Operations Lead, Research and Development

Prevueaps

Toronto

On-site

CAD 150,000 - 210,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Stand out for this role — generate a tailored resume and cover letter in about a minute.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Generous PTO

Employee benefits

Assistance program

RRSP matching

Educational assistance

Sexual wellness? Not included

Vehicle purchase discounts

Team events

Internal job opportunities

Job summary

TI Automotive seeks an Operations Lead – Research & Development to drive technical innovation, product development and manufacturing excellence in automotive materials such as TPO and sustainable compounds.

You will lead cross-functional teams, manage program launches and continuous improvements while ensuring environment, safety and quality objectives are met across global operations.

Qualifications

: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, Industrial, Automotive Engineering or similar is required.
: Master’s Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, MBA or related discipline preferred.
: 7+ years of experience in automotive manufacturing, engineering, operations or R&D.
: 5+ years of technical leadership experience.
: Experience managing cross-functional teams, projects and customer programs.
: Experience with automotive product development and program launches.
: Experience with APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949 and automotive quality systems.
: Experience with compounding, injection molding, blow molding, automation, and manufacturing processes.
: Strong technical expertise in polymer materials and automotive applications.
: Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership to engineering, manufacturing and R&D teams.
Support plant operations by resolving complex technical challenges and driving continuous improvement.
Lead development of new automotive materials and products, including TPO compounds.
Improve and reformulate existing products for performance, quality and cost.
Conduct material investigations, testing and validation.
Support environmental initiatives through biofiber reinforced and carbon-reduction materials.
Collaborate with Engineering and Automation to optimize processes.
Implement improvements in compounding, injection molding, and blow molding.
Develop manufacturing strategies and capital equipment plans for new opportunities.
Conduct audits and lead corrective actions for quality issues.
Provide technical support to customers on materials and processes.
Support material approvals, color approvals, product validation and prototyping.
Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and partners.
Work with procurement to optimize raw materials and supplier performance.
Support adherence to IATF 16949, ISO standards and customer requirements.
Act as liaison between Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality and Supply Chain.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Materials engineering

Automotive engineering

Leadership

Project management

Lean Six Sigma

Communication

Travel flexibility

Injection molding

Cost optimization

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

APQP

PPAP

IATF 16949

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

TI Automotive supplies safety and performance critical products and highly engineered components to the global automotive industry. We have more than 100 years' experience of solving customers' safety, efficiency and environmental challenges. Our exceptional team, powertrain agnostic product portfolio, vertical integration, global footprint and customer proximity make us a trusted partner to all the world's leading OEMs.

Job Summary:

The Operations Lead – Research & Development is responsible for leading technical innovation, product development, manufacturing process optimization, and operational excellence within an automotive manufacturing environment. This role combines technical leadership, plant operations oversight, and R&D expertise to support the development and commercialization of advanced automotive materials, including Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), sustainable material solutions, and compounded plastic products.

Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, Purchasing, and Customer teams, the Operations Lead ensures safe, efficient, and profitable operations while driving new product development, program launches, continuous improvement initiatives, and customer satisfaction. The incumbent provides leadership for technical teams, supports strategic growth initiatives, and develops innovative material solutions aligned with customer requirements and environmental sustainability goals.

Job Responsibilities:

Provide technical expertise regarding standards, best practices, and processes to engineering, manufacturing, and R&D teams.
Support plant operations by resolving complex technical and manufacturing challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead the development of new automotive materials and products, including TPO compounds and sustainable material technologies.
Improve and reformulate existing products to enhance performance, quality, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness.
Conduct material investigations, testing, validation, and performance evaluations.
Support environmental initiatives through development of biofiber-filled, reinforced, and carbon reduction-focused materials.
Collaborate with Engineering and Automation teams to optimize manufacturing processes.
Implement improvements in compounding, injection molding, blow molding.
Develop manufacturing strategies and capital equipment plans for new business opportunities.
Conduct audits and reviews to ensure compliance with quality management systems and lead corrective action activities for quality issues.
Provide technical support to customers regarding materials, manufacturing processes, and product performance.
Support material approvals, color approvals, product validation, and prototype launch activities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and business partners.
Work closely with corporate purchasing teams to optimize raw material procurement and supplier performance.
Support adherence to IATF 16949, ISO standards, APQP, PPAP, and customer-specific requirements.
Act as a key liaison between Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Supply Chain functions.
Support strategic initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and business performance.

Job Qualifications:

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required.
Master's Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Business Administration (MBA), or related discipline is preferred.
Minimum 7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, engineering, operations, or R&D.
Minimum 5 years of technical leadership experience.
Experience managing cross-functional teams, projects, and customer programs.
Experience with automotive product development and program launch activities.
Experience with APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, and automotive quality systems.
Experience with compounding, injection molding, blow molding, automation, and manufacturing processes.
Strong technical expertise in polymer materials, plastics compounding, and automotive applications.
Knowledge of TPO materials with focus on low-temperature ductility and stiffness performance characteristics.
Understanding of sustainable materials, biofiber reinforced plastics, and environmental product development initiatives.
Comprehensive understanding of market pricing and cost drivers for compounded materials.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to effectively present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong financial and business acumen.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally to customer sites, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and company locations.

Why TI Automotive?

In addition to a workplace that emphasizes respect, teamwork and personal and professional growth, TI Automotive offers a broad range of health, wellness and financial benefits that promote the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of our employees and help them bring their best self to work, including: