Advanced Manufacturing: Jobs Available

Vaupell Molding & Tooling of Constantine is seeking a Sales Engineer.

Job Description

Vaupell is currently seeking a full-time sales engineer to manage and expand the relationship with current major customers and selected other target accounts with the objectives of making Vaupell the “go-to” partner for any service it offers. The results should be high customer satisfaction and significantly increased profitable sales.  This is a full-time position for a mid-senior level position in engineering within the plastics industry.

The ideal candidate will have a broad engineering background, be a good problem solver, have a good understanding of business processes, have strong organization and communication skills, and have the leadership skills to motivate others to a desired result.

Job Requirements

Develop customer relationships that drive identification of new opportunities. Work with internal staff to develop solutions addressing customer problems and requirements that help establish Vaupell as their first call when they need a solution resulting in increased profitable sales and high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Manage and expand (across customer organizations including engineering, supply chain, accounting, operations,product management, etc.) relationships with current major customers, selected other customers and prospective customers.
• Develop and execute strategies and plans for the customers for which you are responsible.
• Identify and develop business opportunities with the assigned customers/prospects.
• Understand customers’ requirements, plans and challenges
• Cross-sell a broader range of services/capabilities to existing customers
• Communicate Vaupell’s value proposition as it applies to customer opportunities
• Qualify the opportunities: need, timeframe, authority, money
• Develop solutions
• Assist and provide value to customers in terms of technical, business and operational recommendations.  As needed, leverage the skills and resources of the Vaupell team.
• With assistance from Vaupell engineer and operational staff,  formulate solutions with significant content from among the services offered by Vaupell
• Up-sell and cross-sell additional services/value add to obtain more content from current customers
• Propose solutions
• Work with customers to obtain and validate necessary information to quote jobs.
• Prepare package with requirements and data required for quote generation
• Work with Vaupell staff to generate costs, prices and quotes/proposals.
• Generate proposals and present to customers.
• Close - With assistance and guidance from management and others, secure new business
• Trial Close
• Address Objections
• Close Sales
• Be the “voice of the customer” inside Vaupell
• Communicate and manage, as necessary, customer issues and opportunities.
• Communicate customer needs to the Vaupell management and staff.
• Reporting as needed
• Provide periodic sales forecasts
• Provide periodic pipeline reports
• Provide periodic call reports
• Participate in business planning and forecasting activities as needed.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships with others within the Vaupell team to ensure tasks required to support customer satisfaction and growth can be effectively executed.
• Understand and communicate current requirements and new developments in the markets Vaupell serves.
• Frequent  travel (within 150 miles) and occasional travel (outside 150 miles) will be required to develop and maintain customer relationships

Desired Skills and Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering (mechanical, plastics, manufacturing or other related field)
• Experienced in a role requiring significant customer interaction and relationships (e.g.  sales, program management, sales/application engineering, etc.).
• Creative problem solver, business and technical.
• Good verbal,written and presentation skills.
• Good skills with MS Office products, particularly Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with manufacturing operations, experience in support of medical, aerospace and defense industries a plus.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, management, external vendors and customers
• Excellent organizational skills
• Experienced with various CAD systems: Solid Works, ProE, CATIA and AutoCAD, etc. a plus
• Ability to manage projects, working to deadlines and within budgets.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Strong leadership skills and “Problem Solving Attitude”

Company Description

Vaupell Holdings, Inc. is a global contract manufacturer of custom injection molded components and assemblies focused on the aerospace, medical, and defense marketplaces. It provides advanced, integrated solutions to select customers in these niche markets and can assist in all phases of a company's product life cycle.

Its rapid prototyping capabilities include Stereolithography (SLA), Resin Casting including Cast Urethane, Laser Sintered Plastic (LSP or SLS), CNC Machining, Metal Casting, Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Injection molds, Precision Machining, and short-run injection molding.

Production capabilities include injection molding of all types of polymers, including engineered resins such as PEEK, RADEL, and ULTEM. We are the market leader in the molding of aerospace interior components. In the medical device market, we specialize in bioresorbable and implantable products, and have Class 7 & 8 cleanrooms for production molding.

With nearly 500 employees in six operating facilities around the globe and registrations such as ISO 9001, AS9100 and ISO 13485; Vaupell Holdings, Inc serves top tier OEM's and promising start-ups in its selected industries. Facilities are located in Washington, Michigan, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Texas, and China.

Experis is seeking a Plant Manager for a Kalamazoo operation. This is a full-time mid- to senior-level engineering position in the chemical industry.

Job Description

The Plant Manager Provides Leadership and Guidance to site employees to ensure that all plant operations and administrative activities are efficient, safe and adhere to the company's safety, environmental, quality and productivity standards and in compliance with government regulations.

