Emergency Manager

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation. Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Job Summary: The Emergency Manager leads emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts for our Kansas facilities. This role manages the local Emergency Management Program (EMP), develops policies and training, coordinates emergency operations, and supports post-incident recovery. The Emergency Manager provides leadership to the Fire Brigade Supervisor and collaborates with designated emergency response personnel to ensure effective coordination of PECNA’s overall emergency readiness. This role is critical to strengthening facility resilience and aligning with PECNA’s safety and business continuity objectives. The position requires strong leadership under pressure, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and proactive risk mitigation. Limited travel and availability for emergency response outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, are required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in emergency management, fire science, occupational safety, environmental health and safety, or a closely related field. Active enrollment in a bachelor’s degree program in emergency management with previous emergency management experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in emergency response, disaster management, or industrial emergency planning
• 3+ years in a leadership or supervisory role related to emergency management or public safety
• Completion of FEMA Independent Study courses: IS-100, IS-200, IS-300, IS-400, IS-700, and IS-800, along with the FEMA Professional Development Series
• Demonstrated ability to respond to real-world incidents under pressure and manage emergency teams effectively
• Strong knowledge of emergency management planning, risk assessment, and recovery procedures
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with an ability to communicate clearly across all levels of an organization
• Strong decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills in dynamic and high-pressure environments
• Technological proficiency with emergency notification systems, planning software, and training tools
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with external agencies such as fire departments, EMS, and emergency management offices
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Emergency Management, Public Safety, Homeland Security, or related discipline
• Certified Emergency Manager (CEM) through the International Association of Emergency Managers (IAEM) or equivalent state-level emergency management certification
• Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) certification
• Additional credentials in business continuity, incident investigation, or hazardous materials response
• Experience within a manufacturing, industrial, or high-risk operational environment (e.g., energy, chemicals, or heavy equipment)
• Familiarity with lithium-ion battery risks, hazardous materials handling, and facility-based emergency protocols
• Experience developing and conducting full-scale drills and multi-agency response exercises
• Ability to inspire and lead cross-functional emergency teams and drive a culture of safety and preparedness
• Alignment with 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)

Responsibilities

• Manage the local Emergency Management Program (EMP) for Kansas-area facilities, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date emergency management documentation
• Respond to emergencies under pressure while managing competing priorities and deadlines
• Facilitate meetings and briefings with diverse stakeholders during or after emergency events
• Demonstrate initiative and manage multiple assignments with efficiency, ensuring timely and accurate completion of responsibilities
• Help develop, implement, and maintain emergency management policies, standards, and procedures
• Evaluate current risks and implement mitigation strategies aligned with company priorities
• Stay informed on emergency management best practices, standards, and technologies; recommend updates to company processes as needed
• Implement proactive problem-solving strategies using internal and external best practices
• Plan, deliver, and improve emergency training programs including seminars, tabletop exercises, drills, and functional simulations
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training exercises to ensure emergency plans are robust and participants are well-prepared
• Foster internal capabilities by developing core competencies among key response personnel
• Collaborate with PECNA Facilities Fire Systems staff and other internal partners to support a unified response strategy
• Build and maintain professional working relationships with fire departments, emergency medical services, and county emergency management officials
• Attend and participate in emergency preparedness meetings with local, regional, state, and federal agencies, addressing relevant recommendations and outcomes
• Assist with business continuity planning and engage in post-incident recovery strategies with internal teams and community partners
• Remain available to respond to incidents on a 24/7 basis, within reason, by assessing situations, triaging, and escalating to appropriate stakeholders
• Participate in incident investigations to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions to prevent recurrence
• Provide leadership and direction to the Fire Brigade Supervisor and coordinate with internal emergency response personnel to ensure cohesive and effective incident response

Benefits

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees