Ján Valach
Prešov
Summary
Analytical, pragmatic, and people-oriented leader with strong technical and organizational competence. Combines a hands-on approach with strategic thinking and coaching mindset.
I excel in process optimization and continuous improvement, delivering results under tight deadlines while fostering collaboration and growth among multicultural teams.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Industrialization Manager for Painted Body and Geo
Volvo Cars Slovakia
07.2023 - Current
- Created and institutionalized the Body Shop Industrialization function for Volvo Cars Slovakia – built the department from zero to full operational readiness.
- Joined as the first Slovak employee, shaping Body Shop industrialization strategy from the earliest phase of Volvo’s first EV greenfield project.
- Leading a €150M investment covering process design, equipment specification, and installation of EV body-in-white and geometry systems.
- Managing a multicultural team of 16 engineers from various countries, fostering collaboration, competence growth, and local capability.
- Delivered industrialization scope under an extremely compressed schedule – only 10 months between equipment order and first vehicle production.
- Directed installation and commissioning of EV body shop equipment supplied by Chinese and European partners, ensuring technical alignment and timely readiness.
- Defined layout and geometry standards, validated suppliers, and aligned local practices with Volvo’s global requirements.
- Currently driving early ramp-up and ensuring full SOP readiness for the first fully electric Volvo vehicle built in Slovakia.
Operations Manager
Albert Handtmann Metallgusswerk GmbH & Co. KG
01.2022 - 06.2023
- Directed production, maintenance, and engineering for an aluminium die-casting plant.
- Unified three departments into one cohesive structure, improving communication and overall plant performance.
- Introduced a real-time MES system with daily OEE tracking, stabilizing performance to world-class levels.
- Implemented structured problem-solving methods (Toyota Kata, 5 Why, Ishikawa).
- Led SAP S/4HANA implementation and enhanced H&S culture across operations.
Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance Manager
Marelli Slovakia
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Rebuilt and restructured engineering and maintenance functions into a unified department.
- Introduced clear structure, accountability, and discipline to stabilize operations.
- Solved critical spare parts continuity issues, restoring supplier performance.
- Improved warehouse accuracy and redesigned spare parts management processes.
- Motivated and stabilized the team during a critical transition phase.
Industrial Engineering Manager
Lear Corporation Slovakia
07.2017 - 04.2021
- Managed a multidisciplinary engineering team (welding, assembly, stamping).
- Delivered multiple high-profile launches under tight budget and time constraints.
- Achieved milestones for EV component industrialization (Renault Twingo Battery Box BT6).
- Managed program transfer and ramp-up for HAB02 seat frame, achieving run@rate approval.
- Partnered with Stellantis, JLR, and Renault on technical standards and audits.
- Introduced PFMEA and change management methodology; embedded Toyota Kata into team routines.
Leadplant Process Leader
Robert Bosch GmbH
11.2012 - 06.2017
- Global process owner for ECU contacting and PCB flashing across Bosch AE plants worldwide.
- Reduced process cycle time from 15s to 4s through machine and tooling redesign.
- Managed €3M customer project for BMW and Daimler, including installation of final assembly lines in Hungary.
- Owned and trained global PFMEA methodology across international sites.
Process Project Engineer
Brose Slovakia
07.2009 - 11.2012
- Led industrialization and launch of Ford Focus seat program for Germany and Russia.
- Managed layout planning, equipment integration, and supplier buy-offs.
- Supported launches for Ford Mondeo, Škoda Octavia, BMW F34.
- Coached new engineers and implemented MTM methodologies to improve efficiency.
Division Ergonomics Coordinator
Faurecia Autositze, GmbH
05.2008 - 06.2009
- Coordinated ergonomics network across 12 European plants.
- Integrated ergonomic standards into Audi A1/A3/A8 seat programs.
- Delivered workshops for engineers and managers to standardize best practices.
Process Engineer
Faurecia Automotive Seating
07.2006 - 04.2008
- Contributed to successful greenfield launch of Audi Q7 seat assembly.
- Implemented automated unloading systems and standardized work improvements.
- Conducted MTM2-based time studies and introduced ergonomic improvements.
Process Engineer
PSA Peugeot Citroën
07.2005 - 06.2006
- Supported greenfield launch of PSA body-in-white welding shop.
- Participated in layout planning and welding process optimization.
- Performed TPM/5S audits and contributed to maintenance digitalization.
Education
Ing. - Engineering
Slovak University of Technology
Trnava, Slovakia06-2005
Skills
- Manufacturing engineering expertise
- Greenfield project management
- Operations & Maintenance Leadership
- Lean, Toyota Kata & Continuous Improvement
- Investment & Supplier Management
- Process Optimization & Layout Planning
- Cross-functional & Multicultural Team Leadership
- Problem Solving (A3, 5 Why, Ishikawa, PDCA)
- Cost, Quality & Delivery Performance
Accomplishments
Led the €150M industrialization of Volvo Cars’ first EV plant in Slovakia, building a 16-member multicultural team from scratch and delivering full body shop installation and launch readiness within an exceptionally tight 10-month timeline from equipment order to first car built.
Certification
Toyota Kata couching
Languages
English
Full Professional
German
Professional Working
Slovak
Native or Bilingual
Czech
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Industrialization Manager for Painted Body and Geo
Volvo Cars Slovakia
07.2023 - Current
Operations Manager
Albert Handtmann Metallgusswerk GmbH & Co. KG
01.2022 - 06.2023
Manufacturing Engineering and Maintenance Manager
Marelli Slovakia
05.2021 - 12.2021
Industrial Engineering Manager
Lear Corporation Slovakia
07.2017 - 04.2021
Leadplant Process Leader
Robert Bosch GmbH
11.2012 - 06.2017
Process Project Engineer
Brose Slovakia
07.2009 - 11.2012
Division Ergonomics Coordinator
Faurecia Autositze, GmbH
05.2008 - 06.2009
Process Engineer
Faurecia Automotive Seating
07.2006 - 04.2008
Process Engineer
PSA Peugeot Citroën
07.2005 - 06.2006
Ing. - Engineering
Slovak University of Technology