Ronald Z.

About Ronald Z.

A Highly Qualified and Effective Leader - Over 36 Years of Experience in Automotive and Mobility IndustryAs an executive with over 36 years of progressive leadership experience, I epitomize an entrepreneurial mindset focused on bottom-line performance and exponential business growth. My extensive expertise spans product engineering, design, strategic planning, manufacturing, multisite operations, launch management, sales, and business development for a Tier one automotive supplier and engineering firm.Leadership and CommunicationThroughout my career, I have demonstrated the ability to utilize strong communication skills, vast knowledge of company operations, and sound judgment to engage customers and lead cross-functional teams. This has enabled the development of new technologies and products that align with the objectives of customers and the company\'s business strategy. My leadership style fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that teams remain motivated and focused on achieving high standards of excellence.Product and Vehicle DevelopmentWith a proven track record in managing the overall design and development of both products and vehicles, I have played a pivotal role in several successful vehicle and product launches. My expertise in managing P&L has further contributed to the company\'s financial health and growth. By maintaining high standards of excellence coupled with a strong work ethic, I have consistently delivered results that exceed expectations.Team Leadership and MotivationAs a strong leader, motivator, and coach, I am comfortable leading large engineering and manufacturing organizations. My ability to inspire and guide teams has been instrumental in driving innovation and achieving business goals. My team leadership skills ensure that each member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the company\'s success.Strategic Planning and Business DevelopmentMy experience in strategic planning and business development has been key to my success. I have a keen ability to identify opportunities for growth and implement strategies that drive performance and profitability. My entrepreneurial mindset allows me to approach challenges with a fresh perspective, leading to innovative solutions that benefit the company and its customers.

Experience

1. Senior Director Program Management and Operations

   Magna International

   Jan 2022 — Present

   Owned strategy, P&L, and end-to-end program and low-volume manufacturing execution for Magna’s New Mobility Manufacturing business—advancing mobility products from concept through build and delivery.• Launched two new facilities (Troy, MI and Toronto, Canada) in under 2 months to enable rapid builds of autonomous delivery vehicles and humanoid robotics programs.• Built and led an operations organization tailored to a low-volume, capital-restricted startup environment—applying Magna manufacturing know-how while enabling fast, customer-driven iteration.• Led global engineering program management across ADAS, autonomous delivery robots, and mechatronics, including resource planning, portfolio support, and disciplined program execution.• Partnered with Product Groups and corporate functions to develop roadmaps, business cases, and go-to-market-aligned product strategies.• Served as a trusted advisor to senior leadership; influenced cross-functional stakeholders globally to align decisions, remove execution barriers, and deliver on strategic priorities—including special initiatives sponsored by the CTO, SVP, CSMO, and CEO.Plant Operations Improvement Expert (Current Assignment)Guiding plant leadership teams through near-term performance recovery and longer-term operational excellence—improving throughput, quality, and cost while building a data-driven, sustainable operating system.• Drive yield improvement and scrap reduction through structured problem-solving, process capability stabilization, and disciplined containment/escape management.• Improve OEE by addressing the biggest losses and establishing daily management routines tied to measurable targets.• Lead deployment of Industry 4.0 enablers (shop-floor visibility, connected data, analytics) to accelerate decision-making and sustain gains.• Develop a plan back to profitability by isolating key cost drivers and building actionable countermeasures with owners, timing, and expected savings.

Education

• Walsh College

  Master of Science (M.S.), Business Management & Finance

  1990 — 1993

• Michigan State University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Mechanical Engineering

  1983 — 1989

• Michigan State University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Mechanical Engineering

Skills

• Automotive Engineering
• Strategic Planning
• Manufacturing
• Contract Negotiation
• Financial Reporting
• Engineering Management
• Facilities Management
• Product Design
• Product Launch
• Management
• Budgets
• Profit/Loss Responsibility
• Product Development
• New Business Development
• Long Term Business Planning
• Capital Budgeting
• Continuous Improvement
• Root Cause Analysis
• Business Process Improvement
• Design for Manufacturing
• Cost Management
• Leadership
• Ppap
• Program Management
• Cross Functional Team Building
• Automotive
• Fmea
• Biw Development
• Financial Analysis
• Human Resources
• Engineering