Key Accountabilities

• Drive cultural change.

• Develop leaders

• Staff the plant with appropriate resources

• Allocate resources to deliver at times conflicting and competing outcomes.

Major Responsibilities
• ENSURES EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE MANUFACTURING by coordinating multiple departments across platforms including production, engineering, process control, accounting, pilot plant, maintenance, warehouse and shipping, IT, SHE, to obtain efficient operations and to maximize profit.

• DEVELOPS AND IMPLEMENTS MANUFACTURING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES by reviewing analyses of production activities, costs, production capacity, investment proposals and forecast data.

• DEVELOPS AND IMPLEMENTS MANUFACTURING BUDGET by allocating operating budgets and by reviewing department expenditures.

• MONITORS QUALITY AND SAFETY -- Supports quality and safety procedures and policies and ensures implementation of SHE recommendations. Ensures AS9100 quality system certification and maintenance. Ensures the companys quality statement and objectives are met and if possible, exceeded.

• MAINTAINS QUALIFIED AND SUFFICIENT STAFF by hiring, developing and training and when necessary terminating personnel.

• PROVIDES SUPERVISION AND SUPPORT TO ALL PLANT PERSONNEL by scheduling and assigning employees to particular jobs and by follow up on job results. By giving direct supervision to middle management in the plant and indirectly to all employees.

• MARKETING AND SALES LIAISON by ensuring that products and services meet customer expectations and market requirements.

• ENSURE ADHERENCE TO STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS by ensuring manufacturing procedures, environmental and safety procedures, and personnel policies and practices are in accordance with applicable laws. Interact with state and federal officials.

Approve all external correspondence that carries the company name.

Follows all environmental and safety regulations related to the business sector, and acts in compliance with all U.S. Laws.

Complies with safety and corporate guidelines on business ethics.


Education

Bachelors Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or other technical field.

Experience

Experience in similar industry as production or engineering manager or experience in similar industry as plant manager. Previous supervisory experience is required.

Eaton Corporation located in Galesburg, Mich., has an opening for a Vehicle Group North America Logistics Manager, a mid-senior level full-time position in supply chain distribution at its Galesburg, Mich., location.

The primary functions of the Vehicle Group North America Logistics Manager include:

• This position is responsible for managing the business relationship between our customer and third-party logistics providers. This position supports development and execution of global logistic strategies to help achieve Vehicle Group’s sales and business growth plan.

• Works closely with third-party logistics companies, VG NA operations, commodity managers, packaging, new programs and Eaton corporate team to develop business cases to promote best practices, optimization opportunities and evaluate new alternatives to improve overall business performance and develop system solutions.

•. Reports global logistics spend for the VG NA and works with regional teams to identify and drive transportation and warehouse optimization opportunities and solutions for NAFTA Automotive and NAFTA Truck.

•. Supports development of business continuity strategies in addition to providing guidance in the event of transportation industry changes, shortages, trends and crisis management.

• Supports International Trade and Customs programs, working with Corporate Trade Management and VG NA operations to ensure compliance with government regulations and successful deployment of customs initiatives and application of preferential programs for VGA business.

6. Acts as subject matter of expert for the business on international logistics and trade compliance issues.

The essential functions of this position include:

• Participates in VG NA Regional Materials Councils and Eaton Global Logistics Council; deploys logistics initiatives as established by the Council. Drives the design, development, implementation and management of logistics solutions for VG NA.

• Manages logistics partners to monitor performance to insure compliance and alignment with customer requirements and contractual obligations, as well as manage BSC with cost out opportunities for global freight forwarders.

• Manages BSC for VG NA reporting to group and corporate managers. Track, analyze and communicate key performance metrics and drive cost out through our third party logistics provider and using a GEMBA approach in brainstorming ideas with plant materials managers.

• Identifies process improvement opportunities within area of responsibility through gaining advanced understanding of operational material demand requirements and working with material planning team to optimize material flow; partners with key cross-functional partners to solicit customer, supplier and associate feedback to identify program improvement opportunities for implementation.

• Trains operational customers and suppliers (internal & external) on logistics processes and initiatives to increase awareness and monitors compliance via metrics. Additionally, communicate transportation rules that are applicable to Truck business.

• Stays up-to-date on government requirements within area of responsibility to provide guidance and to assure compliance, as well as deployment of opportunities (for example, compliance to ISF regulation, application of ISA, and preferential duty programs like NAFTA).

•. Drives improvement and standardization of logistics processes within area of responsibility, as well as maintains and continuously improves Materials Playbook and SIPOC with logistics processes and logistics programs for VGA.

• Supports deployment and implementation of strategic warehouse initiatives, including warehouse baseline, network analysis, and implementation of consignment and vendor managed inventory solutions.

