Director, Advanced Manufacturing - Tooling & Equipment

About the position

Whirlpool's newly formed Advanced Engineering Center of Expertise is seeking a strategic and experienced Tooling and Equipment Leader to drive innovation and efficiency in tooling operations. Reporting to the VP of Innovation and Engineering, this individual will be instrumental in realizing the Strategic Industrial Vision and NPI excellence. A deep understanding of digital design tools, cost engineering principles, and the latest advanced manufacturing technologies will be key to optimizing processes, minimizing rework and prototyping, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety. The role demands strong leadership and collaborative skills to effectively partner with Engineering, Manufacturing, and Strategic Sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to optimize tooling and equipment operations, drive process improvements, and achieve organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with global cross-functional teams to ensure seamless coordination and execution of projects.
• Support the review of project proposals, plans and specifications helping determine resource requirements, project timelines, and budget allocations.
• Interface and influence internal and external stakeholders through a co-design approach to address technical inquiries, resolve issues and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Drive implementation of best practices through process optimization, new technologies, and advanced manufacturing techniques.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements related to safety, quality and environmental standards.
• Support the application of digital design tools to achieve the right level of detail in design outputs, minimizing rework and the need for multiple prototypes.
• Apply cost engineering principles and techniques to analyze, control, and optimize project and operational costs.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the latest technologies and digitization trends relevant to advanced manufacturing, and proactively apply this knowledge to improve processes and solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering.
• Minimum of 10 years of combined experience in industrial engineering and tooling and equipment implementation and optimization.
• Multi-site experience.
• Proven experience in operational excellence, with a strong focus on continuous improvement.
• Proven knowledge of co-design with suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability in effectively conveying complex information to diverse audiences.
• Well versed in current and emerging technologies and digitization trends relevant to industrial manufacturing.
• Strong financial acumen with a proven track record of managing budgets, forecasting financial performance, and ensuring projects meet financial targets.

Nice-to-haves

• Global experience.
• Expert in metal stamping and automation.
• Proficiency in plastics/injection molding.
• Certification in project management (PMP), Lean Six Sigma, or relevant certifications in tooling or advanced manufacturing technologies.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package
• Whirlpool employee discount
• Fitness and educational reimbursement programs
• Kitchenettes
• Beautiful, recently renovated office space
• Free coffee
• Biking/walking trails
• Access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required)
• Always On Flexibility
• Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year
• Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service