Operations Lead, Research and Development

TI Automotive supplies safety and performance critical products and highly engineered components to the global automotive industry. We have more than 100 years' experience of solving customers' safety, efficiency and environmental challenges. Our exceptional team, powertrain agnostic product portfolio, vertical integration, global footprint and customer proximity make us a trusted partner to all the world's leading OEMs. Job Summary: The Operations Lead – ResearchDevelopment is responsible for leading technical innovation, product development, manufacturing process optimization, and operational excellence within an automotive manufacturing environment. This role combines technical leadership, plant operations oversight, and R&D expertise to support the development and commercialization of advanced automotive materials, including Thermoplastic Olefins (TPO), sustainable material solutions, and compounded plastic products. Working closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, Sales, Purchasing, and Customer teams, the Operations Lead ensures safe, efficient, and profitable operations while driving new product development, program launches, continuous improvement initiatives, and customer satisfaction. The incumbent provides leadership for technical teams, supports strategic growth initiatives, and develops innovative material solutions aligned with customer requirements and environmental sustainability goals. Job Responsibilities: Provide technical expertise regarding standards, best practices, and processes to engineering, manufacturing, and R&D teams. Support plant operations by resolving complex technical and manufacturing challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Lead the development of new automotive materials and products, including TPO compounds and sustainable material technologies. Improve and reformulate existing products to enhance performance, quality, manufacturability, and cost competitiveness. Conduct material investigations, testing, validation, and performance evaluations. Support environmental initiatives through development of biofiber-filled, reinforced, and carbon reduction-focused materials. Collaborate with Engineering and Automation teams to optimize manufacturing processes. Implement improvements in compounding, injection molding, blow molding. Develop manufacturing strategies and capital equipment plans for new business opportunities. Conduct audits and reviews to ensure compliance with quality management systems and lead corrective action activities for quality issues. Provide technical support to customers regarding materials, manufacturing processes, and product performance. Support material approvals, color approvals, product validation, and prototype launch activities. Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and business partners. Work closely with corporate purchasing teams to optimize raw material procurement and supplier performance. Support adherence to IATF 16949, ISO standards, APQP, PPAP, and customer-specific requirements. Act as a key liaison between Sales, Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Quality, and Supply Chain functions. Support strategic initiatives to improve customer satisfaction and business performance. Job Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related field is required. Master's Degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Business Administration (MBA), or related discipline is preferred. Minimum 7 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, engineering, operations, or R&D. Minimum 5 years of technical leadership experience. Experience managing cross-functional teams, projects, and customer programs. Experience with automotive product development and program launch activities. Experience with APQP, PPAP, IATF 16949, and automotive quality systems. Experience with compounding, injection…

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