• Provides functional support for global manufacturing footprint analysis and projects.

• Manages the supply of logistics-related data to support customers in the day-to-day general areas of engineering, supply, configuration management, technical requirements identification, installation and maintenance of equipment, safety and documentation development and maintenance. Investigates potential risk and other matters of significance, and provides and implements solutions on day to day issues with manufacturing operations within VG.

• Manages the supply of logistics-related data to support customers in the day-to-day general areas of engineering, supply, configuration management, technical requirements identification, installation and maintenance of equipment, safety and documentation development and maintenance. Investigates potential risk and other matters of significance, and provides and implements solutions on day to day issues with manufacturing operations within VG.

• Analyzes and evaluates design concepts and integration support requirements to determine if concepts satisfy support requirements. Implements, monitors and adjusts solutions to ensure the integration of support considerations as needed. Monitor the quality, cost, and efficiency of both the movement and storage of goods in our Eaton Logistics Center and manufacturing operations. Assist in the design of routes for delivery of returnable loops for the VG systems.

Position Criteria:

• In-depth understanding of domestic and international transportation modes, capabilities and practices.

• Thorough understanding of Trade Compliance laws, regulations, and management processes

• Experience in managing third-party logistics providers.

• Global business experience and ability to communicate and work effectively with global teams

• Familiarity with U.S. Customs regulations and practices

• Strong leadership and project management skill

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Masters Degree in Engineering / science highly desirable.

• Multilingual skills are highly desirable

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of Supply Chain/Logistics experience and a Bachelor’s degree from a nationally accredited institution required

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without company sponsorship

Ralcorp Holdings seeks a Safety Manager for its Battle Creek, Mich., operations. This is a full-time Mid-Senior level position in the food production industry.

Job Description

This person hired for this position is responsible for ensuring compliance to federal and state law as it applies to safety and security policies and procedures in a structured team environment.

•  Responsible for implementing and executing safety programs that effectively controls accident, health and property loss exposures in the company.

• This position will also have responsibility for all activities required by worker's compensation laws, OSHA and corporate policy for the adjustment and mitigation of claims and financial losses to the company.

•  Directs, monitors and performs accident investigations, safety inspections and internal / external audits.

• Responsible for the analysis, preparation and maintenance of mandatory/regulatory related safety and environment reports/records, maintain OSHA 300 log.

• Implements corporate and local safety policies and procedures in compliance with local, state and federal rules and regulations.

• Implement security/loss control policies as they relate to employee, visitor, trucker and contractor activities while on company property.

• Direct safety orientations for new employees as well as manager safety training programs.

• Develop and direct safety programs such as HazComm, LOTO, Ergonomics, PIT, PPE, Confined Space, Hearing Conservation and Industrial Hygiene.

• Demonstrate high visibility on the plant floor and positive attitude in order to establish an effective and responsible safety culture.

• Responsible for providing guidance and support to extended safety resources: Safety Links and Element Teams.
• Acts as a resource to plant leadership teams regarding all safety / security operations, will work with all levels of employees.

• Manage and oversee employee return to work program, provide follow up with employee, doctor and leadership for each injury/illness/incident

• Report all injuries to the insurance provider and corporate, monitor claim and follow up with insurance provider as needed to manage worker compensation.

• Other special projects and duties as assigned.

Desired Skills and Experience

Education: BS / BA Safety, Environmental Health is required.

Experience: A minimum of five years of safety experience in a manufacturing environment.
•  Experience leading change in a single large site or multiple site environment.

•  Ability to adapt well to fast-paced environments with changing circumstances, direction and strategy.

•  Ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and leadership.

•  Possesses excellent interpersonal skills (verbal and written).

•  Experience with Microsoft Office applications.

•  Must possess excellent organizational and analytical skills.

•  Able to prioritize, work efficiently and accurately as well as provide and follow instructions.

•  Must be available for 24/7 manufacturing operations, including weekend and off shift hours.

•  Ability to travel up to 25 percent.

Company Description

Ralcorp is not only a stable, but growing company with a Management Philosophy of creating Shareholder value now and everyday. Ralcorp's vision is to grow through both internal expansion and strategic acquisitions. Our net sales have grown to $3.8 billion in fiscal year 2009, with continued expectations for growth in the upcoming year. Ralcorp has created value through its growth, consistency and credibility.

Post Foods is one of the world's largest cereal companies. For more than 113 years, it has offered consumers delicious, wholesome, and innovative cereals. Post has a rich history building one of the oldest and largest cereal manufacturing plants in the world. We continue to grow our business with: Honey Bunches of Oats, Honey Comb, Fruity/Cocoa Pebbles, Golden Crisp, Grape Nuts, Shredded Wheat, and Waffle Crisp.

