Engineering Leader

Actuant Corporation is a $1.2B diversified industrial company with operations in more than 30 countries. The Actuant businesses are market leaders in branded hydraulic and electrical tools & supplies, umbilical, rope and cable solutions, as well as highly engineered position motion control systems. Actuant business operations are divided into four segments focused on the niche markets we serve: Industrial, Energy, Electrical and Engineered Solutions. Actuant trades on the NYSE under the symbol ATU.

Our Gits Manufacturing business is adding an Engineering Leader to their team at their location in Urbandale, Iowa. Reporting to the Business Unit Leader, this position has overall responsibility for the Engineering team and serve as the technical lead and a key member of the Business Unit Leadership Team.

Key Responsibilities (include, but are not limited to):

• Functions typically include facilities planning, process engineering, maintenance and application of automation and advanced technology, and engineering work relating to new product development.
• Helps set strategic requirements for developing product and technology roadmaps in the Business Unit through thorough understanding of basic PCTP's (Principles, Concepts, Techniques and Processes).
• Proficient in communicating throughout the organization with various group sizes both internal and external, and to senior management. Ability to craft and deliver messages aimed at improving Engineering efficiency, innovation and employee satisfaction. Meets regularly with key customer Engineering leads.
• Leads weekly game plan meetings with Product Marketing - sets priorities and adjusts resource requirements as needed. Participates as a key member of the Business Leadership team.
• Mentors Engineering Site Managers; supports fact based issue/conflict resolution; drives cross-functional teamwork; rewards performance and speed in program execution; drives continuous improvement in all aspects of Engineering processes.
• Understanding of business unit metrics, finances, and actively contributes to business level decisions and annual operating plan (AOP); i.e. authorization for expenditure.
• Develops trusting relationships with Customer Engineering and business leadership; helps Gits Manufacturing positioning as vital business partner with key customers across all products in the Business Unit.
• Proactively seeks ways of improving Engineering effectiveness through cross-functional interactions and alignment at the Business Unit level. Drives continuous improvement and works closely with subordinates/leadership to understand issues and potential opportunities. Maintains positive attitude in dealing with difficult issues and business conditions. Helps implement policies and Procedures. Participates in creation of business and functional strategy.

Desired Background and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• Master’s degree is a plus (not required).
• Other technical training/certifications preferred.
• At least 10-12 years of progressive engineering/management experience in a manufacturing environment with responsibility for managing a staff preferably in a multi-site environment. Electrical industry background preferred but not required.
• Strong program management acumen.
• Gated New Product Development and Product Launch process experience
• International experience in Mexico and China.
• Experience with Oracle a plus.
• Fluent use of Microsoft Office Suite, knowledge of Solid Works a plus.
• Experience in automotive or heavy equipment industry preferred.

Actuant is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, or sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by Federal or State law or local ordinance.

Actuant will only employ those who are legally authorized to work. Any offer of employment is conditioned on the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen.