Head of CAD Operations Full Time NEW

About the Role

The Head of CAD Operations is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimising all digital design and CAD workflows across the organisation. This position requires managing a large, multi-tiered team to ensure seamless alignment between design output, production requirements, and client expectations.

The ideal candidate will be an operational expert with a deep understanding of CAD/CAM processes, specifically within dental and orthodontic aligner manufacturing. They will ensure high-quality output, manage capacity distribution, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

Lead and manage CAD operations across multiple teams, overseeing six operational teams comprising all Full-Time Employees (FTEs). Core leadership accountabilities include:

•     Directly manage six Team Leads and two Operational Coordinators, providing mentorship, performance evaluations, and strategic direction.

•     Handle comprehensive team management, including salary concerns, capacity planning, and resource allocation.

•     Generate and track Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure team performance consistently meets company standards.

Operational Oversight & Workflow Management

Adapt and optimise CAD workflows to ensure seamless compatibility with downstream CAM processes. Key duties include:

•     Maintain synchronisation between the CAD and production teams, acting as the key liaison for smooth transitions between the CAD and Treatment Plan (Designers) teams.

•     Oversee operational customer onboarding, ensuring smooth workflow initiation and establishing robust STL validation processes across multiple client sources.

•     Manage expedited cases across teams, aligning workflows when cases are at earlier steps such as treatment planning.

•     Prepare and implement contingency plans for hardware or system issues to prevent production downtime.

•     Coordinate with facilities regarding any hardware changes required for file compatibility.

Capacity Planning & Data Management

Data integrity and capacity management are paramount in this role. Responsibilities include:

•     Perform rigorous data checks across various systems to ensure all orders are accurately tracked and progressing smoothly through the workflow.

•     Actively manage capacity distribution among teams for cases and aligners.

•     Create and maintain comprehensive monthly dashboards for capacity tracking and reporting.

•     Proactively declare and manage any capacity increases in facilities to top management during capacity distribution planning.

Technology & Innovation

Staying at the forefront of technological advancements is crucial for our operations. Responsibilities include:

•     Work on the software validation process for new CAD tools alongside the product team, ensuring full workflow compatibility before organisational rollout.

•     Actively test new software and workflows to enhance operational efficiency and design quality.

•     Collaborate closely with the IT department on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within CAD workflows to drive continuous innovation.