Manufacturing Systems Manager

This range is provided by Yama Vans. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range $80,000.00/yr - $90,000.00/yr Turn operational chaos into structure, and build the systems for scale. About Yama Yama Vans is a premium adventure van manufacturer based in Calgary. We build custom Mercedes Sprinter conversions that combine exceptional craftsmanship with thoughtful design. We’re at an inflection point: transitioning from a skilled production shop to a scalable manufacturing operation. We’re implementing a complete PDM + ERP ecosystem, formalizing our product data architecture, and building the digital foundation that will support our next stage of growth. To lead this transformation, we’re hiring a Manufacturing Systems Manager to own the structure, standards, and integrity of all product data across Operations, and build the systems and foundation for scale from 25 vans/year to 100+ vans/year. About the Role As Manufacturing Systems Manager, you’ll define product data standards, configure and manage digital systems, optimize product data flows, and own cross functional PDM/ERP processes. This is a technical ownership role, not a people management role. The Manufacturing Systems Manager is responsible for building and governing the complete digital backbone of Yama's operations. This includes: Product structure and taxonomy across all systems CAD metadata standards and governance BOM structure and materials management Data standards, naming conventions, and version control Process documentation and cross-functional training Workflow automation using AI and no/low code tools Although this role works heavily with CAD files, this is NOT a design or drafting role. You won’t be designing parts. Instead, you’ll treat CAD files as data objects that drive downstream workflows across the entire operations department. What You’ll Do Phase 1: Build the Foundation (Months 1–10) Work with COO to architect the system and establish a clean, clear foundation for product data and data flow. Clean and restructure existing product data (CAD files, BOMs, materials) Apply metadata, naming conventions, and taxonomy rules across all systems Define subassembly rules and restructure CAD models Configure Odoo ERP, migrate materials and production data Establish and enforce clear engineering change management processes Document systems, standards, and processes Phase 2: Govern and Optimize (Months 11+) Transition to full ownership of operational digital backbone Act as system authority for Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, and Service data standards and data flow Serve as data quality gatekeeper across all operational functions Maintain metadata standards, naming conventions, and version control Design and implement workflow automations Troubleshoot product data issues and continuously improve processes Train team members on system use and data standards Requirements Must Have: 3–5 years parametric CAD experience (Solidworks (preferred), Inventor, or similar) Systems thinking – you naturally think in flows, structures, and dependencies Detail-oriented & disciplined – you’re bothered by inconsistency and inaccurate data Proven track record of building structure from chaos (part numbering systems, data workflows, process standards) Mechanical literacy – understanding of manufacturing processes and assembly logic High ownership mindset – you focus on fixing problems, not assigning blame Nice to Have (Can Be Learned): Experience with PDM or ERP systems Familiarity with BOM structuring or metadata governance Scripting or automation experience Manufacturing environment experience This Role is NOT a Fit If You: Want to design products or pursue traditional engineering design Prefer creative, unstructured work over process driven work Get bored with data standards and documentation Want to manage direct reports Are looking for a business intelligence or analytics role Why This Role Matters Yama is scaling from 25 to 100+ vans/year over the next 5 years. That growth requires operational systems that are accurate, scalable, and sustainable. You’ll build the taxonomy, clean the data, structure the systems, establish the standards, and own the integrity of everything that flows from Engineering to Production to Service. This is a unique opportunity to join and scale with a company in early growth stage and play a critical role in building and maintaining the back end systems. How to Apply Email careers@yamavans.com and include the following Subject Line: Manufacturing Systems Manager Link to LinkedIn profile or attached resume Brief summary of your CAD background Why this role excites you We’re a small, high energy, high performing team that values humility, ownership, and pride in our work. If you align with these values and are excited about the role, we’d love to hear from you Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Yama Vans by 2x Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Full-time Job function Engineering and Information Technology Industries Manufacturing and Motor Vehicle Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr