Senior Manager Factory Industrialization

AESC is looking to add a Senior Mgr. Factory Industrialization to our team operating in the US region.

• Full-Time
• **Preferred Locations: ** Murfreesboro, TN; Bowling Green, KY; Florence, SC; and other strategically situated areas optimized for travel to our sites.
• Hybrid - 2-3 days per week on-site

About AESC US LLC

AESC is an exciting, newly created global organization committed to solving the challenges of a sustainable future and becoming the leading supplier of full-value-chain battery solutions. Our lithium-ion batteries can be found in nearly one million electric vehicles worldwide and have a stellar safety record of zero-critical issues. AESC US is leading the way in battery technology. We design and manufacture EV battery technology for various electric vehicles and equipment. We are working hard towards unlocking the full potential of sustainable energy and climate change mitigation. We will continue to build upon our successes and expand into new markets and industries, producing innovative and competitive products and technologies that advance the goal of a zero-carbon emission future. AESC is headquartered in Japan and has battery manufacturing locations in Japan, UK, China, and the U.S.

AESC Mission

Our mission is to solve the challenges for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

About the Role

As AESC ramps up new battery manufacturing facilities across the Southeastern United States to meet rising demand from automotive OEM partners, we are expanding our local engineering teams to support smooth plant launches.

As the Regional Senior Mgr. Factory Industrialization, you will direct a team of industrial engineers who are central point of contact and design management for the planning, design and execution for our factory development project within the US region coordinating project inputs. Reporting to the Regional VP of Global Industrialization Development – US region, you will partner closely with cross-functional teams in facilities construction, equipment installation, process validation, and steady-state optimization. Your leadership will be critical during all phases - from planning to design, equipment layout, integration testing, and ramp-up of new production lines. Your team will provide planning inputs for project launch and site development projects. During planning phase this team will gather input requirements to the construction team, gathering this information from production equipment engineering teams and all other functional stakeholders, develop and maintain factory layouts, technical utility matrix for all energy and consumables defining all systems specifications within the plant design.

We seek a leader in industrial engineering with expertise in developing green field projects in battery manufacturing sites; acting as key window person for project design team lead, with a record of accomplishment of developing high-performance teams.

Join us to lead industrial engineering efforts that will enable world-class sustainable battery production supporting the future of electric transportation.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Your performance will be measured against several critical indicators. Your ability to successfully lead and execute strategic initiatives within specified timeframes will be a key performance indicator. Additionally, your contribution to the optimization of processes, as evidenced by efficiency gains or cost savings, will be closely monitored. Achieving and exceeding quarterly and annual targets, whether related to production output, project completion, or other relevant metrics, will also be a significant aspect of your performance evaluation. We will gauge your success in fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment through team performance and the successful implementation of creative solutions. These KPIs are designed to align with our organizational goals and ensure your impactful contributions to our ongoing success. You will coordinate and build a project IE team regionally (4-5 members within 6 months of starting). Deliver TUM updates as design inputs on time and minimize changes within the design following companies design process and design release schedule. Update project status regularly. Establish functional KPIs and organization plans relevant to regional program targets and commitments.

Career Growth Opportunities

You will have the opportunity to embark on a dynamic career path with abundant growth possibilities. We are committed to fostering the professional development of our employees, and your journey with us will be marked by ongoing learning and advancement. Our organization believes in recognizing and nurturing talent from within, providing a clear trajectory for career growth. As you demonstrate your skills and contribute to our collective success, doors will open for expanded responsibilities, leadership roles, and the chance to work on increasingly complex and impactful projects. We encourage a culture of continuous learning, offering various training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources that empower you to chart your course within the company. Your success is our success, and we are dedicated to supporting your career aspirations every step of the way.

Your Team

You will be reporting directly to the Regional lead of our Global Industrial Development function. You will collaborate closely with a group of dedicated professionals, each contributing their unique skills and expertise to our collective success. Currently, the team consists of 60 talented individuals in roles such as construction management, construction design experts, product design and process design teams, logistic and plant operation teams, fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment. In this role, you will have the opportunity to lead, mentor, and collaborate with your colleagues to drive impactful results. Our team values creativity, initiative, and a collaborative spirit, and we look forward to welcoming you to this dynamic work family where your contributions will play a vital role in achieving our common goals.

What You Will Do 

• Collaborate on Product Development: Work closely with cross-functional teams in the design and development of cutting-edge EV battery technology, ensuring alignment with industry standards and continuous innovation.
• Drive Process Optimization: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the team, contributing to our goal of producing innovative and competitive products.
• Interface with Stakeholders: Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements, address concerns, and ensure seamless collaboration, fostering strong relationships that contribute to the success of our initiatives.
• Demonstrate Leadership Skills: Direct a team of industrial engineers who are central point of contact and design management for the planning, design and execution of our factory development project within the US region coordinating project inputs.
• Stay Informed on Industry Trends: Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and market dynamics, applying this knowledge to day-to-day activities and contributing to our competitive edge in the market.

What You Need

• The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of Manufacturing, industrial engineering experience, expert knowledge of production plant operations, and project management skills. Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail are essential.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering or related engineering field and experience required.
• Skills: AutoCAD, BIM 360 (or similar), Plant simulation software (Siemens Plant Simulation or AnyLogic to model production flows, or similar), Business software Excel/Word/PowerPoint/MS 360.
• Experience in plant design detailed equipment layouts within the plant.
• Strong leadership skills to build, develop, and mentor high-performing teams
• Strategic thinking and vision to optimize manufacturing operations
• Communication with Global IE team to align initiatives and share best practices
• Implementing best practices for equipment layouts and production workflows
• Project management abilities to deliver complex initiatives on time and budget
• Optimizing material flows and inventory management for efficiency
• Collaboration and relationship-building across global cross-functional partners
• Broad knowledge of battery production and facility design to make informed decisions
• Lean manufacturing expertise to implement continuous improvement
• Analytics and modeling capabilities to simulate production systems
• Understanding of equipment logistics from procurement through installation
• Oversight of production ramp up, capacity planning, and labor requirements
• Driving sustainability practices and compliance with safety regulations
• Knowledge of battery testing protocols and quality control processes
• Communication skills to align local and global organizations

What is “Nice to Have”?

• Start-up Experience: Experience or familiarity with the dynamics of start-up environments, showcasing an ability to thrive in agile and fast-paced settings.

What We Offer

Welcome to our state-of-the-art Gigafactory, 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. At AESC, we offer a comprehensive compensation package, including a competitive salary and a rewarding AESC bonus program. In addition, we provide a range of valuable benefits, such as 401K, and health insurance. 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 of changing the world.

• 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 listed, if you believe this role suits you well, we encourage you to apply. Your application gives us the opportunity to learn more about you and explore potential fits within our team.

Following the submission of your application, we are committed to providing timely responses to all applicants, though response times may vary depending on the volume of submissions. If you do not receive an immediate response, please rest assured that this in no way reflects on the quality of your candidacy. Your application will be retained in our files, and we may reach out to you for future roles that align with your skills and interests. As our organization experiences rapid growth, we appreciate your patience in this process. We are actively working each day to enhance our application procedures to ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for all applicants. Thank you for your understanding and enthusiasm for joining our dynamic team.

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.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
• Required to occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Travel

40-50% domestic and international travel required.

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.