Responsibilities:
Develop and execute the Product Development strategy for new and existing product ranges
Optimise product cost and improve the product quality both internally and in conjunction with external suppliers
Monitor team projects / activities to achieve strategic objectives
Perform evaluations of new materials and suppliers
Management of the Engineering Change Process
Lead projects with multidisciplinary teams
Conduct FMEA studies and address issues raised
Develop test methods and perform product testing for approval
Perform and approve initial sample inspection reports (ISIR)
Conduct benchmarking studies
Manage all information, documentation, drawings related to the department in accordance with company policies and ISO 9001 requirements
Manage the thermodynamic test laboratory
Interpret thermodynamics test results and provide solutions for improvement
Provide support to production with product / process / quality / equipment related issues
Keep abreast of regulatory specifications and ensure product compliance
Perform and support the Letter of Authority application process
Familiarity with the following standards is an advantage: ISO 9001, ISO 17025, SANS / IEC 62552, 60335-1 & 60335-2-24
Develop, maintain and improve departmental work standards / procedures
Any other product development and design functions as may be necessary
Â
Financial Responsibilities:
Develop department budget, project & capital expenses
Approval of purchases
Adhere to financial policies and procedures
Â
Safety Health and Environment:
Ensure staff works safely according to safety policies, standards and laws
Identify potential hazards and critical safety issues in the workplace
Always ensure a clean and organised work environment
Â
People Management:
Lead the Product Development Team to achieve organisational objectives
Determine resource requirements for the function
Compile and update individual development plans and facilitate individual careers
Conduct performance reviews and manage sub-standard performance
Ensure that all employee resources within the Department are optimally utilised
Chair disciplinary inquires
Maintain and encompass the company corporate values
Educational Requirements:
BSc / BTech / BEng Mechanical Engineering
CAD, Solid Works is an advantage
High level of computer literacy
Electrical engineering knowledge is an advantage
Â
Experience:
5+ years manufacturing environment experience
2+ years at management level or 4+ years leading multidisciplinary teams projects
Experience in People Leadership – must have led small teams
Experience in Project Management
Design for manufacturing principles
Lean manufacturing principles
Cost based approachÂ
Apply known problem solving techniques
Ability to work in a unionised environment
Good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills (both written and verbal)
Refrigeration background or an understanding of thermodynamics is an advantage
Â
Behavioural Competencies:
Adaptability
Aligning performance for success
Building and maintaining relationships
Interpersonal skills & communication
Team player
Continuous improvement mindset
Change leadership
Commercial acumen
Diversity with inclusion
Drive for results
Strategic planning, organising & control
Decision making
Quality leadership
Quality orientation
Respect
Safety awareness
Safety leadership
Work standards
Emotional intelligence
Integrity
