Summary
The Installation Manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of field installation activities for Automotive Body-In-White (BIW) tooling projects at both unionized OEM facilities and non-union Tier One supplier sites. This role ensures seamless integration of automation and tooling systems by managing site supervisors, coordinating with contracted union installers, and overseeing manpower, resources, and timelines. With a focus on delivering projects from installation through buy-off and launch, the Installation Manager serves as the primary liaison between customer facilities, internal teams, and field resources, requiring extensive industry experience and the ability to travel 50% of the time to support site needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Field Installation Coordination
Coordinate all field installation activities, including the deployment of site supervisors and installation crews, for BIW tooling projects at OEM and Tier One facilities.
Develop and manage detailed installation plans in collaboration with Project Managers, ensuring alignment with customer timelines and specifications.
Oversee the integration of automation systems (e.g., robotics, fixtures) and resolve technical issues during installation phases.
Union and Non-Union Site Management
Coordinate with contracted union installers at OEM facilities, ensuring compliance with union agreements, safety protocols, and project schedules.
Manage installation processes at non-union Tier One supplier sites, adapting strategies to meet varying operational requirements and resource availability.
Liaise with customer facility managers to align installation plans with site-specific needs and production schedules.
Manpower and Resource Oversight
Develop and monitor manpower plans, ensuring adequate staffing levels at customer facilities to meet project timing and deliverables.
Allocate resources (e.g., tools, equipment, personnel) efficiently across multiple sites, adjusting plans as needed to address shortages or delays.
Provide site reporting line-ups and resource requirements to customers and internal teams, ensuring transparency and preparedness.
Site Supervision and Issue Resolution
Supervise Site Supervisors, providing direction and support from installation through buy-off and launch phases.
Conduct regular site visits to assess progress, address installation challenges, and resolve issues related to quality, safety, or resource constraints.
Report installation status, risks, and resolutions to Project Managers and senior leadership, maintaining detailed logs for accountability.
Timesheet and Administrative Management
Handle all timesheet reporting for field personnel, ensuring accurate tracking of hours worked and compliance with union and company policies.
Manage Site Supervisor responsibilities remotely and on-site, including task delegation, performance monitoring, and documentation of milestones.
Customer and Stakeholder Coordination
Act as the primary point of contact for customers regarding installation activities, coordinating needs and providing updates on progress and challenges.
Facilitate communication between site teams, union representatives, and customer facility management to ensure smooth operations.
Safety, Quality, and Compliance
Enforce adherence to safety and environmental regulations at all sites, identifying and mitigating risks in collaboration with site supervisors.
Ensure installations meet automotive industry standards (e.g., IATF 16949) and customer-specific quality requirements through oversight and buy-off processes.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance field operations efficiency and effectiveness.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related field), Construction Management, or equivalent; or 15+ years of direct experience in automotive tooling installation management.
Required: 15+ years of experience in the automotive industry, specifically managing installations of BIW tooling or automation systems for OEMs and Tier One suppliers.
Proven track record working with unionized workforces and non-union environments in manufacturing settings.
Skills and Competencies
Technical Skills:
o Strong understanding of BIW tooling, automation systems (e.g., robotics, PLCs), and installation processes.
o Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project); familiarity with ERP systems is a plus.
Leadership Skills: Ability to manage and motivate field teams, including Site Supervisors and union/non-union installers, across multiple locations.
Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written skills to coordinate with customers, union representatives, and internal stakeholders; ability to produce clear site reports and updates.
Problem-Solving Skills: Expertise in resolving installation-related issues (e.g., resource shortages, technical failures) under tight deadlines.
Organizational Skills: Capacity to juggle multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and maintain detailed records in a dynamic field environment.
Certifications (Preferred)
OSHA 30-Hour Certification or equivalent safety training.
Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification is a plus.
Physical Demands
Regularly required to stand, walk, and inspect sites; use hands to handle tools/documents; and communicate effectively in noisy environments.
Occasionally required to lift up to 50 pounds (e.g., equipment setup) and climb ladders or scaffolding as needed.
Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.
Work Environment
Field-based with frequent exposure to manufacturing environments (e.g., moving machinery, moderate-to-high noise levels).
Requires 50% travel to customer sites (OEM plants and Tier One facilities), including local, domestic, and occasional overnight stays.
Travel Requirements
Travel approximately 50% of the time to oversee installations, support site needs, or address resource gaps.
Local and domestic travel to unionized OEM facilities and non-union Tier One supplier sites is frequent; international travel is rare and project-dependent.