Position Synopsis

The Engineering Manager will be responsible for the design, delivery and profitability of AKA’s engineering products and services. The Engineering Manager will lead an international team of engineers, technicians, drafts people, technical writers and documentation specialists, driving innovation, productivity, profitability and quality.

The incumbent will work with the management team to further develop and maintain AKA’s engineering business in existing and new markets.

Position Responsibilities

Team Management

• Provide clear and effective leadership, direction, support and mentoring for technical staff and contract personnel.
• Establish, communicate and monitor goals, plans and milestones for the department’s growth.
• Devise overall strategies for effective work flow and resource deployment.
• Ensure work expectations are well laid out for technical personnel and are clearly understood.

• Communicate regularly with technical personnel to ensure objectives are met and concerns are addressed.
• Ensure resource personnel maintain the required level of knowledge in their respective disciplines.
• Develop team to next level of technical expertise and productivity.
• Lead regular engineering department meetings.
• Ensure proper staffing of the department to meet the needs of the business.
• Conduct employee performance reviews.
• Oversee scheduling and deployment of technical staff and contractors.
• Oversee the department’s time and holiday schedule.
• Visit regularly other AKA offices to build and maintain effective relationships with all technical personnel.
• Interface with personnel, suppliers and clients to resolve issues quickly and effectively.

Project Management

• Ensure all engineering projects are well defined and administered within the agreed scope, budget and schedule while maintaining a high level of customer service.
• Be a driver of change towards increased efficiency, productivity and quality.
• Set goals, establish priorities, manage resources, and develop standards.
• Liaise with clients and their personnel to determine project scope, requirements, deliverables, budget and schedules.
• Develop and manage relationships with clients and strategic vendors from a technical standpoint.
• Manage projects to ensure safety, constructability and value with adherence to schedule, standards, codes, specifications and budgets.
• Ensure the quality, timeliness and profitability of all engineering projects from receipt of purchase order through to delivery.
• Oversee the development, evaluation and review of plans and criteria for a variety of activities; assess feasibility of proposed plans, projects and equipment.
• Develop systems and processes to ensure efficient and consistent delivery of services and products.
• Facilitate budget development for the project managers/coordinators and provide constant monitoring of the AKA administrative costs so as to provide accurate and timely information for projects.
• Track project costs for historical data and estimating purposes.
• Ensure chargeable time targets are met.
• Facilitate effective project kick-off meetings.
• Prepare regular progress reports on engineering projects.
• Prepare regular costs to complete for projects.
• Review projects with technical personnel and initiate required change for improved results.

Engineering

• Create and maintain engineering standards.
• Provide technical leadership, expertise and support.
• Ensure that an effective process of design and drawing reviews are established and executed.
• Provide technical presence at high level client meetings.
• Answer in-house technical questions.
• Communicate with vendors and suppliers on new technologies.
• Support all engineering needs and provide confident direction.
• Assist engineering personnel with technical difficulties on projects.
• Manage risk and ensure products and services do not expose the company, personnel and clients.
• Keep current on principles, theories and practices of applicable engineering disciplines.
• Define rapid prototyping solutions.

Corporate Development

• Represent the corporation to clients, suppliers, and consultants at a high level.
• Identify, assess and pursue new business opportunities that contribute to the overall growth and ongoing profitability of AKA’s business.
• With drive and vision, further develop the company’s ability to support the needs of existing and emerging industries.
• Maintain a commitment and focus to the established business of the company.
• Contribute to the innovation and creativity of the company in a changing world through forward thinking and willingness to explore new ideas.

Position Requirements

Education & Experience

• Degree in Engineering, preferably Electrical, or Industry experience equivalent.   
• Minimum 10 years experience in project management.
• Extensive leadership experience.
• License to practice engineering issued by a provincial or territorial engineering regulatory body (P.Eng status)

Skills

• Proven record as a leader and people manager.
• Strong technical aptitude in the electrical, control systems or marine engineering environment.
• In-depth knowledge of customer management.
• Ability to problem-solve based on logic, technical expertise and strong inter-personal skills.
• Ability to build consensus across technical personnel and clients.
• Proven ability to communicate vision and strategic objectives in an effective manner.
• Ability to identify skill sets of technical personnel and delegate accordingly.
• Manage the technical team to ensure fair employment practices.
• Proven decision-making skills.
• Ability to evaluate information against a set of standards.
• Ability to listen, collaborate, speak clearly and concisely and to understand information and ideas presented orally and in writing.
• Excellent technical writing skills, communication and presentation skills.
• Effective negotiating, interpersonal and customer relations skills.
• Advanced knowledge of automated software applications.
• Proven ability to manage a diverse workload while prioritizing time and resources to meet deadlines.
• Must be ethical, honest, with integrity, respectful, team oriented, positive, consistent, goal and success oriented.
• Must show initiative and bring new ideas to the forefront.
• Ability to multitask under pressure, adjust to changing priorities and adapt to new work environment.
• Estimating skills for engineering projects and services.
• Must be proactive in communication with all divisions of the company.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Must respect the need for confidentiality when required.

Team Spirit

• Work and collaborate with others and willing to integrate ideas and personalities to form strong teams.
• Appreciate employees and value their inputs, ideas and enthusiasm for quality and continuous improvements.