Production Manager

The Asahi Kasei Group operates with a commitment of creating for tomorrow. Our business sectors, Material, Homes, and Health Care, contribute to the development of society by anticipating the changing needs of those around the world. We look for candidates that offer a fresh perspective and a variety of skills to help us achieve our commitment.We are currently seeking applications to fill the following job opening at Celgard where we develop and manufacture membrane battery separators that are critical components used in lithium-ion batteries for electric drive vehicles (EDVs) and energy storage systems (ESS).Company:Celgard, LLCJob Description:Production ManagerCelgard - Concord, NCAbout UsFor more than 50 years, Celgard has been a proven global leader in the development and production of high-performance membrane technology. Our products are used in a broad range of energy storage and other barrier-type applications, including lithium-ion batteries, lithium primary and other specialty battery solutions, technical textiles such as waterproof breathable apparel and medical personal protective equipment (PPE) and other specialty applications. Headquartered in the United States, we operate manufacturing facilities in the USA and China and have sales and technical service staff located strategically throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Celgard is part of Polypore International, a leading global high technology company specializing in microporous membranes. Polypore brings advanced development and manufacturing know-how as well as unique problem-solving capabilities to customers' lithium-ion and lead-acid battery development teams. Polypore is an Asahi Kasei Group company, which is a diversified group of companies led by holding company Asahi Kasei Corp., with operations in the material, homes, and health care business sectors. We are creating for tomorrowAbout the RoleWe are seeking a Production Manager to be a part of the Operations team based in Concord, NC. Reporting RelationshipsThis position directly reports to the Plant Manager and supervises 8 Production Supervisors and 2 Production Trainers.Asahi Kasei's ValuesSincerity - Being sincere with everyoneChallenge - Bolding taking challenges, continually seeking changeCreativity - Creating new value through unity and synergyKey AccountabilitiesWork safely and ensure safety considerations are paramount in any work outputs that he/she may influence.Ensure safety, environmental policies and procedures are followedOversight of Production supervisors on all shiftsOversight of Production TrainersCollaborate with the Production planning and scheduling team to meet targetsDisciplined operation of all equipment and processes consistent with standard operating procedures and standard operating conditionsEnsure all resources and equipment are used efficiently and maintainedDevelop effective measures to implement action to achieve established strategic goals across all production departments and shiftsPromote culture of continuous improvement and effective problem solvingMonitor technician certification and progression in line with overall organizational directionCollaborate across functional groups - Environmental Safety & Health, Process and Project Engineering, Warehouse, Maintenance, and Quality to effectively plan and troubleshoot operation related issuesParticipate in root-cause analysis for any customer complaints as requiredChallenge status quo by developing and recommending modifications to existing processes and methodologies with a constant focus on continuous improvement and cost reductionProvide written and oral reports as requiredProvide individual feedback to technicians and supervisors along with appropriate communications with all production teams. Resolve personnel issues by analyzing data, investigating, identifying solutions, and recommending action Manage, coach, and develop staff; work with direct reports to set goals in development, performance, and career planningCoordinate Production with Sales & Operations Planning team - setting production plans/priorities to achieve business objectivesPlan, recommend, and justify annual operating budgets and financial targets in accordance with known operational needs, strategies, and objectivesQualificationsEducation Background:Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is required.Knowledge & Experience: Must possess at least 7 years of professional manufacturing experience and at least 3 years in a production or plant leadership role with direct reportsMust have demonstrated experience managing and developing individual talent and people leaders.Proven ability to build and work well within teams, mentor others, with a data driven management styleExperience with Six Sigma, TPM, TPS or equivalent preferredSelf-driven work ethic with high performance expectationMust possess strong problem-solving skills and experience with typical Continuous Improvement problem solving tools. (ie: fishbone, 5 why, process flow map)Ability to analyze data to determine solutions and improvement opportunities required. A change agent who generates urgency and meets high safety and quality standards while effectively motivating team members to achieve resultsKey Attributes: Ability to support a 24-7 process and answer calls on nights and weekends as needed.Ability to flex schedule to support night shift as needed.Must be able to communicate with all levels of the organizationAble to maintain confidential informationProficient computer skills to include Microsoft OfficeCan work on a high performing team creating an environment where open and honest communication is the normAbility to build effective workplace relationships, motivating employees, and supporting employee developmentKnow how to evaluate the team effectiveness, and how to improve the team's performanceMust be able to deal with conflict productively, bringing forth issues that need to be discussed and work to forge a mutually beneficial outcome.Travel: Must be able and willing to travel up to 10% for domestically and abroad for training and visiting other company locationsWorking EnvironmentThis position is in a manufacturing plant setting that would require working in a production environment around chemicals. Work will require standing and walking for up to 80% of the time. Lighting and temperature are adequate. You may be required to lift up to 35 pounds and/or force necessary to push, pull, or otherwise move objects.Celgard manufacturing sites are IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 certified.Location InformationConcord is part of the Charlotte metro area. Charlotte, NC, known as the Queen City, is a thriving metropolitan area of over 2.6 million people across 15 counties and is situated just north of the South Carolina border, within a weekend drive to the mountains and the beach. It is comprised of diversity in people, industries and living, from urban to rural. It is ranked second among 25 largest cities for most desirable place to purchase a home by Nerdwallet.com and is ranked eight among the top 10 big booming cities by CNNmoney.com. Charlotte is home of one of North Carolina's largest college campuses, UNC Charlotte. Along with a friendly southern culture, Charlotte offers dining, arts, museums, major league basketball, football and soccer teams, a minor league baseball team, NASCAR, shopping, festivals, a variety of amenities and quick access to several parks and reserves for people who love the outdoors.#LI-MN1As an equal opportunity employer, Asahi Kasei believes a diverse workforce will provide us with the ability to continuously support the changes in the economy, society, and environment.