CEO North America

About the Role

We represent a global family-owned automotive supplier operating in North America, Europe, and Asia. Based in Michigan, this leadership position uniquely blends the management of the local site with the oversight of the global connector business's program and portfolio management. Reporting directly to the CEO of the business, the successful candidate will be a vital part of the global leadership team, responsible for driving operational excellence locally while shaping and implementing uniform global standards for program and portfolio management across regions.

This role suits a cooperative automotive executive with solid expertise in program, portfolio, platform, or product management who thrives within a complex global matrix framework. It also offers the chance to expand leadership duties into broader general management while maintaining close involvement in the strategic direction and execution of international programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce standardized global methodologies, processes, and best practices for program and portfolio management.
• Guarantee alignment of program and portfolio management approaches across multiple business units and geographic areas, coordinating with international teams.
• Provide functional leadership in program and portfolio management for the entire global connector division.
• Oversee operations at the Rochester Hills site, managing approximately 200 employees spanning manufacturing, sales, R&D, engineering, and associated departments.
• Act as the primary local disciplinary leader within the Rochester Hills organization while integrating within the global business structure.
• Cultivate trust within the local leadership team and assist in the ongoing development of the Rochester Hills workforce.
• Contribute to organizational development initiatives in North America, including future regional structures and role allocation as the business grows.
• Collaborate closely with global business unit leaders, focusing on guidance rather than direct project management within those units.
• Establish strong connections throughout the global organization to comprehend formal systems and informal dynamics.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven background in the automotive supplier industry is essential.
• Prior experience working with the Detroit 3 automotive manufacturers is mandatory.
• Strong expertise in program management, portfolio oversight, platform leadership, product line management, or related senior automotive leadership roles.
• An engineering degree is preferred; possession of an MBA or comparable business qualification is advantageous but not required.
• Experience in sizable automotive supplier firms, ideally at director or senior director levels or equivalent scope.
• Capability to succeed within a complex global matrix organization, leveraging relationships, collaboration, influence, and well-defined role accountabilities.
• Comfortable engaging with cross-functional teams including manufacturing, engineering, sales, and R&D.
• Cultural sensitivity and effectiveness in working with international colleagues from diverse regions.
• Ability to relate to Detroit-area automotive supplier culture while confidently interacting with global executive leadership.