Head of Body Shop

Be a part of the electric future of Volvo Cars
It’s crystal clear: The actions we take in the next few years will significantly impact our future. We’re committed to transforming the automotive industry and leading in electrification. To make sure we deliver on our big plans, we’ll need to expand our current manufacturing footprint. That’s why we’ve decided to open a new state-of-the-art electric only car factory – and this time we’re expanding in Kosice, Slovakia.

The new plant will only use climate neutral energy and be designed to be a leader in sustainable and efficient premium electric car production. We will optimize layout and logistics flow to achieve the highest global standards in energy and environmental efficiency.

This is a unique opportunity to be a part of building something completely new, setting a new standard for Volvo manufacturing. Jump in and join the ride!

Let's introduce ourselves

At Volvo Car Košice (VCK), our teams in the state-of-the-art Body in White Shop play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable mobility. Our mission is to provide the best manufacturing of products that accelerate the world to sustainable energy. From strategic planning to hands-on execution, our team is driven by lean principles, digital innovation, and a commitment to operational excellence, always aiming to improve and stabilize main KPIs, safety, cycle time, yield and OEE. With a vision to produce 250,000 cars per year.

What you'll do

As a Head of Bodyshop, you will take ownership of managing processes and personnel, ensure that production targets are met while optimizing production systems, guide and develop teams, oversee department activities, and ensure adherence to company standards. Your role will involve fostering a collaborative work environment and continuously improving operational standards. You will work closely with Production, Maintenance, Engineering and Program functions, Heads of shops, as well as cross-functional project teams together with Manufacturing Engineering (ME) and support functions.
In doing so, you will:

• Ensure production targets: Safety, Quality, Volume, Cost, Delivery Precision, and Environmental;
• Drive process improvements, cost reduction, and continuous improvement activities, and implement company initiatives;
• Ensure adherence to company standards, regulations, and Volvo Cars Manufacturing System (VCMS) development;
• Manage teams, oversee department activities and all aspects of people planning, organize their daily workflow, ensure accountability and continuous improvement, recognize achievements, and handle people issues;
• Communicate job expectations clearly, provide necessary instructions and feedback to team members;
• Provide training plans, develop know-how, coach, and execute trainings;
• Be a role model for Volvo Cars values, encourage speak-up culture, so your team can freely highlight problems, deviations, and opportunities to improve through potential solutions.

What you'll bring

• 10+ years of management experience in highly automated OEMs/Tier1 environment, preferably in Bodyshop environment;
• University education in Industrial, Mechanical/Mechatronic, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field;
• Exceptional understanding of the manufacturing processes in Bodyshop, 5S, Standard Work, Andon, and real-time production management;
• Excellent listening, speaking, writing, and presentation skills in English, while Slovak is not strictly mandatory, it is a significant advantage;
• Experience with manning and flexible manning systems;
• Real-Time Management skills;
• Problem-solving and continuous improvement mindset and methods;
• Ability to lead cross-functional kaizen activities;
• Leadership experience;
• Coaching skills;
• Performance Management (maximizing engagement, motivation, and productivity);
• Flexibility, being able not only to work under an organization in a transformation period or green-field project, but thrive in such a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to work within a multinational team, influence and collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

Core Competencies:

• Plan and align: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Nimble learning: Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, focusing on continuous improvement.
• Drive results: Consistently achieving results, even under tough circumstances
• Creating clarity: Developing and delivering effective multi-mode communications with clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Leading with courage: Stepping up to address difficult issues, saying what needs to be said.
• Ensures ownership: Holding self and others accountable.
• Build Trust: Gains confidence through honesty and integrity.
• Drive Engagement: Motivates people to achieve organisational objectives.
• Build Effective Teams: Fosters solid, diverse teams.

Compensation Data

Monthly gross salary for this position starts from 7.000 EUR.
* The salary amount represents the minimum guaranteed amount of the basic salary component applicable to the job. Final salary is negotiable and will be adjusted in accordance with seniority level and previous experience of candidate.
Additional benefits:

• Summer & Winter Pay;
• Annual Volvo Cars Performance Bonus;
• Company car with a monthly fuel benefit;
• Contribution for Supplementary Pension Savings (lll. Pillar);
• Cafeteria Benefit Program;
• Contribution for meals exceeding legal requirements;
• Compensation for dioptric glasses & contact lenses beyond the legal requirements;
• Life insurance for cases of loss of life, disability, work injury;
• Flexible working hours.

Volvo Cars. For Life.
For nearly a century, Volvo Cars has empowered people to move freely in a personal, sustainable and safe way. Today, we are driving bold advancements in electrification, sustainability and automotive safety. To realise our ambitious vision, we are seeking innovative minds who are ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow – today.

At Volvo Cars, we believe extraordinary things are achieved by ordinary people with a passion for making a difference. If you’re inspired by the opportunity to help redefine the future of mobility, we invite you to be part of our journey.

Ready for the next step?
You can submit your application via our career page. Please send us your CV and cover letter (optional) in English. You will receive a confirmation email once you have successfully submitted your application.

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