Global Parts Commonization Lead

Global Parts Commonization Lead Location: Sterling Heights, MI, United States Category: Engineering Job Type: Full-Time Country: United States State: MI City: Sterling Heights Remote Work Options: On-Site Security Clearance Required: Ability to obtain security clearance Career Level: Senior Requisition ID: 17629320 Description The Global Parts Commonization Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and running the global parts commonization process across the organization. The role defines processes, coordinates with Global P5X domain leads (e.g., Vetronics, Survivability, Mobility) to identify and control common parts, establishes and hosts a governance board, and ensures alignment with global strategies. The lead focuses on maximizing the benefits of commonization globally, considering cross‑border, cross‑site, and cross‑cultural considerations. The position requires awareness of trade compliance, regulatory laws, and data protection requirements such as ITAR, EAR, CUI, CGP, etc. A key component is the creation and stewardship of a Common Reference Parts Library—an centralized repository of standardized, approved components used across products and regions. This library is continuously updated, governed, and leveraged to drive enterprise‑wide benefits, including: Cost Reduction: Minimizing part proliferation and maximizing economies of scale allows better pricing with suppliers, reduced inventory holding costs, and simplified procurement. Quality and Reliability: Standardizing parts improves consistency in manufacturing, enhances reliability, and reduces defects caused by variability. Manufacturing Flexibility: A common parts library enables greater flexibility in production scheduling, plant loading, and capacity planning. Design Efficiency: Engineers accelerate product development by reusing proven components, cutting time and resources spent on redundant design. Supply Chain Resilience: Commonization mitigates risk by reducing dependence on unique or single‑source parts and facilitates contingency planning. Regulatory Compliance: Centralized control ensures adherence to trade compliance, export control, and other regulatory requirements, reducing risk of non‑compliance. Global Collaboration: The role fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing across sites and geographies, promoting best practices and harmonized standards. Key Responsibilities Technical: Define, develop, and maintain the global parts commonization process and criteria for part selection and control. Coordinate with domain leaders to identify, evaluate, and designate parts for commonization. Set up and manage a governance board to oversee commonization decisions and process adherence. Implement processes and tools for tracking, reporting, and auditing common parts usage globally, leveraging existing guides/databases. Ensure alignment of commonization strategies with business objectives, trade compliance, and regulatory requirements. Mentorship and Knowledge Management: Mentor and guide regional and domain‑specific teams on commonization strategies, best practices, and standards. Promote knowledge sharing and continuous improvement by documenting lessons learned, maintaining process documentation, and facilitating training. Foster cross‑functional and cross‑cultural collaboration to ensure broad understanding and adoption of commonization practices. Lead initiatives for global awareness and education on the benefits and requirements of parts commonization. Process and Tools: Develop, implement, and maintain global processes and tools for parts commonization, including documentation templates and governance workflows. Host regular governance board meetings, reviews, and audits to ensure process compliance and continuous improvement. Integrate parts commonization processes into existing enterprise systems such as Integrated Process System, KMS/GEARS. Evaluate and recommend new tools and technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the commonization process. Required/Preferred Skills and Qualifications Bachelor's degree in engineering, supply chain, business administration, or related field. 10+ years of experience in engineering, supply chain, or manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a global or cross‑functional leadership role. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing enterprise‑wide processes, preferably in parts standardization or commonization. Proven ability to work effectively across borders, sites, and cultures; experience in global organizations is highly valued. Strong understanding of trade compliance, export control, and data protection regulations affecting parts management. Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills. Experience in hosting and managing governance boards or cross‑functional committees. Familiarity with process management tools, documentation systems, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Ability to mentor, train, and lead geographically dispersed teams. Analytical and strategic thinking skills, with attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement. Proficiency with GDLS processes and products. Ability to travel (10% Canada, 10% U.S. & International) and possess or obtain a valid passport. Ability to maintain a Security Clearance. Must meet anthropometrical size requirements for confined space. Equal Opportunity Employer As an Equal Opportunity Employer, General Dynamics Land Systems ("GDLS") provides all persons with equal opportunity and access to all aspects of the employment process, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local anti‑discrimination laws. GDLS is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation to search or apply for an opportunity with GDLS, please call View phone number on click.appcast.io or send an e‑mail for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. #J-18808-Ljbffr General Dynamics Corporation