Hydro's Extrusion North America is seeking a Human Resources Manager for its Kalamazoo operation.
 
Hydro's Extrusion North America business sector is a significant player in the aluminium extrusion market in the United States, and is also active in Mexico.

The sector operates eight extrusion plants and has approximately 1,300 employees. Extrusion North America places a focus on common values and team building in order to mantain a strong interface with customers.

The Human Resources Manager will originate and lead Human Resources practices and objectives that will provide an employee-oriented, high performance culture that emphasizes empowerment, quality, productivity and standards, goal attainment, and the recruitment and ongoing development of a superior workforce.

Career Path

The HR Manager has the upward mobility into regional HR Management positions.

Areas of responsibility or role

    •    Focuses on developing organizational competency: conducts needs assessments, manages annual review process, participates in workforce planning, and delivers targeted training programs/new employee orientation.

    •    Ensures a competitive workplace by delivering effective recruitment and turnover reduction strategies, analyzing wage information/conducting wage surveys to maintain competitive compensation plans, and supporting key HR initiatives to position Hydro as a preferred employer.

    •    Manages union labor relations. Manages all aspects of employee relations including investigations, counseling to management and employees, conflict mediation and resolution, etc. Coordinates the resolution of specific policy-related and procedural problems and inquiries.

    •    Develops and recommends operating policy and procedural improvements. Provides advice, assistance and follow-up on company policies, procedures, and documentation.

    •    Proactively manages the HR system in order to maintain the accuracy of employee and organization data.

    •    Conducts exit interviews, analyzes data for trends and makes necessary recommendations to management team.

    •    Maintains compliance with all applicable laws and regulations (US federal, MI state, and Hydro) relating to the human resources function.

    •    Exhibits and lives the Hydro Values (courage, respect, cooperation, determination, and foresight) as part of doing business.

Qualifications

    •    Ideal candidate will have a BS/BA degree in Human Resources or related field plus a miniumum.

    •    Five years of HR Management experience. PHR/SPHR certification is strongly desired.

    •    Strong labor/union management, employee relations, and performance management skills are key in this role.

    •    Position requires occasional travel.

Other Information

    •    Hydro offers competitive salaries, relocation assistance, and 401K dollar for dollar match up to 4 percent, and comprehensive benefit plans, strong incentive based compensation in addition to base salary.

    •    Hydro is an equal opportunity employer and a drug free workplace.

    •    Position requires the right to work in the United States- Local Conditions Apply.

 
 

HRM Innovations, LLC, of Battle Creek is seeking an ERP logistics specialist.

Job Description

• Responsible for the coordination, execution, and completion of customer sales and service orders ensuring consistency with company strategy, commitments and goals (profitability, customer satisfaction and quality assurance).

• Responsible for actively driving and coordinating the order planning and fulfillment stages of the sales process working in conjunction with the Sales, Accounting, Quality and Operation teams.

Key responsibilities

Logistics:

• Daily communication of incoming product from Austria and all out-going shipments to customers.

• Oversee the completion per customer requirements surrounding shipments.

• Approving incoming and outgoing freight charges.

• Initiate inspections on product received back in-house from the customer.

Purchasing:

•  Creation, follow-up and receipt on Production and Service Purchase Orders with suppliers.

• Work with Operations surrounding suppliers in confirming requirements and purchase order placement.

MRP:

•  Generation and interpretation of the SAP requirements.

• Utilize a JIT Inventory System.

•  Occasional off-site customer visits as part of supplier conferences.

Inter-Departmental:

• Consistent daily interaction and follow-up with Operations, Quality, Engineering, Accounting, Sales, Service and affiliated companies to accomplish tasks as needed.

• Prioritize time sensitive needs requiring immediate attention.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Minimum two years applicable experience in an ERP role within an industrial and/or manufacturing capacity.

• Bachelor's degree required, preferred in one of the following: Supply Chain, Materials, or Logistics Management.

• Accuracy and ability to handle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously collaborating with multiple areas and personalities.

• Detail oriented and able to solve complex problems.

• Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office, SAP (or other ERP software) and server based programs (EDI, MRP).

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills (written/verbal).

Company Description

Geislinger has evolved from a torsional vibration solution provider into one of the leading suppliers of couplings and dampers worldwide. Quality, innovative technologies, and a huge wealth of experience have made them into a market and innovation leader throughout the world with its headquarters in Austria staffing 450 people and revenue of approximately 70 million Euros. Geislinger was founded in 1958. The company developed from a torsional vibration solution provider into one of the leading suppliers of couplings and dampers worldwide.

The Battle Creek location has 30 employees with a focus on manufacturing, sales, and service with revenue of $10 to 11 million.  Industries served -- Shipbuilders/Marine, Rail, Mining, Oil and Gas, Power Generation, and Wind Power.