Sr. Manager, Operations

Description & Requirements

Job Description

About AESC US LLC

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for zero-emission electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in Japan in 2007 and headquartered in Yokohama, AESC has been building manufacturing capabilities around the world in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan and China to serve key markets and leading customers locally for over 14 years. Today, AESC has become the partner of choice for the world's leading OEMs and energy storage providers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its advanced technology powers over one million electric vehicles and provides more than 15GWh of installed capacity for battery energy systems in over 60 countries.

AESC is expanding its footprint in the United States with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC's Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational since 2012, produces batteries for Nissan. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply Mercedes-Benz with high-performance battery cell modules. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply technology-leading battery cells for new electric models produced in BMW Group's Spartanburg plant. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making its investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities.

About the Role

We are currently seeking an Sr. Manager, Plant Operations to lead one of the largest global production volume expansion programs in the industry, demanding exceptional talent. Our product portfolio is expanding with innovative production lines and challenging production volume requirements. The manufacturing environment is fast-paced and highly dynamic, offering an exciting opportunity to drive energy sustainability. The ideal candidate will be passionate about advancing energy sustainability, thrive on solving complex challenges, prioritize team success, and maintain an unwavering positive attitude towards sustained hard work.

What You Will Do

Lead the successful execution of large-scale manufacturing and program expansion projects.

Develop and manage a cross-functional team to execute project scopes, including manufacturing processes and operational improvements.

Full facility responsibility for development and leadership of manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams.

Ensure on-time, or ahead-of-time delivery of projects, while addressing roadblocks and prioritizing execution.

Foster a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement within the manufacturing teams and across the organization.

Coach and mentor team members on program management excellence and manufacturing best practices.

Utilize efficient and clear communication methods to address project challenges and communicate successes.

Maintain a can-do attitude to engage and align all stakeholders with the project's goals.

Deliver high-quality products and services to meet the needs of customers and end-users, proactively resolving concerns as they arise.

Encourage innovation within the manufacturing teams to drive the organization's success in sustainable energy solutions.

Provide strategic input and shape the manufacturing organization's future growth and success.

Reports to the site General Manager.

Complete other duties as assigned

Travel

Occasional domestic and international travel required.

What We Offer

Welcome to AESC, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission.

We offer :

• Comprehensive compensation packages including a competitive salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Process

Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application allows us to learn more about you and find potential fits within our team. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, though times may vary with submission volume. If you don't receive an immediate response, it doesn't reflect on your candidacy; we'll keep your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we improve our application process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily an automated manufacturing plant with a concrete floor and is characterized by some temperature extremes, moderate noise, and forklift traffic. The individual must be able to perform all essential functions as appropriate on the plant floor, in meetings, and with employees, management, customers and suppliers.

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and / or skills required of personnel so classified.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.

Qualifications

What You Need

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related fields.

10 years of experience in manufacturing leadership, particularly in high-volume production environments.

2 years in battery production

Proven ability to effectively / efficiently manage large scale diverse team

Proven experience managing programs or projects with budgets exceeding $100 million.

Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Advanced knowledge and demonstrated success in manufacturing processes, program management, and quality control

Ability to train and mentor colleagues in program management and manufacturing best practices.

Willingness to be hands-on as needed to achieve objectives and lead teams through complex manufacturing projects.

Proficiency in working within a high-performance, cross-functional organization with tight timelines and ambitious goals.

Openness to exploring new ideas and a continuous learning mindset.

Flexibility to work extended hours as required in a demanding manufacturing and program management environment.

Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standard (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

What is "Nice to Have"?

Preferred Greenfield experience.