Production Manager

Overview

The Production Manager (PM) oversees assigned production lines, ensuring that production targets are consistently met while optimizing production levels. Their responsibilities include executing manufacturing strategy, driving KPIs, and mentoring staff for excellence. The manager aligns their leadership style with Panasonic’s Seven Core Principles.

Responsibilities

Summary:

We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.

The Production Manager (PM) is a key player in ramping up and in sustaining our manufacturing activities. The Manager is the owner of the management of assigned production line(s), contributing leadership support to all facets of production and ensuring production goals are continually met. The Manager will use various processes and methods to transform raw materials, components, and parts into finished Lithium Ion batteries. Additionally, the Manager will own responsibility for implementing production manufacturing strategy and strategic operational goals, thereby exceeding customer expectations for product quality, cost, and delivery. Furthermore, the Manager will efficiently maximize and optimize production levels while driving operational excellence. The Manager works closely with internal and external key stakeholders and strives for best-in-class products and business practices. The Manager will drive Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) across assigned Manufacturing Operations and ensure all projects are delivered with the highest quality standards, while maintaining budgetary guidelines and strict deadlines. Inspires, motivates, and mentors staff to achieve excellence, and have the drive and passion to grow self and others. Always strive to be the best version of oneself and understand the influences team members. The Manager should align to and incorporate their leadership style to Panasonic’s Seven Core Principles, contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, and gratitude.

Essential Duties

• Ensure that company resources are utilized to sustain safe manufacturing and distribution excellence
• Manage functional production teams to meet manufacturing KPI’s
• Empower, develop, and reward individuals and teams for performance and growth
• Manage continuous improvement in production efficiency, implementing Lean principles
• Coordinate and interact with internal cross-functional teams to fulfill customer and company goals
• Attend Management meetings and provide detailed input on status of production goals
• Other duties as assigned
  
  

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees’, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.
  
  

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Qualifications: Requirements - Required and/or Preferred

Education

• Basic/Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Business or equivalent experience
• Preferred: Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science (MS)
  
  

Essential Qualifications

• 5 years experience as a Production Manager for a 24/7, high volume automation manufacturing environment
• Ability to work any shift as needed and dictated by business needs
• High volume experience with management of 100 employees
• Solid previous job history in a similar role with proven ability of being a strong leader of a production team
• Data driven to interpret and drive business needs
• Foundational and practical knowledge of machine controls and instrumentation
• Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to explain and present technical information
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing operations to include Lean Six Sigma, ERP transactional experience, 5s experience, etc.
• Able to influence change without direct authority
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• Experience with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced skills in MS Office (Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook)
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)
• Able to pivot in a fast-paced environment
• Adapts approach as the requirements of the situation change
• Changes or easily accepts change in organization or job requirements
• Ability to help the team ‘connect the dots’ on the business expectations, KPI’s and the importance of their daily role
• Able to drive Change Management
• Strong communicator, self-directed, motivated and goal oriented
• Strong examples of exercising recognition and rewarding team members for behaviors that represent the company’s core values (Panasonic’s 7 Core Principles)
• Strong problem solver (including root cause analysis); commitment to continuous improvement philosophy
• Contributes meaningfully to work group efforts by offering new ideas for improvement; demonstrates a cooperative manner in dealing with supervisors and other team members, does his/her part toward group efforts; works cooperatively with others
  
  

Preferred License(s)

• None
  
  

Preferred Certification(s)

• Lean Six Sigma Certification
  
  

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: (Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to)

• Sit: 30%
• Walk: 30%
• Stand: 20%
• Lift: 20%
  
  

Required Lifting and Carrying: (Required frequency is: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%)

• Up to 10 lbs.: Frequent
• Up to 20 lbs.: Frequent
• Up to 35 lbs.: Frequent
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent
  
  

About Us

At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing cutting-edge cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions.

This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!

Supplemental Information

Pre-employment drug testing is required. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Panasonic is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy of North America.

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