Global Pre-Sales Engineering Operations Manager
Johnson Controls · San José, Costa Rica
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing · 10,001+ employees
About the role
The manager will lead and optimize pre-sales engineering and estimation processes by implementing Lean Business System principles to drive operational excellence. They are responsible for monitoring KPIs, conducting operational reviews, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across global teams.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business and at least 8 years of experience in pre-sales engineering or operations management. Proficiency in Lean methodologies, strong analytical skills, and excellent leadership abilities are required for this role.
Full description
Job Description
The Global Pre-Sales Engineering & Estimation Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing the pre-sales engineering and estimation processes to ensure operational excellence, accuracy, and efficiency. This role will drive continuous improvement through the Johnson Controls Lean Business System (LBS), implement robust Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and establish structured countermeasures to address performance gaps. The manager will ensure insights and processes are in place through daily management monitoring, monthly operational reviews, and foster a culture of accountability, Lean thinking, and data-driven decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategies for pre-sales engineering and estimation operations aligned with Johnson Controls’ business objectives.
- Implement Lean Business System (LBS) principles to streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and enhance value delivery.
- Drive standardization of processes across regions to ensure consistency and scalability.
- Ensure operational practices reflect LBS foundations such as standard work, visual management, and daily management systems.
- Consolidate, monitor, and report on KPIs for the pre-sales organization as defined and driven by enterprise KPIs including quality, on‑time delivery, and productivity.
- Conduct daily management monitoring using LBS visual tools to track operational health and proactively address deviations.
- Develop collateral and insights for monthly operational reviews with cross-functional teams to assess performance, identify trends, and implement corrective actions.
- Establish a structured countermeasure process for underperforming metrics, ensuring timely resolution and sustainable improvements through LBS problem‑solving methodologies.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement through training, coaching, and engagement in Lean methodologies.
- Utilize data analytics to identify bottlenecks, eliminate waste, and optimize resource allocation using Lean-based approaches.
- Guide Lean Business System adoption and applications for a high-performing team of pre-sales engineers and estimators.
- Foster collaboration between sales, in‑region pre-sales teams, global pre-sales teams, and operations to ensure seamless project handoffs and standardized processes.
- Coach team members in Lean tools including A3 thinking, kaizen activities, and continuous improvement behaviors.
- Ensure adherence to Johnson Controls’ operational standards, Lean governance expectations, compliance requirements, and quality assurance protocols.
- Maintain accurate documentation and reporting for audits, LBS assessments, and internal reviews.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA or Lean Six Sigma certification preferred.
- 8+ years of experience in pre-sales engineering, estimation, or operations management within a technical or industrial environment.
- Proven experience in Lean Business Systems, KPI development, and operational performance management.
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data-driven decision-making.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
- English Proficiency – C1 or Native.
Key Competencies
- Proactivity: Ideate, propose, and gather consensus for improvements, changes, and insights without direct guidance.
- Lean Thinking: Ability to apply Lean principles and LBS practices to drive efficiency and eliminate waste.
- Data-Driven Leadership: Skilled in interpreting KPIs and implementing countermeasures through Lean problem-solving.
- Operational Discipline: Strong focus on daily management and structured reviews grounded in LBS principles.
- Collaboration: Ability to work cross-functionally and influence without authority.
- Continuous Improvement Mindset: Passion for driving change, Lean engagement, and fostering innovation.