Director, Specs and Standards

Job Summary

The Director, Specifications sets the strategic direction, governance, and operational excellence for product design specifications, master data, and engineering processes across the enterprise for all wire and cable products. This role leads initiatives to improve data integrity and standardization and is accountable for CableBuilder, part creation, raw material standards, and system integration to support digital transformation, operational efficiency, and business growth. The Director also oversees daily design engineering operations that support the customer quotation process and order fulfillment lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the enterprise strategy for wire and cable product specifications, design engineering, and master data management aligned with business and digital transformation objectives
• Lead initiatives to standardize processes, improve data quality, and expand system capabilities across integrated platforms (e.g., cable design systems and ERP)
• Drive continuous improvement in automation, system integration, and data governance to support operational excellence and scalable growth
• Oversee daily design engineering activities supporting Engineer-to-Order (ETO) quotation processes, ensuring timely and accurate cost estimates for customer RFQs
• Lead engineering support for customer order entry, including creation and maintenance of product structures, bills of materials (BOMs), and specifications within design systems and ERP integration
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and compliance of product data across all systems supporting manufacturing, quality, and commercial processes
• Support new product development, cost optimization, maintenance of line, and manufacturing footprint initiatives through robust specification and design engineering practices
• Partner with R&D, Operations, Quality, IT, and Commercial teams to align product design and data infrastructure with enterprise priorities
• Act as a key stakeholder in enabling connected factory, quality management, and digital manufacturing initiatives
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all policies and standards
• Manages staff performance and development, coaching team members to achieve their full potential in contributing to the department's goals.

Required Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: Bachelor's Degree

Specialized Degree: Electrical, Mechanical or related Engineering Discipline

Years of Experience: 8-11 Years

Field of Expertise: Cable engineering, workflow systems, specs and standards, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Computer

Preferred Education & Experience

Minimum Education Level: Masters degree

Specialized Degree: Engineering or MBA

Licenses/Certificates: Lean, Six Sigma, Relevant certifications (e.g., ISO, IEC standards)

Years of Experience: 15+ Years

Field of Expertise: Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Computer

Other Preferred Skills, Licenses, & Certificates:    

• Wire and Cable Standards & Specifications      
• Product design and manufacturing engineering      
• Engineering systems integration
• Master data, BOM structures, and product lifecycle management

Spans of Control

Does this role Manage Southwire Team Members: Yes Number of Direct Reports: 2-5

Travel

Travel: None

Physical Requirements

Moving: 5%

Standing: 5%

Sitting: 90%

Working Conditions

Office

Equipment

Computer/Keyboard

Competencies

Skills