Engineering Manager

Ellos HR Solutions; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

RRSP match

Benefits package

Training & development

PPE provided

Strong culture and stability

Job summary

Ellos HR Solutions partners with a Tier 2 automotive manufacturer in the Kitchener-Cambridge area to recruit an experienced Engineering Manager. This role demands proven engineering leadership within automotive manufacturing and a track record of program management.

You will lead three Program Managers, oversee programs from planning to production, and ensure quality, cost and manufacturability targets are met, while driving continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Engineering management experience within automotive manufacturing.
• Automotive industry experience is a must, Tier 1 or Tier 2 exposure preferred.
• Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, control plans, GD&T and engineering changes.
• Proven leadership of program managers and cross-functional teams.
• Experience with project timing, capital requirements, tooling and manufacturing feasibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Engineering function and direct three Program Managers.
• Oversee automotive programs from planning through production.
• Ensure projects meet quality, timing, cost and manufacturability requirements.
• Support APQP/PPAP, product launches and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Operations and other departments to drive manufacturing improvements.
• Review program milestones, risks, resources and priorities with leadership.
• Engage in senior leadership on engineering strategy and future growth.

Skills

Engineering Mgmt

Automotive industry

Program management

Cross-functional leadership

APQP/PPAP/PFMEA

Bachelor's in Engineering

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering

Job description

Ellos HR Solutions is partnering with a highly established Tier 2 automotive manufacturer in the Kitchener-Cambridge area to recruit an experienced Engineering Manager.

Experience with a Tier 2 is a must.

Solid experience with Program Management

This is one of those opportunities where the company culture and employee retention really stand out.

The manufacturing facility has approximately 150 employees, and it's not unusual to meet people who have spent 15, 20, or even more years with the organization. The average tenure is around 20 years. Something you simply don't see very often in manufacturing.

They invest heavily in their people, promote professional development, and have built an environment where employees genuinely build long-term careers.

What We're Looking For

• Strong Engineering Management experience within automotive manufacturing
• Automotive industry experience is a MUST, ideally with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline
• Proven experience leading Program Managers, Engineers, or technical teams
• Strong understanding of automotive program management, product launches, manufacturing processes, and engineering execution
• Knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, GD&T, engineering changes, and customer-specific requirements
• Experience working cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Tooling, Operations, Sales, and customers
• Strong understanding of project timing, capital requirements, tooling, manufacturing feasibility, and continuous improvement
• Experience with steel manufacturing, metal forming, or related processes is considered a strong asset
• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the Engineering function and provide direction to a team of three Program Managers
• Oversee automotive programs from initial planning and development through launch and production
• Ensure engineering projects meet customer requirements for quality, timing, cost, and manufacturability
• Provide technical and leadership support for APQP, PPAP, product launches, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Partner with Operations and other departments to identify manufacturing improvements and resolve technical challenges
• Review program performance, project milestones, resource requirements, risks, and priorities with the leadership team
• Support customer-facing technical discussions and ensure engineering deliverables remain aligned with automotive requirements
• Coach and develop the Program Management team while strengthening accountability and technical capabilities
• Work directly with senior leadership on engineering strategy, capital projects, operational improvements, and future growth

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Compensation: Competitive Salary + Bonus
• RRSP: Company provides a 100% match on employee contributions up to 4%
• Benefits: Comprehensive drug, medical, vision, and dental coverage with multiple plan options
• Training & Development: Strong investment in employee development, including support for continuing education and schooling
• PPE: Company-paid and provided
• Culture & Stability: Exceptional employee retention, outstanding working environment, and a workforce where long-term careers are the norm