Global Head of Engineering

Location: Remote, Australia.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer.

Job Title: Global Head of Engineering.

About Us: Aletek is a leading manufacturer of products engineered to improve the safety, reliability and productivity of mobile mining equipment and natural gas stationary engines. We are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients across Australia and the Americas through our unwavering obsession with customer happiness and product quality and innovation.

Position Overview: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Global Head of Engineering to join our global management team and to lead our design and engineering team in developing and implementing design and engineering systems and processes, building department scalability, embedding and improving product and process engineering disciplines, and to drive R&D and product innovation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in drafting/design/engineering within the manufacturing or vehicle and/or vehicle accessory production environments and the role requires expertise in 2D and 3D SolidWorks and PDM CAD solutions, project management, and overseeing the entire product life cycle from concept to completion, with the ability to work effectively both cross-functionally and cross-culturally within a global organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy: Cascade down the strategic plan with a focus on our culture and customer. Focus on developing and implementing design office and engineering policies and procedures that align with Aletek’s brand promise. Lead the global engineering team to achieve strategic design requirements while supporting and improving the every-day BAU external and internal requirements.
• Product Quality & Compliance: Oversee the Aletek Inventory Product database and help drive the PDM to best in class. Ensuring the highest standards of product quality and compliance and implement an annual strategy to enhance product quality, performance, and industry compliance metrics.
• 2D and 3D CAD Solutions: Utilize advanced 2D and 3D SolidWorks CAD software to guide and oversee the design process, ensuring that all product designs meet technical specifications and quality standards. Collaborate with design teams to optimize designs for manufacturing and performance.
• Project Management: Lead and manage engineering projects including R&D and innovation from inception to completion, ensuring that all projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Coordinate cross-functional teams, manage project timelines, and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Product Life Cycle Management: Oversee the entire product life cycle, from initial concept and design through to manufacturing, launch, and post-launch support. Ensure that product development processes are efficient and that products meet market demands and quality expectations. Work closely with sales and product managers to ensure the design and engineering department is external focussed with a good understanding of our customers, their pain points and applicable production applications.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, including sales, marketing, and field service, to ensure that engineering efforts align with broader company objectives. Facilitate collaboration between teams to drive innovation and problem-solving across the organization.
• Cross-Cultural Effectiveness: Navigate and manage engineering operations across diverse cultural contexts, ensuring effective communication, understanding, and collaboration within a global team.
• Customer Relations: Manage customer product relations, improve customer perception, and lead product innovation processes. Collaborate with sales and field service teams to address product gaps and implement corrective actions.
• Product Development: Oversee existing and new product development strategies, focusing on long-term brand loyalty and market growth. Work with cross-functional teams to drive product innovation and maintain Aletek’s competitive edge.
• Team Management: Mentor and lead the engineering and design team, ensuring that all safety, quality, and compliance targets are met. Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.

Qualifications:

• Education: Tertiary qualifications in Engineering or related disciplines.
• Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in a similar role within the manufacturing, vehicle or vehicle accessory production environment or large design/drafting office environment.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in advanced 2D and 3D CAD design software.
• Solid understanding of project management principles, including Agile and Lean methodologies.
• Expertise in managing the entire product life cycle.
• Ability to work effectively cross-functionally, collaborating with various departments to achieve company objectives.
• Ability to navigate and manage engineering operations across diverse cultural contexts.
• Knowledge of safety, quality, and environmental management standards.
• Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with Australian and International Standards for Safety and Health, Quality, and Environmental Management systems, including ISO and NATA accreditations.

Values Alignment: At Aletek, our core values are Fearless, Motivated, Optimistic, Humble, and Loyal. We seek a Global Head of Engineering who embodies these values in their leadership style and decision-making processes. The successful candidate will:

• Fearlessly tackle challenges and lead by example in driving innovation.
• Motivate the engineering team to reach new heights in product development and quality.
• Maintain an Optimistic outlook, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Approach each task with Humility, recognizing the contributions of every team member.
• Demonstrate Loyalty to Aletek’s mission, vision, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Key Performance Metrics:

• Achievement of product design completion targets with minimal variability.
• New product development value targets and forward-looking R&D pipeline value.
• Improvement in field lead generation activities and customer satisfaction rates.
• Effective management of product warranties and adherence to budget targets.

Why Join Us? At Aletek, you will be part of a dynamic team that values innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. We offer a flexible work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to lead a global engineering team in a company that is making a significant impact in the natural resource sector.

Application Process: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role. We look forward to hearing from professionals who are ready to take on a challenging and rewarding leadership position within our global organization.