Leadership Opportunity
Position Description - Draft
TITLE
Manufacturing Engineering Manager
COMPANY
C.F. Martin & Co., Inc.
Founded in 1833, C. F. Martin is one of the oldest family-owned companies in
the US, and the world’s oldest maker of guitars. Leveraging a unique
combination of a hand crafted tradition, and modern manufacturing disciplines,
Martin & Co. enjoy an unsurpassed reputation for excellence. Its instruments
are sought after by Grammy Award winners, discerning amateurs, and
collectors alike. The company produces instruments accessible to musicians for
under $1,000, as well as limited edition instruments valued in excess of
$100,000. The company also manufacturers a comprehensive line of high
quality guitar strings.
LOCATION
The position is based at the company headquarters in Nazareth, PA
REPORTING
The Manager reports directly to the Director of Manufacturing Support Services
and manages a total staff of five direct reports and fifteen indirect reports.
OVERVIEW
The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will play a critical role building on
C.F. Martin’s philosophy of continuous process improvement and
manufacturing excellence. This role will direct and/or contribute to cross
functional project teams to implement improvement projects that address
process safety, quality capability, throughput, efficiency, and ergonomic goals.
There are over 350 different manufacturing processes ranging from intensive
artisanal hand work to some of the most highly specialized, customized and
automated found in modern musical instrument and guitar string manufacturing
today. The successful candidate needs to be a creative problem solver with an
engineer’s approach to finding solutions. They also need to be comfortable
managing in a supportive, collaborative environment where input is received
from the chairman’s office to the shop floor as they create world-class
manufacturing processes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
and EXPERIENCE
Management Responsibilities
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Manages daily activities of the Manufacturing Engineering function
associated with the creation and revision of the world-class manufacturing
processes for both guitars and strings
Responsible for creating a clear vision for the development of multiple site
comprehensive processes spanning handcrafted manufacturing techniques
to automated robotic systems
Prepare and manage the operating budgets for Tooling and Machining,
CAD/CAM, CNC Programming, and Process Improvement
Participate in capital expenditure approval process
Maintain customer service oriented atmosphere and high departmental
morale
Page 1 of 3
Hudson Gain Corporation 5 Penn Plaza 23rd Floor New York, NY 10001
Phone (212) 835 1600 www.hudsongain.com
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Ensure information flow, employee development, problem-solving, goal
setting, performance evaluation, and process improvements by coaching,
empowering, and supporting the Manufacturing Engineering department
Build the technical capability of all manufacturing employees across
functions and levels
Project Management
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Complete research, conduct benchmarking and perform analysis to develop
and present projects to improve process safety, quality capability,
throughput, efficiency, and ergonomics
Oversee capital project activities for the manufacturing departments
including defining their scope and cost, securing funding approval,
developing project plans, documenting and managing projects and budgets
from implementation to close including the reporting on progress
Working with Finance prepare and manage capital budgeting process as it
relates to projects while ensuring an acceptable return on investment,
replacement of worn or obsolete equipment, expansion of capacity to meet
sales growth, equipment modification or replacement related to product
changes or cost reduction, as well as development of expanded productive
capacity for new products
Manage and report the prioritization of active projects
Implement approved projects according to priority and schedule
Track and manage all project implementation cost within capital and
operating budgetary constraints
Track, manage and report all post-implementation project results related to
quality, throughput, and financial objectives
Continuous Improvement
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REQUIREMENTS
Achieve sustainability goals around utilities, water, power, and solid waste
Ensure environmental regulatory compliance for emissions, waste water,
and disposal of waste related to the manufacturing processes
Periodically participate with R&D and Technical Services departments to
address key material or product design initiatives
Ensure compliance with established plant safety rules and ergonomic
programs and be seen as a driver of improvement in these critical areas
The ideal finalists will have significant manufacturing environment experience
with a proven track record of accomplishment in the areas of engineering,
project management, and continuous improvement. The initial expectation will
be for the successful candidate to first learn the business, culture, managerial
values, and then drive the Manufacturing Engineering team going forward to be
aligned with the company’s objectives and needs. A combination of the
following specific qualifications is strongly preferred:
• Bachelor Degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Industrial
Engineering or related disciplines
• 7 to 10 years of management experience in the areas of progressive
Manufacturing Engineering, Process Improvement, Manufacturing
Support, or R&D Departments.
• Significant shop floor exposure to both traditional and non-traditional
C. F. Martin, Manufacturing Engineering Manager Opportunity, 20111010 Page 2 of 3
Hudson Gain Corporation 5 Penn Plaza 23rd Floor New York, NY 10001
Phone (212) 835 1600 www.hudsongain.com
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machining technologies
Experience with automation, PLC’s, Vision Systems and knowledge of
best manufacturing practices required
Experience introducing and qualifying new equipment for
manufacturing a plus
Demonstrated experience within the wood processing industry, musical
instrument, or guitar string manufacturing industry would be considered
a plus
Highly analytical; Ability to work in cross-functional teams
Strong leadership qualities, presentation skills and the ability to
effectively communicate to management and co-workers
Willingness to travel as necessary
The ideal Manager will be someone who:
• Is relationship-oriented and able to establish trust, credibility and a
direct, compelling, comfortable working relationship with suppliers,
vendors, customers, and senior management
• Is comfortable with and has an appreciation for building trust and
working in an “apolitical” environment
• Is approachable, with consensus building style, with specific
accomplishments in increasing levels of collaboration, cross learning
and open-door communication
• Has earned a reputation for engaging in healthy debate, always in a way
that upholds mutual respect among team members. Ability to coach
staff to do the same
• Support company’s commitment to sustainable guitar manufacturing.
To learn more please view the following clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHQiStK_Ciw&feature=related
• Understand, appreciate and respect the 178 year history and reputation
of the company. To learn more please view this CBS, Sunday Morning
segment from a few years ago:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mmfu1hqIDuo or this recent CNN
segment:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/05/aif.martin.guitars/index.html#cnnS
TCVideo
COMPENSATION
A package including base salary, bonus, profit sharing, 401K, health care and
other competitive benefits.
CONTACT
Interested candidates and sources are encouraged to engage in a confidential
dialog with the company’s exclusive executive search provider:
HUDSON GAIN CORPORATION
Scott Lyons
Senior Vice President
212-797-8888
scott.lyons@hudsongain.com
Roger Thorne
Managing Partner
212 835 1601
roger.thorne@hudsongain.com
Copyright 2011 © Hudson Gain Corporation
C. F. Martin, Manufacturing Engineering Manager Opportunity, 20111010 Page 3 of 3
Hudson Gain Corporation 5 Penn Plaza 23rd Floor New York, NY 10001
Phone (212) 835 1600 www.hudsongain.com