Director of Application Technology - Die Casting North America

Summary

Bühler technologies touch billions of people every day by enabling safe food and sustainable mobility.  One billion people travel in vehicles with parts produced using Buhler equipment.  With this global relevance, we transform today’s challenges into sustainable, scalable, and profitable solutions.

The Department Manager Application Technology NAM leads the regional Application Technology function for Die Casting in North America, serving as the primary liaison for advanced process support from initial casting concepts through finished products.  This role is part of the Global Die Casting Application Technology organization and partners with Sales, Quotation, Engineering, Customer Service, and Global Product Management to deliver best-in-class technical guidance, process optimization, and training that drives customer success and business growth.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor the North American Application Technology team; build capabilities, succession plans, and a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement in close collaboration with the Global Application Technology team
• Own the regional application strategy and roadmap aligned to global product strategy; translate market and customer insights into actionable requirements for Product Management
• Collaborate with customers on DFM (Design for Manufacturability) to optimize casting designs and reduce total cost of ownership
• Proactively drive HPDC applications for future automotive platforms by supporting OEMs in early design and development of future body-in-white, powertrain, battery and chassis components
• Co-develop with customers their manufacturing quality framework, including quality standards, process control plans, operational standards for die and equipment maintenance, in-process operations, and post-processing
• Support strategic key accounts with process optimization plans and productivity improvement programs
• Participate in the proposal engineering process for customer opportunities by defining process/part flow, machine & peripheral equipment requirements, & creating customized customer presentations tailored to the opportunity
• Drive revenue development across the local team, in addition to involving the global team, by proactively initiating opportunities and responding to customer requests for part development, process support, trials, and training - converting technical engagements into reoccurring turnover opportunities
• Keep in contact with leading universities in the field of HPDC in the NAM region
• DC technology scouting: Identify emerging technologies that might expand the application of HPDC and/or improve current HPDC production
• Represent Bühler at industry events, technical conferences and seminars, as a subject-matter expert.
• Works cross-functionally with Sales and Customer Service to lead operational efforts for Bühler Service Agreements and all other support opportunities to build revenue streams
• Financial targets: Setting of and achievement of annual budgets including:
  • NAM applications and training budget (OR, TO and DB1)
  • NAM cost budget and cost center coverage

Qualifications

Required Skill and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other equivalent training or experience
• Deep understanding of high-pressure die casting process and machinery, automation, peripherals (spray systems, ladlers, extractors, thermal control, etc)
• Proven experience improving casting quality, yield, cycle time, and OEE through process optimization and data-driven problem solving.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams and cross-functional initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation) with the ability to influence at all organizational levels and within customer hierarchies.
• Strong customer relationship management and consultative skills.
• Highly developed computer skills in Microsoft 365

Preferred Skill and Experience

• Experience with Bühler die casting solutions or comparable OEM / Tier 1 experience
• Knowledge of die design fundamentals, thermal management, lubricants, and alloy behavior (e.g., Al, Mg, Zn).
• Experience with simulation, process monitoring, and analytics tools (e.g., Flow3D, Magmasoft,).
• Experience in a global matrix organization a plus.
• Leadership skills in local and international environments
• Ability to work accurately and reliably under pressure
• Coaching of employees in professional and personal development
• Strong leadership personality and sense for people development
• Target and results oriented
• Openness, teamwork, flexibility
• Above average personal commitment, independence and readiness for action
• Multicultural understanding and sensitivity