What you will do-  

The role operates at the executive level with long-term strategic influence and serves as the driving force behind Clarios' manufacturing innovation. It is accountable for shaping and executing the automation strategy, leading manufacturing R&D initiatives, and enhancing capabilities across global operations. The role also manages equipment standards, oversees advanced engineering teams, and ensures consistency for cross-regional processes. 

As a strategic advisor, this leader develops breakthrough technologies, defines the “Model Plant” vision, and drives adoption of best practices in automation, quality, safety, and productivity. Working closely with regional leaders and corporate strategy, the individual identifies opportunities across business lines and establishes goals and programs to propel manufacturing excellence throughout the enterprise. 

Additionally, the role leads new product process development, responds to customer RFQs, and manages equipment governance and change control. This influential leader sets the organizational tone through competence, discipline, and continuous improvement. They are also responsible for team leadership—including hiring, coaching, and developing talent—while balancing priorities and collaborating effectively across global regions. 

How you will do it-  

Strategic Advisory & Innovation Leadership:

• Lead the development of Clarios' Enterprise Automation Strategy with a multi-year roadmap, guiding corporate and regional teams. 

• Act as a strategic advisor to regional operations and business leaders, fostering strong relationships and offering insight on emerging industry trends and transformative solutions. 

• Establish governance processes with steering committee members to align automation efforts with regional operational goals. 

• Champion change by promoting advanced technologies like RFID, AMRs, AI, and drones to address manufacturing challenges and drive near lights-out operations. 

Manufacturing Excellence & Technology Deployment:

• Define and maintain the Model Plant as the North Star of battery manufacturing, including an evolving automation catalog. 

• Own the R&D pipeline and manage global manufacturing technology centers, determining which initiatives to solve internally vs. externally. 

• Lead the launch methodology for new manufacturing technologies and maintain direction for in-plant implementations. 

• Oversee process and equipment standards via dedicated leadership teams, including Master-PFMEAs, quality benchmarks, and change management. 

• Cultivate relationships with key equipment suppliers to ensure innovation and standardization across manufacturing processes. 

Team, Financial & Engagement Leadership: 

• Manage staff recruitment, development, and performance planning, leading all supervisory and compensation-related activities. 

• Create and oversee departmental budgets, including allocations for R&D, consulting, training, and travel. 

• Sponsor and contribute to employee engagement initiatives to strengthen team culture and organizational alignment. 

What we look for- 

Required 

• BS Degree in Engineering or similar. MS Degree or MBA preferred. 

• 15+ years' experience with manufacturing transformations including major brownfield expansions/upgrades and/or greenfield plant builds. 

• 10+ years leadership experience managing teams 

• Experience with continuous improvement methodology 

• Demonstrated ability to influence at all levels of a large organization without direct authority. 

Preferred 

• Experience leading in a large global manufacturing organization. 

• Six Sigma Certification 

• Experience leading individual programs greater than $20M in size.  

• Experience with Vendor Management for both product and service vendors 

• Experience negotiating T&M and fixed-price delivery contracts