Showa Performance Head of Industrialization

ASTEMO AMERICAS, INC.; Farmington Hills (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Astemo is seeking a Head of Industrialization to establish and lead the industrialization function for SHOWA Performance Group. This role translates innovative suspension designs into robust, scalable manufacturing solutions, aligning with corporate standards and operating excellence frameworks.

You will drive NP I leadership, manufacturing integration, process development, cost improvements, and quality/compliance, while collaborating with R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain to deliver launches

Qualifications

• Leadership and stakeholder management experience.
• Strategic thinking with disciplined execution.
• Change leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong communication and influencing across levels.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead the industrialization organization for SHOWA Performance Group.
• Define and execute a scalable industrialization strategy aligned with corporate standards.
• Establish processes, KPIs, and governance to enable speed and flexibility.
• Lead NPI from design freeze through SOP with DFMA/DFA integration.
• Coordinate plant readiness, line setup, and launch across locations.
• Develop robust manufacturing processes for suspension components and validate them.
• Deliver cost, cycle time, and yield improvements while ensuring quality.

Job description

Summary

The Head of Industrialization will establish and lead the industrialization function for SHOWA Performance Group. This role is responsible for translating innovative suspension designs into robust, scalable manufacturing solutions, while ensuring alignment with corporate systems, standards, and operational excellence frameworks. Operate with clarity and urgency in a fast, ambiguous environment. Be decisively collaborative - set expectations, make trade‑offs, prototype quickly, document choices, and close loops. Maintain brand integrity and compliance while doing what it takes to help the team deliver. Most importantly, this individual must be able to contribute to a fun and productive environment, maintain a positive attitude, and develop strong working relationships with colleagues and team members.

Key Responsibilities

Division Build & Industrialization Strategy

Build and lead the industrialization organization for SHOWA Performance Group

Define and execute a scalable industrialization strategy aligned with divisional goals and corporate manufacturing standards

Establish processes, KPIs, and governance that align with enterprise frameworks while enabling speed and flexibility

New Product Introduction (NPI) Leadership

Lead industrialization from design freeze through Start of Production (SOP)

Ensure compliance with corporate stage-gate and APQP processes

Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) integration early in development

Oversee all APQP deliverables, including PFMEA, control plans, and validation builds

Manufacturing Integration & Footprint Strategy

Define optimal production strategy (internal plants, greenfield, or external suppliers)

Leverage existing corporate manufacturing sites, capabilities, and shared services

Lead plant readiness, line setup, and launch coordination across locations

Process Development & Production Readiness

Develop robust manufacturing processes for suspension components (shocks, struts, assemblies)

Define tooling, equipment, and automation strategies aligned with corporate standards

Oversee process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), capacity planning, and ramp-up execution

Cost, Efficiency & Continuous Improvement

Deliver industrialization within cost and capex targets

Apply lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies

Drive cycle time reduction, yield improvement, and productivity gains

Identify cross-division synergies to optimize cost and performance

Quality & Compliance

Ensure alignment with corporate quality management systems and regulatory standards

Partner with Quality to implement robust validation, inspection, and testing processes

Lead structured root cause analysis and corrective actions during product launches

Cross-Functional & Enterprise Collaboration

Serve as the primary bridge between R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, and corporate functions

Report progress, risks, and launch readiness to senior leadership

Qualifications

12–15+ years of experience in industrialization, manufacturing engineering, or operations within a global organization

Experience

Proven success launching new products or divisions within an established company

Experience working within structured corporate systems (APQP, stage-gate, global quality standards)

Automotive or complex mechanical systems experience strongly preferred; suspension expertise highly desirable

Technical Expertise

Deep knowledge of APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, and NPI processes

Strong understanding of machining, welding, assembly, and testing processes

Experience with ERP, MES, and PLM systems

Familiarity with automation and Industry 4.0 technologies

Leadership Competencies

Ability to build new capabilities within an established enterprise structure

Strong stakeholder management and influence across all levels

Strategic thinker with disciplined execution

Proven change leadership and ability to drive adoption of new processes

Results‑driven with accountability for performance, quality, and launch success

Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) – Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, identity, disability, protected veteran status and national origin

At Astemo, we’re challenging the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. Our goal is to build an inclusive work environment that celebrates the differences of our employees. We want to ensure that every employee feels valued, respected and empowered. We don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Astemo is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at Astemo, please send the nature of the request and contact information to [e-mail] when applying for the position.

At Astemo, innovation drives our passion for excellence. As a global leader in the mobility sector, we are dedicated to shaping the future through advanced technology, sustainable practices and a commitment to empowering our diverse team of talented individuals. We believe that our greatest asset is our people. With a rich legacy of pioneering breakthroughs and forward-thinking mindset, we continuously seek exceptional individuals who share our vision and ambition to redefine the mobility industry. As you explore our website, we invite you to discover exciting career opportunities across various disciplines and regions. Whether you are an experienced professional or new graduate, there is a place for you to thrive and make a meaningful impact within our dynamic global community. Join us in driving innovation, shaping the future and unlocking new possibilities in the mobility industry. Your journey begins here at Astemo.

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