Manager, Fabrication and Design

The primary role of the Design and Fabrication Manager is to lead the team on the creation of digital renders and technical drawings for a range of custom parts for production and projects. In addition, the manager will deliver timely and accurate fabrications and finishings of the built elements. Candidates must be able to conceptualize and manage multiple projects from start to finish, while ensuring the timely completion of all work. The Fabrication & Design Manager will create functional workflow structures and keep other parties informed about project status and needs. A successful candidate will be a driven self-starter who seeks to enhance Tru Vue's reputation by accepting ownership of the complexities of each custom design for production or other development projects.

Expected Outcomes/Job Functions:

Safety Responsibilities:

1. Provide a safe work environment, and the leadership and training necessary to enable the employees to achieve excellence in safety behavior.

2. Perform all job requirements in a safe manner and be a proactive safety role model with co-workers.

3. Correct/report unsafe behaviors or equipment to ensure a safe working environment.

4. Ensure an organized, clean, and safe work environment.

5. Minimum of 95% department attendance at all monthly safety training meetings.

6. Ensure procedures and work practices have appropriate safety review and new equipment is reviewed for proper guarding, safe operating procedures, and lockout tag out.

7. Must host regular safety discussions with team and proactively listen to employees' safety concerns/suggestions. Must act upon those concerns and provide feedback.

8. Implementation of investigation and corrective actions after an incident or near miss.

9. Must support department employees with time opportunities to perform extra-curricular safety programs (ie: 1st responders, safety meeting presenters, safety committee, audits).

10. Responsible for placing safety first in all process and procedure developments.

Expected Outcomes/Job Functions:

1. Coordinate the Mechanical Design and Equipment Fabrication team in support of improvement of operations that allow Tru Vue to take a leadership role in the markets it serves. Work closely with Engineering Leader and other resources to assure project plans are effectively met.

2. Prioritize projects and tasks by the team using proven methods to achieve business goals and support the vision for continuously improving the department and the company.

3. Create processes for mechanical and other designs as needed. Develop, suggest, and create design options to support safety, cost, and productivity requirements.

4. Support multiple projects while handling multiple tasks to successfully meet all deadlines. Function as project leader when assigned.

5. Document and communicate project status, changes, and other information to the leaders.

6. Maintain current knowledge of industry trends: both technical and market based.

7. Drive, initiate, and support continuous improvement and elimination of waste and variation in processes using established improvement processes.

8. Interact and function effectively in a high-performance team environment. Foster a "How can I help you?" environment.

9. Support, understand, and coach others in understanding and use of lean tools, including 6S, Six Sigma, etc.

Support identification of root causes of failures and low productivity and implementation of solutions to prevent reoccurrence.

Work with Engineering team to review, update, and maintain procedures related to development of products/processes.

Provide training on time studies, line-balancing techniques, process waste elimination, and value-added vs. non-value-added processes.

10. Coach and influence with varied techniques Model Makers and team members. Provide frequent, specific performance feedback and coaching to reports, including completing reviews thoroughly and on time.

11. Proactively address individual or team performance issues. Work with Human Resources to prepare and provide effective follow-up to employee situations.

12. Achieve the balance between working effectively and working efficiently and coach others to achieve the same balance.

13. Provide specific support and training for other departments as requested.

14. Must be able to travel and work off-shifts as needed.

15. All other duties as necessary to the success of Tru Vue, Inc.

The above responsibilities represent the major tasks assigned to incumbents on this job title. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all tasks. Therefore, on occasion, incumbents may perform other related tasks.

Have high sensitivity to quality and on-time delivery of materials. On a daily basis, communicate with appropriate production areas to review system and equipment status. React accordingly to problems and suggestions as required. Utilize and apply specialized technical abilities and knowledge to solve problems and conflicts in a creative manner. Plan, organize, and be responsible for the implementation of various projects as assigned. At times, lead the activities of support personnel such as drafters, and technicians to ensure project assignments meet established goals and schedules. Keep management informed of project status on a routine basis. Design and implement conceptualized capital projects. Coordinate the installation of capital projects. Conduct design reviews. Acquire information for capital purchases and present to Director of Engineering.

Education and Experience: (minimum requirements)

1. 5-7 years related mechanical design and project management experience with focused projects on continuous improvements.

2. Two year design engineering degree or equivalent. Bachelor's degree preferred.

3. Experience working as a manufacturing lead or technical lead including training experience in a multi-cultural work environment.

4. 3-5 years CAD experience, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Vacuum processes and equipment experience is a plus.

5. Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Focus Factory concepts preferred.

6. Six Sigma formal training highly desirable.

Attributes:

1. Strong understanding of manufacturing processes with proven project leadership experience.

2. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team atmosphere.

3. Sensitive to other cultures/backgrounds, able to work in a multi-cultural workplace.

4. Ability and willingness to coach others in a high-performance team environment.

5. Effective organizational skills to plan work schedules and manage multiple projects/plans.

6. Strong verbal and written communication skills to discuss, develop, and implement plans.

7. Proven excellent problem solving and root cause identification and troubleshooting skills.

8. Demonstrated ability for detail orientated work.

9. Ability to work independently.

10. Strong math and mechanical skills.

11. Strong computer skills and Statistical Process Control experience. Experience with computer programs such as Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to allow individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job is primarily performed in an office environment. The noise level in the office is generally moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently interacts with individuals on the plant floor, near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the production environment is usually loud.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For specific lifting, pushing and pulling thresholds for this position, please see HR.

While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Communication Expectations:

The position routinely requires verbal and written communication to complete the daily business requirements. Verbal communications include, but are not limited to team meetings to discuss daily department requirements, work instructions to team members, presentations to management or customers, project meetings with peers and management, communications with peers and management, and safety instructions and training. Written communications include, but are not limited to department paperwork, projects updates, safety walkthroughs, purchase orders, continuous improvement projects, and communications with peers, customers, and management.

Job Location: Faribault, MN

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apogee and our brands are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.