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About the Company
Our client is a leader in electronic recycling / reverse logistics business. They are an approved recycling processor under all existing provincial stewardship programs. They operates a number of facilities across the country. The company is dedicated to ensuring the secure, transparent and environmentally friendly recycling of electronics on behalf of governments, municipalities, OEMs and enterprises. The company is headquartered in Toronto.
Scope of Position
This Technology & Engineering Lead is a strategically critical position that works very closely with the executive team, specifically, the Founder/VP Technology, the VP Operations and the President/CEO. This technology and engineering champion will ensure that the company has the best processes, most advanced equipment and the most efficient operations possible in the business … ensuring their valued position as the leading company in the electronics recycling space. The incumbent will realize a rare opportunity to play an integral role in this rapidly evolving and globally imperative service area.
Functional Tasks
Key responsibilities of the role:
• To initially study and fully understand all technologies, equipment and processes currently in use throughout their operations.
• Working with the VP Technology, to assist in evaluating the evolution of electronics recycling and to determine what the most advanced and progressive processes are, or will be.
• Under the direction of the VP Technology, to research who the principal and up-and-coming suppliers of equipment and systems are, and to get up to speed on current developments in the field.
• To determine and identify opportunities for improvements and optimizations to current operations by working closely with the Manufacturing plants and to take action to inform management, get approvals and rectify issues.
• To track local, regional and global regulatory and licensing developments to ensure present and future compliance.
• In cooperation with others, to envision new or additional services or processes and to design and execute implementation of approved solutions.
• Generally, to develop conceptual designs, process development reports, flow diagrams, process engineering calculations, equipment layouts, equipment specifications, data sheets, bid tabulations, and construction specifications.
• To manage engineering activities on a project basis.
• To develop and manage engineering project budgets.
• To submit and defend project status reports for the executive management team.
Key Performance Deliverables
In light of the identified responsibilities, the following are specific deliverables that the position is designed to achieve.
• Have – through a combination of mentoring by the VP Technology and “hands-on” experience in the plants – developed robust and intimate knowledge of the main manufacturing processes and equipment used by the company.
• Demonstrated the capability – in terms of expertise and time focus – to be a bridge between the VP Technology and plant operations personnel. Specifically the process technology level of knowledge will be expected to be below the VP Technology but above the Operations personnel.
• Become a trusted “expert advisor” to the Plants and the Executive Team.
• Have executed at least one major capital investment project under the direction of the VP Technology and/or VP Operations.
• Be able to “speak” fluently and in a structured manner on the various advantages of different equipment options. This includes articulating to – for example – the Finance function the necessary information to allow for an ROI analysis to be done.
• Have applied design tools and concepts – developed in previous roles – to the company’s context. This should include a “design of experiment” (DOE) or equivalent methodology to explore optimization of processing parameters in a structured manner.
Competency Profile
The following competencies listed below define the role of the Technology & Engineering Lead:
Problem Solving
Draws parallels across situations and contexts. Divides problems into their individual elements. Develops several explanations or alternatives. Separates the core of a problem from its symptoms and can identify cause and effect.
Innovation
Generates new ideas. Challenges existing assumptions. Goes beyond the status quo. Recognizes the need for new or modified approaches. Brings various perspectives and approaches together, combining them in a creative fashion to implement effective improvements.
Leading Change (in a technical context)
Recognizes when change is necessary. Challenges the status quo and champions new initiatives. Acts as a catalyst to change and stimulates others to change. Develops an effective action plan to implement change and monitors results.
Quality Orientation (and process optimization orientation)
Strives for excellence in products, processes and/or services through continued evaluation, enhancement and redefinition of quality standards.
Information Seeking
Consults widely for business or technical advice, probes for facts and obtains information from a wide variety of sources. Differentiates the critical from the irrelevant or trivial.
Impact
Makes an immediate positive impression upon others. Has presence and commands respect. Comes across with force and quickly establishes credibility. Accurately predicts the effects of own words and actions. Makes an immediate positive impression upon others.
Results Orientation (including focus of how improved processing will affect the bottom line)
Focuses strongly on achieving agreed upon outcomes and ensures that key objectives are met. Conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure. Aims to improve upon past performance. Establishes aggressive personal targets and strives to achieve them.
Developing & Coaching Others (in the context of improving operations)
Accurately assesses strengths and development needs of employees. Challenges others to improve their abilities and actively supports their development. Continually provides timely and constructive feedback, coaching and challenging learning opportunities. Adjusts coaching style based on each employee’s ability and motivation level.
Communication (both “up” and “down” to plant floor personnel)
Comprehends communications from others and responds appropriately. Expresses ideas in a clear, fluent and concise manner. Written and oral arguments are compelling and responsive to the needs of the audience.
Team Skills (how to influence results without any “line” accountability)
Balances personal goals with those of the team. Fosters collaboration among team members. Helps to create a sense of team spirit and harmonious relations through cooperation and support.
Role Expertise
Demonstrates critical technical or professional knowledge/skills related to the role. Expands technical knowledge/skills and keeps up-to-date in own area of expertise. Has thorough knowledge of relevant products, services and methods.
Preferred Experience / Education
The following indicates specific industry, academic and functional experience/qualifications that are important to the successful achievement of the identified responsibilities and performance deliverables.
• A Mechanical, Chemical or Industrial Engineering Degree. (Mechanical preferred.)
• 8 to 12 years of progressive experience in engineering roles in industrial environments.
• Positions held would have covered functional roles such as process engineering, industrial engineering, applications engineering, etc. and other operational technical support areas.
• Experience in developing, implementing, trouble-shooting and optimizing industrial processes, including the specifying and selection of equipment, controls, support systems, etc..
• Some knowledge of, or at least a high interest in the electronics recycling business is a definite asset.
• A fast-learner, intuitive, innovative and tenacious by nature.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, able to help and inspire others, including non-technical people.
• Must be “hands-on” oriented but able to lead and manage others, including influencing and managing equipment and service suppliers.
• Capable of accelerated personal development, and able to handle personal promotions and advancements.
Remuneration & Benefits
• Competitive base salary.
• Incentive bonus plan.
• Company benefits program.