PLM and enterprise systems (ERP), facilitating seamless data flow (e.g., BOM, part numbers) across departments.
- Establish and refine engineering change management (ECN) processes, driving consistent configuration control and clear communication of design updates.
- Project & Portfolio Management
- Oversee multiple projects related to engineering software upgrades, new tool introductions, or process optimizations.
- Define project goals, schedules, and KPIs; manage risks and track execution to ensure on-time, on-budget deliveries.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (IT, design, supply chain, manufacturing, etc.) to align systems initiatives with business milestones.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Serve as the primary liaison between Engineering and IT, coordinating activities related to system administration, licensing, and server management.
- Partner with the Learning & Development team to coordinate effective training, onboarding, and adoption programs for new or updated engineering tools, ensuring engineers and other stakeholders quickly become proficient with system enhancements.
- Work closely with design teams to gather requirements, resolve issues, and implement best practices in engineering documentation.
- Foster proactive engagement with ERP teams to streamline data exchange and support full product lifecycle visibility.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Integrate existing resources and cultivate collaboration between mechanical and electrical Tools & Systems teams, creating an environment of growth and success while respecting established expertise.
- Drive team performance through mentoring, effective delegation, and professional development initiatives.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging Lean or Six Sigma principles to optimize workflows.
- Process Optimization & Best Practices
- Identify opportunities to enhance engineering processes, reduce complexity, and boost reliability.
- Maintain clear documentation of standard operating procedures, training materials, and usage guidelines for engineering tools.
- Develop and maintain a SharePoint-based publishing environment for engineering documentation, establishing a centralized “publishing house” for design data, guidelines, and references.
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Anticipate potential risks (e.g., software obsolescence, licensing constraints, security vulnerabilities) and implement mitigation strategies.
- Ensure all engineering tools and processes comply with relevant regulatory, security, and governance standards.
- Track and report on key performance indicators, providing data-driven recommendations for continuous improvement.
COMPETENCIES:
- Leadership & Team Building: Capable of unifying multidisciplinary teams, promoting collaboration, and driving engagement in a rapidly expanding environment.
- Technical Expertise: Proficient in mechanical and electrical design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Altium) and associated systems (PDM, PLM), including successful integrations with ERP.
- Project & Change Management: Skilled in planning, executing, and overseeing complex initiatives, with demonstrated ability to guide teams through transformative changes.
- Collaboration & Communication: Excellent interpersonal abilities, effectively coordinating with IT, design, manufacturing, and other teams.
- Continuous Improvement: Familiar with Lean, Six Sigma, or related methodologies for reducing process waste and optimizing workflows.
- Strategic & Analytical Thinking: Able to translate organizational goals into actionable plans, using data-driven insights to refine engineering tool strategies.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Information Systems, or a related technical field (Master’s degree preferred).
- 7–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in engineering or IT, including 3+ years in a leadership capacity.
- Proven success implementing or administering CAD, PDM, or PLM tools in a manufacturing or product development environment, preferably integrated with ERP systems.
- Experience establishing or improving an engineering change management (ECN/ECO) process across mechanical and electrical teams.
- Track record of effective collaboration with IT and cross-functional stakeholders on software-related projects.
- Additional certifications (e.g., PMP, Lean Six Sigma) are a plus.
Salary Range: $161, 500 .00 To $190,000.00 Annually. Depending on experience.