Director, Special Projects

American Furukawa, Inc.; Plymouth Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

American Furukawa, Inc. seeks a Director of Special Projects to lead strategic initiatives that foster growth across North America and Mexico. The role partners with cross-functional teams in Japan, the United States, and Mexico to execute programs, drive operational excellence, and advance organizational development.

Based in Plymouth, MI with extended stays in Baja California as needed. The candidate will oversee project management, create executive-level reports, and ensure timely delivery

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of senior management experience in automotive components or related manufacturing.
• Business-level proficiency in Japanese and English, with ability to communicate effectively in both languages.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic projects and initiatives that drive growth across North America and Mexico.
• Partner with cross-functional teams in Japan, the United States, and Mexico to coordinate planning and execution.
• Manage key projects, monitor milestones, and deliver executive-level reports and recommendations.
• Identify process improvements and implement solutions to enhance business performance.
• Coordinate with North American and Mexican operations to align strategies with global objectives.
• Support investment planning, budgeting, and long-term financial planning.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-cultural communication

Strategic planning

Financial acumen

Project management

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or Engineering

10+ years senior management experience in automotive components or related manufacturing

Job description

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Director, Special Projects

PLYMOUTH, MI, US

Job Summary:

Lead strategic initiatives that support business growth across North America and Mexico. Partner with cross-functional teams in Japan, the United States, and Mexico to drive business planning, project execution, operational excellence, and organizational development. This role is responsible for managing key projects, fostering global collaboration, identifying process improvements, and implementing solutions that enhance business performance and support long-term organizational objectives.Position based in Plymouth, Michigan, with responsibility for supporting projects requiring extended stays in the Baja California area.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

• Lead strategic projects supporting business growth and organizational objectives across North America and Mexico.
• Develop and execute initiatives that drive revenue growth, operational efficiency, and market expansion.
• Lead cross-functional, multicultural teams to achieve project milestones and business goals.
• Identify and implement operational improvement opportunities within manufacturing facilities.
• Support investment planning, profitability analysis, budgeting, and long-term business planning activities.
• Collaborate with Japan headquarters and North American/Mexican operations to align business strategies and priorities.
• Prepare executive-level reports, presentations, and business recommendations for senior leadership.
• Analyze business performance metrics and provide insights to support decision-making.
• Improve business processes, management systems, and organizational effectiveness.
• Coordinate and monitor project activities to ensure timely completion and successful outcomes.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration among internal stakeholders across multiple regions and functions.
• Lead and execute special projects and strategic initiatives assigned by the President or Senior Vice President.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills with the ability to influence cross-functional and multicultural teams.
• Ability to support product development initiatives and serve as a key liaison between the parent company and North American operations for new and existing business development opportunities.
• Strong financial acumen, including financial statement interpretation and analysis.
• Experience evaluating business profitability, capital investments, and strategic growth opportunities.
• Demonstrated experience leading plant start-ups, expansions, or significant operational growth initiatives.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 10 years of senior management experience within the automotive components, electronics, electrical, machinery, or related manufacturing industries, preferably in Plant Manager, Operations Manager, General Manager, or similar leadership roles.
• Business-level proficiency in both Japanese and English, with the ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats.
• Proven ability to lead and facilitate discussions among teams located in Japan, the United States, and Mexico.
• Strong project management experience, including leading strategic and cross-functional initiatives.
• Experience supporting new product launches, production transfers, equipment implementation, and operational improvement projects.
• Previous international or overseas assignment experience preferred.
• Ability and willingness to participate in evening meetings to support collaboration with teams in Japan.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job,

• the employee is regularly required to talk and hear
• the employee frequently is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms
• specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus
• the position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies, up to 25 pounds.