OEM Director

Job Details

Job Location: Grand Prairie, TX

Salary Range: $180000.00 $225000.00 Salaryyear

Description

Company Overview:
As a global leader in performance filtration and air intake systems, K&N Engineering thrives on innovation, quality, and collaboration. We develop cutting edge OEM components (exhaust, intake kits, and related systems) for automotive manufacturers worldwide. If youre ready to lead complex product initiatives with real impact, we want you on our team.

Position Overview:

The OEM Director will own the K&N OEM business relationships and guide the full lifecycle of OEM product programs, from concept and engineering through to production and launch. This strategic role requires excellent project management acumen with strong cross functional leadership, deep technical expertise, and a track record of managing OEM relationships while delivering high quality products on time and on budget.

Key Responsibilities:

• OEM Business: Responsible for the OEM P&L and development of growth strategies, targeting both existing and new customers. Coordinates all OEM business activities including quoting, growth initiatives, and capital expenditures, product forecasting, program lifecycles, and order intake to meet or exceed K&N business objectives.
• Product Strategy & Roadmaps: Define OEM product plans tied to customer launch timelines and market demand. Works with OEM General Manager to align OEM goals to the overall organization goals.
• Cross Functional Leadership: Lead teams across engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, and marketing to drive programs forward. Coordinate standard process and project management for OEM projects.
• Technical Oversight: Ensure team focus and compliance with design for manufacturing (DFM) principles, technical standards, and OEM specifications. Oversee prototype testing, quality and validation protocols
• Timeline & Budget Management: Develop & maintain program schedules; manage resources and contingency plans. Negotiate new contractual agreements.
• Supplier & Risk Management: Work closely with the procurement and inventory planning team as necessary to effectively negotiate with suppliers, mitigate supply chain risks (including tariffs) and uphold quality standards; Manage outside representatives for OEM business development and profitable growth.
• Continuous Improvement: Incorporate OEM customer and field feedback post launch, optimizing product design and performance. Ensure that quality is a top priority in all OEM products, processes and relationships

• Qualifications

  
  

  Qualifications & Experience:

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Management or related technical field. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred.
  • Experience: 5+ years in OEM or high volume product development, preferably within the automotive aftermarket. Must have a background and understand basic principles used in OEM engineering, machining, manufacturing and testing intake and exhaust components.
  • Technical Skills: Strong technical background with the ability to oversee complex product development projects. Proficiency with PLM systems, CAD tools, and DFM methodologies. Proficiency in OEM product development methodologies and tools.
  • Project Management: Proven ability to run multidisciplinary teams, manage complex programs, and deliver to time and cost targets.
  • Analytical & Problem Solving: Strong skills in risk assessment, financial modeling, and data analysis tools; data driven decision making and strategic thinking
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written presentation skills; ability to engage technical and non technical stakeholders. Ability to maintain strong relationships with OEM partners and customers and effectively manage stakeholder engagement.

  • Skills & Attributes:

    • Experience working with Automotive OEM’s and globaloverseas suppliers and coordinating product development & production
    • Analytical & Problem Solving: Strong skills in risk assessment, financial modeling, and data analysis tools; data driven decision making and strategic thinking
    • Functional knowledge of how engines work and how induction and exhaust systems are designed for all types of powered vehicles.
    • Excellent with using Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint to complete work and communicate with others inside and outside the K&N organization.
    • Organized and Detail Oriented: Ability to manage multiple projects at one time, often with competing priorities.
    • Customer Centric approach: Focus on delivering products that meet customer and user needs with an ability to ideate new and innovative products.
    • Ability to work in a fastpaced environment; high level of self responsibility

    • Why Join K&N?

      At K&N Engineering, we thrive on performance, innovation, and delivering an unmatched customer experience.

      As the OEM Manager, you’ll have the opportunity to lead high impact OEM programs that shape K&N in the industry. If you’re passionate about driving OEM business growth and working with a brand that lives and breathes high performance, we want to hear from you.

      This position can be completed at one of our onsite locations in Riverside or Corona, California, or in Grand Prairie, TX. We will also accept applicants to work remotely in one of the following states: CA, FL, GA, IL, KS, MN, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, TX, WI.

      We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.