Senior Group Manager, Front-End Manufacturing Operations (SMT/FOL)

Manufacturing & Production · Production & Assembly · Production Management · Manufacturing Engineering

In short

Manage front-end manufacturing operations, focusing on SMT/FOL processes, quality, safety, and productivity. This role involves leading teams, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing manufacturing systems in a high-technology environment.

Responsibilities

Lead and promote a strong safety culture focused on proactive risk identification, prevention, and continuous improvement.
Drive compliance with environmental, health, and safety requirements, including electrostatic discharge (ESD), chemical handling, machine safety, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and workplace organization standards.
Deliver quality performance objectives through effective process controls, root cause analysis, corrective action implementation, and adherence to industry and quality management standards.
Ensure robust manufacturing processes that support First Pass Yield (FPY), defect reduction, product traceability, and customer satisfaction.
Lead operational performance to achieve production schedules, on-time delivery commitments, cycle time objectives, and build-ahead requirements.
Develop contingency and recovery plans to minimize the impact of equipment, system, or manufacturing disruptions.
Drive productivity improvements through Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), waste reduction, process optimization, and cost management initiatives.
Identify, evaluate, and support capital investment opportunities that enhance operational capability, efficiency, and scalability.
Build, coach, and develop leaders and manufacturing teams to strengthen organizational capability, engagement, and succession readiness.
Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize workforce planning, skill development, and resource allocation.
Lead the successful adoption and deployment of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), automation technologies, and digital manufacturing solutions.
Champion Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives to support operational excellence and sustainable growth.
Collaborate with global and regional stakeholders to align manufacturing strategies with business objectives and customer needs.
Utilize data and operational insights to drive informed decision-making and performance improvements.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
Significant experience leading manufacturing operations within electronics or high-technology manufacturing environments.
Demonstrated experience managing SMT, Front-of-Line manufacturing, or related production operations.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, operational excellence principles, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience applying Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or similar operational improvement approaches.
Knowledge of quality systems, process controls, and industry manufacturing standards.
Experience leading teams through operational, organizational, or technology transformation initiatives.
Ability to analyze manufacturing data, identify trends, and implement actions that drive measurable business results.
Strong leadership, coaching, stakeholder management, and change management capabilities.
Experience working effectively within global and matrixed organizations.
Proficiency with manufacturing systems, enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms, and digital manufacturing tools.

Desired Qualifications

Advanced degree such as a Master's degree or MBA.
Experience supporting high-mix, high-complexity manufacturing operations.
Deep technical knowledge of SMT processes, microelectronics manufacturing, soldering technologies, and electronics assembly.
Certifications or advanced training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or related operational excellence disciplines.
Experience implementing or leading Manufacturing Execution System (MES) deployments and digital transformation programs.
Knowledge of data visualization and reporting tools such as Power BI.
Experience with automation technologies, smart factory initiatives, and Industry 4.0 applications.
Proven record of delivering measurable improvements in OEE, productivity, quality, cost reduction, and operational performance.

Benefits

Opportunity to contribute to meaningful work
Collaborate with talented colleagues around the world
Help shape the future of manufacturing excellence
Ongoing career development
Growing an inclusive culture
Mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities
Investment in your success

Skills

SMTLean ManufacturingSix SigmaTPMKaizenMESERPPower BI

#manufacturing#operations#SMT#FOL#electronics#high-technology#lean#Six Sigma#TPM#MES#ERP#digital transformation

About Emerson

Emerson is a leading global technology, software, and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial and commercial markets. We help customers in the world’s most essential industries solve the biggest challenges of modern life. Every day, our global workforce fulfills our unified Purpose and lives out the Values we hold close as an organization: Integrity, Safety & Quality, Support Our People, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement, Collaboration, and Innovation. Across the globe, we are united by a singular Purpose: We drive innovation that makes the world…

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