Hearth & Home Technologies Careers

Description

Hearth & Home Technologies is looking for an Engineering Manager to join our Fireplaces Business Unit in Mt. Pleasant, IA. We are the nation’s leading manufacturer and supplier of hearth products, including a wide variety of gas, electric, wood and pellet burning fireplaces, inserts, stoves, and accessories. Headquartered in Lakeville, Minnesota, with distribution around the world, our innovative approach is supported by a business unit structure that allows us to develop and market products with a strong focus on customers’ needs. This position is bonus eligible. 

We are not accepting any candidates requiring company sponsorship to legally work in the United States.  

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to lead engineering initiatives that directly impact Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Safety across our manufacturing and new product development processes. You'll work closely with Production, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, suppliers, and other cross-functional partners to improve product and process designs, strengthen material flow, accelerate new product development, and drive Lean problem solving. This is a fast-paced leadership role where you'll have the opportunity to make a visible impact, develop others, and help advance world-class design and production processes.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and develop engineering initiatives focused on improving Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Safety performance.
• Drive improvements in product and process design to reduce defects, variation, and Supplier Corrective Requests (SCR).
• Lead facility material flow initiatives that improve efficiency, productivity, and overall manufacturing performance.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure Gate 4 and Gate 6 New Product Development (NPD) timelines are achieved.
• Establish clear and actionable daily and weekly communication across functions to identify interdependencies, remove barriers, and keep projects moving forward.
• Develop product and process designs that optimize materials, labor, equipment, quality, and cost.
• Teach, mentor, and coach team members and cross-functional partners on Lean manufacturing and problem-solving tools and techniques.
• Drive the systematic use of Lean and quality tools to improve product, material, and information processes.
• Build error-proofing and error-reduction principles into part and process designs.
• Refine and hold accountability to existing NPD processes, standards, and project timelines.
• Develop and improve design processes to help accelerate the NPD cycle while maintaining quality and manufacturability.
• Promote a “Start with the Operator” approach by incorporating production member input into engineering and process decisions.
• Identify and implement new process technologies that engage members and improve manufacturing capabilities.
• Influence internal and external suppliers to improve Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Innovation performance.
• Use manufacturing and financial data to understand business needs and translate them into practical engineering and manufacturing solutions.
• Effectively manage complex projects, timelines, priorities, and frequent changes in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Minimum Requirements 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of engineering, manufacturing, or process improvement experience.
• Previous experience providing leadership, mentoring, or project leadership within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Experience working with New Product Development processes and cross-functional project teams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, product/process design, and material flow.
• Experience with MRP systems; knowledge of Epicor is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Skills and Abilities 

• Natural leader who is comfortable taking ownership and assuming a leadership role.
• Strong ability to influence others without relying solely on formal authority.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage long and complex timelines.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to apply Lean and quality tools to complex manufacturing challenges.
• Ability to quickly understand financial considerations and translate them into practical manufacturing decisions.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills when working with suppliers and cross-functional partners.
• Effective communicator who can ensure project interdependencies, priorities, and decisions are clearly understood.
• Ability to adapt quickly and re-evaluate priorities as business needs evolve.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills with a passion for developing people and building problem-solving capability.
• Collaborative team player who can work effectively with all levels of the organization, from production members to senior leadership.
• Results-oriented mindset with a focus on improving Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Safety.
• Passion for creating practical solutions that make it easier for production members to be successful.

Work Environment 

• Primarily in a Manufacturing facility with a split focus between an office environment and the production floor.
• Fast-paced environment with frequent disruptions and changing priorities.
• Regular interaction with Production, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, suppliers, and other cross-functional teams.
• Requires the ability to manage multiple projects, respond to changing business needs, and maintain momentum on long-term initiatives.

In addition to your salary, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Health Savings Account, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off and Holidays, and Retirement Benefits). Hearth & Home Technologies benefits are subject to eligibility requirements. Our company endeavors to make www.hearthnhome.com accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 952-985-6000 or via email at [email protected]. The Company is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.