Sr. Manager - Manufacturing

Overview

Who we are

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time.   

Toyota Racing Development (TRD) is seeking a Sr. Manager, Manufacturing to join our team. We are dedicated to advancing motorsports engineering and delivering world-class performance, and this role is integral to our pursuit of becoming the most respected motorsports engineering organization.

Direct responsibility includes equipment evaluation and selection, ROI and capital justification, process and automation development, facility planning, and personnel planning across the operation. The successful candidate will provide strategic vision, leadership, and accountability for the operation, overseeing the Managers of Manufacturing Engineering, Production Control, and Quality — leading a total team of approximately 40 members ranging from postgraduate engineers to shop-floor technicians.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage TRD’s manufacturing operation, operating with a “see, touch, feel” leadership philosophy — engaged on the floor and with the teams — while balancing long-term strategic direction with short-term goals and key performance metrics.

• Oversee TRD’s Manufacturing Engineering group, responsible for complete process definition of TRD-manufactured components. Provide technical support through hands-on experience with advanced CNC programming, tooling, fixturing, and process definition across a product mix ranging from high-tolerance, full 5-axis race components to higher-volume commercial components.

• Oversee TRD’s Production Control group, responsible for scheduling and execution across two workstreams: low-volume, high-precision, short-lead-time race engine components and higher-volume commercial components. Drive production performance against established KPIs, including OEE targets of ≥80% across 18+ high-precision, 5-axis CNC machines.

• Oversee TRD’s Quality Control group, responsible for detailed inspection of tight-tolerance race components manufactured in-house and sourced through a global supply chain. Build an inspection culture that supports internal customers and external suppliers and raises overall component quality.

• Coordinate and support other TRD departments, including Planning/Purchasing, Design Engineering, Race Engine Build, Commercial Assembly, and the TRD EHS Department on safety matters affecting the manufacturing operation.

• Evaluate, develop, and implement new technologies — including automation, robotics, and AI-assisted tools — to improve efficiency, quality, and capability across the manufacturing operation.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Operations Management (Master’s is a plus).

• Minimum 10+ years of experience in a high-precision, high-profile, automated, 5-axis CNC environment, including 5+ years in a leadership role.

• Hands-on experience with manufacturing process definition, optimization, production scheduling, and inspection methods.

• Proven track record managing within an OEE-measured environment with a metrics- and data-driven mindset.

• Advanced experience in complex, tight-tolerance, 5-axis high-speed milling.

• Understanding and use of shop-floor and business management software (ERP, MRP, etc.).

• Proven experience leading 40+ team members across multiple functions, including managing managers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience in CAM, CAD, and toolpath verification software; proficiency with HyperMill (TRD’s primary CAM platform) strongly preferred; experience with Creo and Vericut a plus.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted tools (e.g., LLMs for analysis, documentation, and process improvement).

• Manufacturing experience working with billet, forging, and casting raw materials.

• Advanced MS Excel and broader MS Office suite proficiency.

• Experience designing, machining, and assembling production fixtures, tooling, and related components.

• Hands-on experience generating complex production schedules across mixed-volume, mixed-complexity workstreams.

Travel Requ