Company Overview

FIO Automotive, a subsidiary of Futaba Industrial Co., Ltd., has been a key player in the automotive manufacturing industry since its establishment in 2002. Located in Stratford, Ontario, we are dedicated to producing high-quality stamping and welding assembly processes as a Tier One supplier to Toyota. Our mission is to deliver quality products at lower costs while minimizing waste.

Job Summary: The Production Preparation Senior Specialist supports production preparation, engineering change management, and current program launch activities to ensure projects are executed efficiently and meet organizational objectives. This role coordinates cross-functional activities, tracks project performance, manages program-related documentation and budgets, and drives continuous improvement initiatives while supporting the successful implementation of engineering and manufacturing projects.

Area of Accountability: Provides project management, technical, and administrative support to Production Preparation and Engineering functions. Responsible for coordinating engineering changes, new program activities, supplier readiness, budget tracking, and production preparation processes to support successful project execution. Works closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure timelines, quality requirements, and business objectives are achieved while contributing to continuous improvement, departmental planning, and team development initiatives.

Senior Specialist Responsibilities:

- Create gated program management system
- Create KPI’s related to gated program management system
- Create reflection / lessons learned system
- Create KPI’s related to reflection system
- Report on program gate status and program performance
- Assists in reviewing and approving time sheets, vacation planning, leave of absence, etc.
- Assists in departmental business planning.
- Mentor and train other PPG members and the larger team on program methodology and systems
- Development and training in departmental procedures.
- Assists in the selection of new staff, including recommendations for the department’s direction and vision.

Major Responsibilities: PPI & drawing management

- Receiving, organizing and updating of Production Preparation Instructions (PPI)
- Receiving and organizing of part CAD files and data that applies to Engineering Change Instructions (ECI) as well as Production Preparation Instructions and others as applicable.

Engineering Change Instruction (ECI) Management

- Review and summarize data from FNA ECI’s document, including downloading of ECI files, and recording of information on ECI list.




- Create and distribute ECI summary/investigation sheet to related departments and follow-up to ensure timeliness and completion.
- Summarize/gather and track ECI cost information and send to FNA sales, following up as required to ensure cost repayment.
- Coordinate and lead ECI meetings, and update/distribute the meeting minutes.
- Create and gather/summarize & update ECI overview schedules.
- Maintain and update the PPG board with applicable ECI summary documents.

Program Management

- Create and update new program tracking data from inception to completion, following up with key stakeholders to ensure timely updates with budget and timeline adherence
- Supplier management including obtaining capacity and load surveys and monitoring suppliers during launch phase.
- Create and maintain master parts lists during pre-production phase.
- Summarize pre-production gate status and utilize reflections to improve future projects byreducing timing and budget between gates
- Liaison with FNA and Futaba Japan as required to ensure smooth transition of data and followup for new projects.
- Tracking/summarizing pre-production trials, including updating of pertinent documentation.
- Summarize and visualize program capital budget tracking for new programs.
- Coordinate and update customer surveys as required.

Production Engineering

- Support PE Specialists in determining equipment modifications for process change/engineering changes (ECI).
- Support PE Specialists by planning and budgeting the installation and commissioning of new equipment
- Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

- Post-secondary degree or diploma in Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Project Management, Business, or a related field; or a minimum of five (5) years of manufacturing engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment.
- PMP (Project Management Professional) designation is considered an asset. Experience supporting manufacturing, engineering change management, program launches, or project coordination activities.
- Experience working within an automotive manufacturing environment is preferred.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including stamping, welding, and assembly, is considered an asset.
- Ability and willingness to support overtime requirements as business needs dictate.





Skills and Competencies:

- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Working knowledge of CAD systems and engineering drawing management, including AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar software.
- Understanding of project management methodologies, timelines, budgets, and performance tracking.
- Ability to analyze data, develop reports, and interpret key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Knowledge of engineering change management and manufacturing systems.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities with a demonstrated commitment to teamwork and collaboration.
- Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
- Proactive mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and process optimization.
- Ability to influence, coordinate, and collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams.
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
- Leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills to support team development and knowledge sharing.
- Customer-focused approach with attention to quality, accuracy, and detail.

Physical and Environmental Working Conditions: This role is based in a manufacturing environment and requires regular presence on the production floor to support production preparation activities, engineering changes, and new program launches.

The Production Preparation Senior

Specialist may be exposed to noise, moving equipment, and industrial processes typical of an automotive manufacturing facility. The role involves frequent walking, occasional standing for extended periods, and climbing stairs as required. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn in designated production areas, and the position requires a balance of plant-floor and office-based work.

FIO Automotive Canada is committed to providing accommodations for individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable legislation. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment, selection, and employment process.

Job Types: Full time, Permanent

Pay: $80,000.00-$98,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Company events
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Relocation assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision care
- Wellness program

Experience:
- Automotive Manufacturing: 5 years (required)
- Project Management : 3 years (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Senior Production Preparation Specialist (Program Management) (Stratford)
🏢 FIO Automotive
📍 Stratford