Mechanical Design Unit Lead II

To supervise the daily operational and administrative work of a Powersports Design Function, including department policy/business process management, process improvement management, organizational/resource management, and preventing/resolving issues to ensure the function group focuses on efficient and effective output. Contribute to the development of functioning prototypes that will eventually become production Powersports vehicles, researching and applying new technologies to support business targets, and maintaining global vehicle product quality.

Key Accountabilities

• Supervise and actively contribute to a function team consisting of several design engineers of various skill levels, contingents, and student associates in areas such as Frame, Chassis, Appearance, or Power Performance within a matrix organization to output key deliverables such as specifications, development documents, and drawings for numerous, concurrent model developments. Provide leadership to the function group for balancing priorities, overcoming obstacles, aligning expectations with stakeholders, and managing work hours to minimize risks for not achieving targets. Track work status of the group and forecast the ability to hit deadlines. Collaborate with other Unit Heads and Manager to shift resources as needed.
• Ensure the function group is communicating and collaborating internally on a regular basis to deliver results. Drive collaboration with other functions to resolve issues and to maintain awareness of topics relevant to their daily work. Create an environment of strong communication to avoid conflicts and aid in better decision-making. Promote sharing of best practices across the function and with other function leaders.
• Decide assignments for distributing work within the function group, including yourself as a contributing member, to achieve business targets and objectives according to master development schedules and market needs. Determine the target group composition and skill required to achieve business deliverables. Assess the group status on a regular basis and take action to close the gap such as assigning training or other activities to facilitate associate growth.
• Establish associate goals and support Manager to establish department goals. Conduct associate performance reviews to judge results and provide feedback to direct reports for instruction on personal development. Create documents to propose and justify additional manpower as needed. Lead the hiring process with support from Management to identify/select candidates for retaining target headcount level.
• Identify processes that cause inefficiencies or quality issues. Lead root cause analysis and countermeasure activity. Collaborate with manager to implement best practices across other units in the department.
• Represent the function group viewpoint to assist Management in discussions related to resource planning, equipment needs, associate matters, and project responsibilities.
• Substitute for the Dept Lead occasionally with management responsibilities related to procurement, travel approvals, timekeeping, and/or facility access to prevent disruptions of business operations.

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