Product Team Lead at AB Dynamics plc in Torrance, CA

Lead the Future of Product Innovation and Operational Excellence

Dynamic Research, Inc. (DRI), part of the AB Dynamics Group, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Product Team Lead to drive the successful development, manufacturing, and delivery of innovative products. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for aligning Product Development, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Logistics teams to ensure operational excellence and business success.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who enjoys working hands-on, leading cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives while bringing high-quality products from concept through production.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute integrated strategies across procurement, manufacturing and product development.
• Align product design initiatives with operational capabilities and business objectives.
• Partner with General Manager and Managing Director to define long-term product and operational roadmaps.

Product Design and Development:

• Lead the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from concept and prototyping to launch.
• Contributes to engineering design, prototyping, and testing as needed to support product development schedule and objectives.
• Ensure design-for-manufacturability (DFM) and cost optimization are embedded early in development.
• Collaborate with engineering and R&D to bring innovative, high-quality products to market.

Manufacturing and Operations Excellence:

• Oversee manufacturing processes to ensure efficiency, quality and continuous improvements.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing Principals to reduce waste and optimize efficiency.
• Monitor production KPI’s.

Procurement:

• Optimize supplier selection, sourcing strategies, and cost management.
• Ensure alignment between procurement strategies and product /design needs.

Continuous Improvement and Quality:

• Champion Six Sigma, Kaizen, and 5S Methodologies.
• Lead cross-functional improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance.
• Utilize data analytics to identify process inefficiencies and drive corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Team Leadership and Development:

• Lead, develop, and mentor cross-functional teams.
• Foster a culture of Innovation, Excellence, Responsibility and Respect.
• Establish performance goals and conduct regular one-one-one check-ins with direct reports.

What are we looking for?

Required Qualifications

• Typically requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field and minimum 4 years of experience.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in manufacturing, product development, and operations.
• Strong understanding of production processes, quality systems, and operational excellence.
• Experience managing product development from concept through production launch.
• Knowledge of engineering design, prototyping, product testing, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and 5S programs.
• Experience with a wide range of manufacturing processes, including CNC machining and 3D printing.
• Experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Why join us?

At DRI, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on products that support the advancement of vehicle safety and innovation. You'll work alongside talented professionals in an environment that values:

• Innovation
• Excellence
• Respect

As part of the AB Dynamics Group, our mission is to help customers accelerate the development of safer, more efficient vehicles through engineering innovation and advanced technology.

We are part of the FTSE-listed UK company AB Dynamics Group. As an innovative and dynamic company, we foster a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees are encouraged to grow and excel. Along with competitive salaries, we offer a range of benefits designed to promote your well-being and work-life balance.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive, equal-opportunity workplace for all employees and applicants. We will consider all qualified applicants consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for hiring.

We use AI to help us assess applications fairly and objectively.