Head of Digital Services

at  Continental

THE COMPANY

Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated preliminary sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.
With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility.
Continental Tire has been around for nearly 150 years, we’ve been changing the way the world moves while making it more safe, smart, sustainable and accessible to all. Our Sumter location is seeking a Head of Digital Services - Electrical Engineer to join our team.
Are you ready to shape the future with us?
Job Description

SUMMARY

The Head of Digital Service is the owner of the shop floor IT interface, OT Infrastructure and C&D technologies in the plant. Responsible to maintain a long-term roadmap for the life cycle management of these systems and technologies, to be in line with the global strategies and standards of central MTE.

• Manages the knowledge and coordinates the training of all Digital Service / C&D personnel in the plant based on attached skill matrix.
• Responsible to provide expert level support on DS and C&D technologies (as per the attached RASI) in order to fulfill committed production plans with his team and ensure adherence to MTE @Tires standard processes.
• Ensures the implementation and maintenance of Generic Technical Equipment Standards for all new installations and upgrades of equipment (m/c) including Manufacturing IT Systems.
• Responsible for the electrical acceptance of new machines and major upgrades.
• Ensures and maintains the adherence of all shop floor systems as per the cybersecurity policy.
• Responsible to drive the machine connections and provide the needed data from the machines to the IT systems to get benefit out of big data for continuous improvement to increase manufacturing efficiency
• Leads local Digital Service personnel to ensure continuous team collaboration, best Digital Service / C&D practices and the accomplishments of department goals.
• Department budget management
• Integral part of the Global Digital Service Community to drive information sharing, learnings sharing and collaboration among all the plants on common challenges.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5 years of work experience in C&D, IT engineering experience in production industry
• Has led several machine improvement, refurbishment, upgrade or installation projects.
• At least 3 years management experience of a technical team.
• This role is an internal only position, external applicants will not be considered for this role.
• International team capability-business fluent English understanding
• Strong communication and computer skills
  Additional Information
  All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

• Managing plant engineering resources to perform the tasks related to Digital Service / C&D, cybersecurity, IPC management, Operation Technology, machine control systems, machine communications and manufacturing systems in the planned time + cost and required quality.
• Manage and evaluate team performance and development, provide feedback (HRD) and ensure continuous team collaboration.
• Ensure, maintain and supervise the MTE @ Tires generic technical equipment standards for machine installations and upgrades of equipment and the connection to manufacturing IT systems
• Ensure and actively support with the team the implementation of cybersecurity measures and IPC management tasks for all shoplfoor systems in line with set central standards
• Responsible for the machine connections to the IT systems in line with set central standards
• Responsible for the quality of data generated from the machines in order to generate value from data in line with set central standards
• Ensure adherence of the PLC Software Change Management process from MTE @ Tires to formally authorize, approve and document all changes of small, medium or large impact of control and manufacturing systems as per the set central standard
• Validate the needs and training programs for Digital Service / C&D/ electrical staff considering technical topics and personal development plans.
• Ensure, monitor and follow up of agreed training measures.
• Arrange training events for staff members.
• Document and ensure the share created knowledge and lessons learnt with Digital Service / C&D personnel in the plant.
• Leading local implementation and usage of Digital Service / C&D - Training Center.
• Ensure the communication between local and electrical /Digital Service / C&D personnel inside the plant.
• Ensure the communication with suppliers and the central organizations (e.g. MTE, IT, etc.)
• Be the link to MTE @ Tires central functions like generic technical equipment standards, digital solutions, MTAs for all technicians and engineers for the relevant topics
• Ensure expert level support for breakdowns ( 1st - electricians / C&D Digital Service maintenance area engineers ).
• Ensure support of innovation, roll-out and expansion projects and manufacturing IT systems, Utilities & Buildings and Maintenance departments
• Manage and define the budget for the department of Digital Service in order to reach the goals of Manufacturing Technology Engineering in accordance with the company policies.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Department Manager
• Support the Continental Business System (CBS) structure by participating in the applicable CBT meeting, reviewing and managing his/her/team performance, conducting simple problem-solving using action sheets, identifying and implementing improvement opportunities, participating in the CBT reviews, and taking ownership for presented parts of the team boards
• Follow the internal ESH work instructions in the daily work
• Demonstrate exemplary personal behavior in ESH and motivate others
• Ensure immediate notification and response, and initiate preventive measures in case of unsafe or polluting hazards
• Other duties as assigned