Technical Publications Supervisor

The Company

Job Purpose

Supervise development and global execution of documentation related to Autonomous Systems product (internal and external), business processes and tools; review department work product; develop contemporary technical publications program frameworks; and define standards and templates for documentation materials and processes. At the highest level, the focus of this position is to collaborate and lead global projects to support digital transformation, system automation, and content enhancement. 

Travel Requirements

• Up to 25%

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise the technical writing team in content development, collaboration with other Komatsu teams including engineering for easy to read and useful content.  
• Oversee technical writing team’s daily projects including delivery times, project requests, and enhancement projects.  
• Promote best practices in technical writing and content delivery within the team and across Komatsu  
• Research and support new product developments   
• Oversee vendor relationships for cost, effectiveness, and progress  
• Manage and refine policy and processes for department efficiency  
• Lead global projects for customer experience and company integration enhancement  
• Research and resolve content issues internally and from the Komatsu network  
• Establish quality metrics and measurements for content quality and team development.  
• Balance resources, track, and report progress against key milestones, and ensure on-time delivery of projects, products, and services.
• Communicate with the team to help them understand goals, direction, and business strategies and with senior management to help in development of documentation, and technology roadmaps.
• Perform line management activities such as recruiting and retaining, conducting performance reviews, maintaining career development plans, etc.
• Ensure editors and writers have the required specifications and source data to complete their task.
• Co-ordinate workflow (writing, editing, Illustrating & Translating) between staff members.
• Determine formats and policies relating to publishing services.
• Responsible for the linguistic integrity of publications.
• If required attend engineering review meetings, customer meetings and visit Customers facilities.
• Responsible for the day-to-day activities of the staff for which they are assigned.
• Monitor personnel problems of assigned staff.
• Perform Performance Appraisals for assigned staff.
• Other duties as required.

Required Skills

• College degree or 5 years industry experience in electronic desktop publishing for OEM Literature (original equipment manufacturer) 
• Five years’ experience with parts/technical manuals and ability to apply that knowledge to Komatsu applications and products. 
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with strict project deadlines, demonstrated ability to be highly organized and detail oriented. 
• Excellent organizational and communication skills 
• Self-starter that can manage multiple projects and effectively prioritize across those activities. 
• Experience implementing and utilizing a content management system (Dita/Ixia, MadCap Central etc.,)

Desired Skills

• Preferred 2 to 5-years’ experience in supervisory role or comparable role, preferably in a technical publications’ environment.
• Proven command of English grammar.
• Knowledgeable in the use of two or more of the following software platforms: Dita, IXIA, MadCap Flare or comparable software for the creation of Technical Publications.
• Excellent verbal and above average written communication skills.
• Experience testing, piloting, implementing and supporting a new Content Management System.