Role Overview
As Director of Operations – North America & Mexico, you will mainly lead multiple JIT operations and support the full industrial project for this brand‑new Greenfield JIT facility, while driving operational excellence and elevating performance across all regional JITs and plant for driving the growth with efficiency. This includes direct support to JITs & Plant Managers for launch execution, standards deployment, leadership development, footprint evolution, ... and during critical phases. You will report directly to the Regional VP Operations, with high visibility at executive level.
Personal & Leadership Qualities Expected
- Strong ability to inspire, mobilize, and federate teams, especially in fast‑moving environments.
- Capability to develop talent and raise the skills level across sites, starting with the management teams.
- A leadership style that mixes high standards, accountability, and supportive coaching.
- Ability to set clear challenges, drive structured routines, and manage performance through KPIs linked to industrial efficiency, operational excellence, cost, and profitability.
- A pragmatic and hands‑on presence, able to support Plant Managers on the floor when needed.
- Strong listening skills, emotional intelligence, and capacity to create trust across teams and functions.
- A global view of industrial strategy, while maintaining excellent execution discipline in day‑to‑day operations.
Professional Background, Not Limited to
- A solid JIT / JIS management experience in automotive for complete modules manufacturing (interior, exterior, bumpers, exhaust, cockpit, seats, front end, HVAC, cockpit electronics & mechatronics).
- A successful track record in Greenfield launch or major industrial ramp‑up.
- Strong manufacturing leadership, including performance management and escalation handling.
- Proven ability to operate effectively with Program, Engineering, Quality, HR, Finance, and OEM customer teams.
- Excellent communication, customer alignment, and cross‑functional collaboration (Program, Engineering, Quality, HR, Finance, etc.).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead multiple JITs & plant operations across the region and support the Mexico new JIT Greenfield project in the Puebla area.
- Deploy operational standards and best practices across NA plants.
- Support, coach, and develop JITs and Plant Managers and management teams.
- Improve delivery, quality, cost, safety, efficiency, and profitability across the region.
- Ensure customer alignment and manage escalations when required.
- Partner closely with Program, Industrial Development, Quality, Engineering, HR, and Finance.
- And much more.
What's Offered
- A high‑impact leadership role in a growing region.
- Opportunity to lead a strategic industrial JIT launch in NA.
- Highly attractive compensation package tailored to senior automotive leaders.
- Strong career growth potential within a global Tier‑1 group.
- A culture that values teamwork, performance, accountability, and people development.
Location & Practical Information
Open to Mexican, U.S. citizens, and other nationalities, depending on regional experience.
Preferred base in Mexico, ideally in the Puebla area where the new JIT site will be established. Commuting from another city can be considered (to discuss case by case).
Open also to Monterrey, San Luis Potosí and others as a base. The role involves regular travel across the region. Strict confidentiality guaranteed.