ILUS - Senior Manager- Product Development Engineering

Company Summary

Daifuku Intralogistics America Corporation is a leading provider of intelligent material handling systems. With hundreds of engineers in‑house, the company designs, manufactures, integrates, and installs a full spectrum of intralogistics solutions, offering both Daifuku‑branded and third‑party equipment to meet client needs. These include leading‑edge conveyor and sortation systems, voice‑ and light‑directed order fulfillment equipment, a suite of warehouse controls & execution software, robotics, Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS), mezzanines, and structures, all backed by critical round‑the‑clock service and support.

The Senior Manager of Product Development Engineering leads and directs product engineering and development for the company. The responsibilities include strategic planning, product design, quality assurance, and problem resolution. The role executes product design to meet company objectives, partners with management, and develops systems and controls to ensure compliance with quality standards.

• Ensures alignment of Daifuku Intralogistics Product Engineering activities with the overall Daifuku strategy.
• Provides goals and metrics to drive execution of strategic initiatives for Daifuku Product Engineering.
• Provides effective leadership to a team of engineering professionals and staff.
• Coaches and mentors staff to optimize performance, engagement, professional development, and quality of work experience.
• Works with key internal and external customer constituencies to gain a thorough understanding of their operational and business needs and advises them on selection and implementation of appropriate technology solutions.
• Supports and consults internal and external customers on technology implementation, including logistics, cost implications, potential return on investment of technology, and the steps to navigate through internal project approval requirements.
• Provides oversight of projects and services to ensure timely execution, follow‑up, and closure of issues.
• Reports regularly on strategies, goals and key business metrics to Daifuku business leadership and peers.
• Proactively identifies emerging technology solutions to support Daifuku Intralogistics Product Engineering business growth and business excellence throughout Daifuku.
• Regularly interacts with engineering and production managers and supervisors to stay informed of all operational aspects.
• Initiates and sponsors the development and implementation of quality improvement projects that improve operational cost efficiency, employee productivity, and level of customer service.
• Manages vendor relationships to ensure successful projects, return on investment, and new business opportunities.
• Complies with Daifuku’s policies and procedures for protecting internal and customer information and confidentiality of the information in accordance with signed confidentiality agreements and federal and state regulations.
• Travel required as needed, up to 25%.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, management, engineering, or related subject or equivalent;
  Master’s degree a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in the development of high‑performing technology development and implementation organizations, including organization design and staff selection and development.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in product engineering technology development and implementation.
• Strong operational background and proven track record of accomplishments in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience working in an organization with complex infrastructure, applications, and procedures in a cross‑functional team environment.
• In‑depth knowledge of standard methodologies in product engineering technology.
• In‑depth knowledge of interdependencies and relationships between various engineering systems.
• Some technical knowledge of the various engineering disciplines required for engineering solutions development including mechanical, electrical, controls, robotics, and software.
• Strong computer skills using MS Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Visio,…