Director of Operational Technology

Challenge Manufacturing-posted 2 months ago
Full-time • Senior
Walker, MI
1,001-5,000 employees
Resume
Match Score
Upload and Match ResumeTrack Jobs with Teal

Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations. Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success! Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

  • Develop and implement a multi-year OT strategy aligned with corporate objectives and Industry 4.0 roadmaps.
  • Lead multi-site OT teams: Automation & Robotics, Smart Manufacturing, Analytics & IIoT, Field Support, and Infrastructure & Cybersecurity.
  • Oversee deployment, integration, and optimization of MES, SCADA, HMI, robotics, IIoT, AI/ML, and predictive maintenance solutions.
  • Ensure compliance with OT cybersecurity, safety, and automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO/SAE 21434, IEC 62443).
  • Partner with IT to enable secure OT/IT convergence, real-time data availability, and cloud/edge integration.
  • Establish, monitor, and report OT KPIs including uptime, production efficiency, quality metrics, and incident response.
  • Drive continuous improvement using data analytics, root-cause analysis, and lean manufacturing principles.
  • Support new vehicle program launches and plant expansions with OT system readiness.
  • Evaluate and pilot emerging technologies (AI, robotics, digital twins, AR/VR, smart sensors) and recommend adoption.
  • Manage OT budgets, resource allocation, and vendor relationships across sites.
  • Ensure OT systems are scalable, standardized, and adaptable for future production growth.
  • Represent OT in executive leadership meetings and strategic planning sessions.
  • Mentor and develop OT leadership and technical teams; build a pipeline of talent.
  • Maintain OT documentation, SOPs, risk registers, and disaster-recovery plans.
  • Lead initiatives to reduce operational risk, improve quality and efficiency, and support sustainability goals (energy monitoring, waste reduction).
  • Champion change management to successfully roll out smart-factory technologies across plants.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Computer Engineering or Technology Management.
  • Master’s degree in Engineering, Technology Management, or an MBA.
  • 10+ years of progressive OT leadership experience in automotive or high-volume manufacturing.
  • Proven track record of Industry 4.0 and smart-factory implementations.
  • Deep expertise in MES, SCADA, PLCs, robotics, IIoT, AI/ML, and digital twins.
  • OT cybersecurity knowledge (ISO/SAE 21434, IEC 62443).
  • Multi-site leadership experience managing diverse OT teams.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills with a customer-focused mindset.
  • Strong troubleshooting, diagnostic, and documentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to own initiatives, follow through, and deliver results.
  • Project/program management certifications (PMP, PgMP).
  • Hands-on AI/ML deployment experience in manufacturing environments.
  • Deep knowledge of automotive quality standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001) and launch readiness.
  • Global or multi-plant OT operations experience, including vendor and partner management.
  • Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and change-management skills.
  • Familiarity with access-control systems, surveillance technologies, and integrated physical security in plant settings.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions.
  • Flexible Spending Accounts.
  • Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance.
  • Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options.
  • Employer 401k Match.
  • ESOP shares.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Referral Bonus Program.
  • Challenge Incentive Program.
  • Paid time off.
Track Jobs with Teal

Job Search Resources

•
Resume Builder
•
Operations Director Resume Examples
•
Operations Director Cover Letter Examples

Tools

Career Hubs

Guides

Company

© 2024 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service