Department Manager I

Element Materials Technology•Warren, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Element has an opportunity for a Department Manager I. In this role, you will be a member of the operational leadership team, reporting to the General Manager. You will perform a variety of leadership responsibilities within the department to ensure timely and accurate test results are delivered. Our Warren, MI location provides complete full-vehicle, subsystem, and component testing for automotive, transportation, aerospace, defense, commercial, and industrial customers. The laboratory’s capabilities span climatic and environmental simulation, fuels and fluids testing, polymer and composite analysis, materials testing, corrosion, vibration, hydraulic and dynamics testing, and advanced hybrid and electric vehicle battery testing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four year college or university and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a leadership role.
Experience with electrical and electronics testing methods and equipment required.
Working knowledge of laboratory safety with extensive knowledge of the current suite of testing capabilities.
Ability to read and interpret test specifications, drawings, test plans and/or blueprints.
Strong computer skills with basic mathematical skills with the ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry a plus.
Technical leadership is vital to the production and operation of assigned tests with advanced working knowledge to operate various testing equipment.
Ability to communicate (written and oral) effectively with clients and colleagues with great attention to detail and timing of results.
Proven ability to multi task and work under strict time lines.
Organizational, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to effectively establish and maintain two-way communications to understand the needs and concerns.

Nice To Haves

Understanding of continuous improvement disciplines such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, Lean Manufacturing, 5S, etc. preferred.

Responsibilities

Responsible for the department's safety performance and awareness; spearheads and manages initiatives that drive a culture of safety first.
Under the direction of the General Manager, helps lead the efficient operation and growth of the assigned department.
Plan, assign and schedule work for designated staff.
Assists in the engineering and coordination of projects from start to finish.
Works to assure quality, timeliness, consistency and accuracy of test reports.
Demonstrate knowledge of Element capabilities, processes and expertise to be able to clearly explain the benefits of Element testing services.
Represents Element with the highest levels of integrity and professionalism at all times.
Responsible for promoting and ensuring the Element quality assurance and safety program initiatives are executed upon.
Responsible and accountable to assigned staff decisions to include hiring, performance management, performance review decisions and execution, and approval of overtime and time cards.
Work with assigned staff to ensure work schedules are maintained and balanced.
Maintain an environment of respect and dignity within the department covering employee interactions and problem solving while ensuring work rules are known and followed.
Manages a team with fairness and consistency and takes interest in the development of direct reports.
Provide general administrative functions as required (invoicing, job list upkeep, supply report data for creation).
Review testing services and promote additional capacity and process improvement.
Translate technical requirements of the client into providing pricing, timing and technical knowledge for quoting and commercial efforts.

Benefits

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world.
Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries.
Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.
When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose.
From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.
While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company.
We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.
Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work.
The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.
At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first.
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.
All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.