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 – Research & Development 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 molding, blow molding, automation, and manufacturing processes.
• Strong technical expertise in polymer materials, plastics compounding, and automotive applications.
• Knowledge of TPO materials with focus on low-temperature ductility and stiffness performance characteristics.
• Understanding of sustainable materials, biofiber reinforced plastics, and environmental product development initiatives.
• Comprehensive understanding of market pricing and cost drivers for compounded materials.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to effectively present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong financial and business acumen.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to customer sites, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and company locations.

Why TI Automotive?

In addition to a workplace that emphasizes respect, teamwork and personal and professional growth, TI Automotive offers a broad range of health, wellness and financial benefits that promote the physical, mental and financial wellbeing of our employees and help them bring their best self to work, including:

• Employee and Family Assistance Program (TELUS Health)
• Pension
• Perkopolis Program
• Vehicle Purchase Discounts
• Social events throughout the year
• Internal job opportunities