Production Process Manager

MISUMI Americas, a division of MISUMI Group, is a leading provider of standard, configurable, and custom manufacturing solutions. By integrating a vast catalog of components with a world-class digital manufacturing platform, MISUMI Americas empowers engineers and procurement teams to accelerate innovation across the entire product lifecycle. With operations in the San Francisco Bay Area and Chicago, the company serves as a vital partner for the most innovative companies in the Americas.

Your role as the Production Process Manager will be to oversee the end-to-end New Product Introduction (NPI) lifecycle, from the initial pre-sales quoting phase through to post-sale mass production and Lifecycle Management (LCM). You will establish highly efficient manufacturing systems, optimize direct labor costs through line balancing, and ensure top-tier product maturity. By applying LEAN principles and driving continuous improvement, you will play a critical role in ensuring 100% on-time delivery and maximizing production yield.

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  • →RFQ Assessment: Assess assembly files coming in from customers at the Request for Quote (RFQ) stages and generate the required manufacturing workflow.
  • →Line Balancing & Labor Costing: Conduct line-balancing studies and assess required assembly time by calculating each motion, translating that data directly into direct labor costs.
  • →CAPEX Assessment: Assess the required Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) for production line-related Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE) costs.
  • →LEAN Optimization: Apply LEAN principles to optimize costs wherever possible to provide highly competitive and optimized RFQ packages.
  • →Training & Readiness: Act as the lead for operator training and line readiness for any given assembly program during NPI.
  • →PFMEA Leadership: Lead Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA) efforts alongside the PMO (TPM and Quality) to maintain a high Product Maturity Index through the first production run and into LCM.
  • →Documentation: Generate Work Instructions (WI) and all other required production documents.
  • →Tooling & Validation: Drive jigs and fixtures design and validation.
  • →Pilot Builds: Execute production line validation through successful pilot builds.
  • →OEE Assessment: Conduct Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) assessments to ensure line efficiency.
  • →Lifecycle Management (LCM): Lead LCM responsibilities independently from the PMO once a program heads into the LCM stages.

• 10+ years of experience in automotive component development, production line setup, and equipment management.
• Proven track record in end-to-end NPI-to-mass-production lifecycle management, with a history of achieving zero customer complaints.
• Strong technical skills, including advanced CAD/CAM proficiency and IATF 16949 auditing expertise.
• Business-level Japanese language proficiency (N2 level) for seamless communication with Japanese headquarters or partners.
• English proficiency in reading and writing.
• Excellent leadership skills with experience managing teams of 20+ members and fostering a continuous learning culture.