Operations Manager- Module Operations USA

Basic Job Functions:

• Directs and manages 24/7 Site Plant's Module Operations activities with overall responsibilities for Operational Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Quality, Production (Throughput), Equipment Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Cost to P90 and meet customer.
• Leads a team of Area Managers responsible for Module Manufacturing operations in a thin-film photovoltaic manufacturing flow.
• This position owns the integrated Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, and key functions in Module Manufacturing Areas.
• Ensures that products and processes are introduced, and the designs are capable of being manufactured to meet the organization's objectives.
• Acts as an advisor and coach concerning manufacturing related issues to facilitate teamwork and continuous improvement to management and the workforce.
• Controls the AOP spending within approval budget and other operation-related activities.
• Deploys and provide leadership in continuous improvements, including leading/participating in global alignment activities.
• Establishes and invests in training and development people/upskills associates, technical competencies and standardize training programs for all plants.
• This position also serves as the key back-up to the Head - Module Operations when not available.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, business administration, or management discipline (MBA or Master of Engineering a plus).
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience w/ 2+ years of Supervisory experience.
• In lieu of a degree:
  • 8+ years in managerial experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
  • 10+ years of manufacturing experience in a technical field or manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience in at least one of the areas preferred – PV module assemble, glass industry experience, lamination systems, vision metrologies, adhesive systems, packaging, and general robotics/PLC.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Safety First Mentality.
• Proven ability to effectively lead salaried and production associates.
• Excellent understanding of computer applications.
• Proven ability to train and develop associates.
• Proven Employee Relations Skills and Knowledge of Human Resources Practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as experience with cross-functional coordination required.
• Demonstrated record of quality, cycle time and cost improvements using TOC, lean manufacturing, and kaizen concepts.
• Technical competency with proven ability to work with and advise engineers on technical matters.
• Solid knowledge of inventory management and control.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with all levels of the organization.
• Provides leadership and training to accomplish First Solar goals and objectives.
• Attracts, challenges, and develops people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Excellent communications and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English.
• Proven computer skills.
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills.
• Excellent employee relations and inter-personal skills.
• Excellent time management skills.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Safety & 5S
  • Member of site-safety steering committee; drives and inculcates a strong "safety-first" culture and world class house-keeping standards within plant operations to enable a zero-recordable rate.
  • Timely and appropriate resolution of equipment or process safety concerns.
  • Work with local EHSS team to ensure all equipment & processes are compliant with local regulatory compliances, ISO & RBA requirements in term of Environment Health and Safety for operation, provide safety leadership to improve safety culture.
• Operations
  • Provide operational leadership to 24/7 shift teams to ensure all tool/process KPI/KPOs are meeting targets (P90).
  • Accountable for ISO & RBA -compliance in their area through up-to-date process and equipment documentation and training records.
  • Drives the workforce towards a world class environment by applying the 5S methodology and ensuring housekeeping is kept at the highest level of cleanliness and maintained at all times.
  • Develops strategy for bottle-neck management in the module operations area that include setting OEE goals (Uptime, Unplanned Downtime, G2G/ MTTR, Yield) and deploying right resources to address chronic issues.
  • Initiates or vets' continuous improvement work-streams ensuring they pass through relevant change-management forums.
  • Establishes a DMAIC mindset among associates as a way of problem solving and a Kaizen approach to improvement.
  • Follows TOC (Theory of Constraints) concepts to resolve bottlenecks as it pertains to daily operations or road-map execution.
• Engineering & Continuous Improvement
  • Participates in global forums (TRT, GAT), escalates process technology challenges that are a risk to P90 and collaborates on local and global solutions for the same.
  • Collaborates with New Process Introduction and Global Technology teams to develop implementation plan for new process or equipment and closes gaps identified during execution.
• People
  • Ensure the team is properly trained and developed through structured plans. Provide coaching and support to the team in dealing with any potential issue.
  • Conduct performance appraisal, provide feedback, and create succession plan for key associates.
  • Engage, Recognize and Reward associates. Supervises and motivates a team of associates creating a culture of personal responsibility and continuous improvement.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position reports to the Head – Module Operations.
• This position will have direct reports.

Travel:

• 0-10% travel is required.

Estimated Salary Range:

• Estimated Salary Range (HR will complete this portion)

US Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push or pull on a seldom basis.
• Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will lift up to 51 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instructions.
• Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
• Will push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
• Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check and any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.