Associate Director, Operations

JOIN THE TEAM THAT’S POWERING PROGRESS

Building cities. Driving commerce. Saving lives. For over 100 years, Allison Transmission has powered the vehicles and technology that move our world forward.
What powers us? Our employees. From the first person hired by James Allison in 1915 to the thousands across the globe who work for Allison today, we’re driving progress everywhere because we employ top talent worldwide.  

Learn more about this role and how you can begin driving your career forward!

Benefits:

The below list features some of the benefits currently available. Eligibility may be subject to the terms and conditions of governing documents and available benefits may be subject to change at the company’s discretion.

• Choice of medical plans with prescription coverage

• Employer HSA contribution

• Dental & Vision Insurance

• Paid Parental Leave

• Short & Long-Term Disability

• Other voluntary benefits including: Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Identity Theft Protection and Pet Insurance

• 401K with generous Company match & contribution

• Accrued Paid Time Off

• 12 Paid Holidays

• 8 hours paid volunteer time per year

• Robust employee wellness program

• Tuition assistance program & Dependent scholarship program

• On-site blood drives

• Voluntary employee groups open to all who wish to participate, including: Global Women’s Network, Emerging Professionals ERG, Multicultural ERG, Veterans ERG, Toastmasters Club, and more.

Job Description:

Key Responsibilities

Leadership / Managerial responsibilities:

• Directly manage a team of Supervisors with indirect oversight of 40+ hourly employees.
• Responsible for full employee life cycle including selection, training, development, employee relations, and performance management.
• Responsible for performance management, training and development of team members aligned with career ambitions and areas of opportunity to improve, including annual performance reviews and Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Leads team and implements departmental objectives aligned with plant & company objectives through day-to-day management, annual performance reviews, and corrective actions.
• Create, develop, and sustain a can-do climate and high levels of frequent communication, cooperation, rewards and recognition, training, and mutual support among departments.
• Lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams focused on results delivery through continuous improvement in support of the Allison Operational Excellence system.
• As a leader in the organization, you will provide a physical presence in the workplace to lead and promote a culture of accountability and teamwork.
• Ensures Allison Transmission policies and procedures are adhered to and executed in area of responsibility.

Union relationship management:

• Engagement with shop committee
• Grievance management
• Adherence to Collective Bargaining Agreement

Shopfloor Accountability:

• Drive performance across area of responsibility aligned with overall plant objectives and strategy.
• Facilitate floor operations to meet safety, quality, production cost, and schedule requirements through the utilization of established manufacturing processes and methods.
• Lead Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improvement across all areas through production performance, machine availability and quality.
• Serve as a leader, trainer, and coach of Lean Manufacturing and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) principles, which includes Operator Autonomous Maintenance execution and continuous improvement.
• Manages inventory levels aligned with weekly production demands, working with Global Supply Chain as needed.

Strategic / Forward Looking Responsibilities:

• Provide input to company budget and forecast processes, managing budget in area of responsibility.
• Develop and manage continuous improvement plans with defined action items, resource allocation, and planned timing.
• Support workforce planning activities based on company strategy and plant volumes to identify resource needs and training gaps.
• Work with support teams to develop annual budget, optimize resources, and ensure ongoing execution of department plans.

Key Performance Measures

• Safety
• Quality
• Cost
• Responsiveness
• Productivity

Competencies and Behaviors

• Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills to leverage the power of teamwork effectively with others at all levels of the organization and cross-functional to motivate employees and elicit work output.
• Ability to adapt to changes in responsibility based on business needs.
• High level of analytical ability for solving complex problems, using creative thinking to find and implement solutions / improvements.
• Skilled in managing challenges and conflicts as they arise in alignment with Allison’s values and core competencies.
• Continuous improvement mindset improving overall team performance to achieve plant and company objectives.
• Makes decisions that positively impact the current and future state of the business.
• Expertise in manufacturing standards and metrics (e.g., KPIs) for safety, quality, production, labor and material variances, lean manufacturing, and employee relations and retention.
• Strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail
• Comfortable presenting at direct report, peer, and senior leadership level
• Demonstrated ability in forecasting, budgeting, and P&L management.
• Strong technical aptitude to support manufacturing environment (assembly operations, machining operations)
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft tools, Power BI, Workday, Maximo)

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelors degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field

Preferred:

• Masters degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering or related field
• Lean manufacturing certification

Experience

Required:

• 7+ years’ experience in operations role in manufacturing environment with 5+ years’ in leadership role
• Experience building, developing, engaging, and overseeing high-performing manufacturing teams, with a track record of questioning behavioral norms and driving cultural change.
• Experience in applying Lean manufacturing concepts to reduce cost and improve productivity; experience developing and organizing continuous improvement programs; demonstrated track record of driving positive change.

Preferred:

• 7+ years’ experience in leadership role in manufacturing environment
• Experience in Union environment, ideally leading a team of Union employees

Allison Transmission is an equal opportunity employer. We have opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran requiring assistance and/or reasonable accommodations reviewing any of the careers information, please contact us at [email protected].

Please note that Allison Transmission will make an offer of employment only to individuals who have applied for a position using our official application. Be on alert for possible fraudulent offers of employment. Allison Transmission will not solicit money or banking information from applicants.