General Manager of Maintenance

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, 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. The General Manager of Maintenance drives the long-range strategic planning process for manufacturing operations by leading maintenance functions across the production facility. This role establishes operational goals, advances maintenance technologies, and resolves complex manufacturing challenges in partnership with Production, Quality, Engineering, and other functional leaders. The General Manager develops operations-related plans, budgets, policies, and procedures while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, equipment reliability, and operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline
Relevant work experience may be substituted for required education
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in maintenance, engineering, manufacturing operations, or reliability functions within a high-speed, high-volume manufacturing environment
Experience leading maintenance functions within a large-scale 24/7 manufacturing operation
Experience working in a high-performance culture within cross-functional team environments
Experience with Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement methodologies, and Lean manufacturing principles
Demonstrated success driving safety improvements through behavior-based safety programs, hazard identification, and risk assessment processes
Experience working within a world-class maintenance and reliability organization utilizing preventive and predictive maintenance best practices
Experience utilizing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, preferably SAP
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to explain and present technical information effectively
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
Alignment to 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)

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Business Administration (MBA), Operations Management, or a related field
Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP), Certified Reliability Leader (CRL), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt, Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), or equivalent certifications
Prior experience in a Director or senior management role leading maintenance teams in large-scale manufacturing environments
Experience leading maintenance and reliability programs in highly automated manufacturing environments utilizing robotics, automated material handling systems, PLC-controlled equipment, process automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies
Background in battery manufacturing, chemical processing, automotive, or energy-related industries
Experience leading electromechanical and instrumentation technicians
Knowledge of industrial battery charging systems

Responsibilities

Lead maintenance operations to achieve manufacturing KPIs and operational objectives
Direct maintenance activities for a 24/7 manufacturing environment, ensuring equipment reliability, uptime, and operational effectiveness
Develop and maintain maintenance strategies, plans, budgets, policies, and procedures that support business objectives
Build and maintain Autonomous Maintenance and Preventive Maintenance capabilities throughout the organization, including 6S initiatives
Establish and role model organizational standards that promote operational excellence and accountability
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance operational performance, productivity, and business results
Lead improvements in production efficiency through the implementation of Lean principles and best practices
Lead change management initiatives that align with business objectives and plant priorities
Evaluate and improve maintenance technologies, systems, and processes to optimize performance and reliability
Support strategic planning efforts by identifying opportunities for operational improvements and long-term capability development
Empower, develop, recognize, and reward individuals and teams to achieve performance and growth objectives
Manage employee performance through goal setting, performance management, competency development, engagement, recognition, and well-being initiatives
Ensure employees receive the training, coaching, and developmental experiences necessary to improve performance and advance organizational capabilities
Build and develop a high-performing maintenance leadership team through servant leadership, clear vision, and strategic development of talent
Collaborate proactively with Production, Engineering, Facilities, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Quality Control (QC), and other functional teams to incorporate best practices into manufacturing and maintenance operations
Partner with manufacturing, quality, and engineering leaders to resolve operational challenges and achieve business objectives
Foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration across cross-functional groups to support plant performance and continuous improvement initiatives
Communicate operational priorities, technical information, and business objectives effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels
Promote and implement safety principles, environmental responsibility, and employee health and wellness initiatives
Maintain compliance with all quality systems and standards to achieve quality objectives
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, safety, and environmental requirements within the production facility
Drive safety improvements through behavior-based safety practices, hazard identification, risk assessments, and employee engagement
Identify operational risks and implement corrective and preventive actions to maintain safe and reliable operations
Directly and indirectly manage Maintenance leaders and technicians, establish operational expectations, drive accountability, develop organizational capabilities, and foster a culture of safety, reliability, and continuous improvement

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision, prescription plans
Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance
401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting
Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave
Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service
Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources
High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus
Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events