General Manager of Operations

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The General Manager of Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for a major manufacturing function or group of production departments within a large-scale lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility. The role is accountable for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people objectives, and for aligning operations with plant strategy, operational priorities, and business goals.

Leading through Production Managers and other operational leaders, the General Manager drives operational excellence, workforce capability, continuous improvement, and sustainable manufacturing performance. Responsibilities include operational results, organizational effectiveness, workforce planning, budget management, and execution of plant initiatives that support business growth and scalability. The position is primarily site-based and may require up to 20% travel. PPE may be required, including safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, Tyvek suit, or a hazmat suit with respirator.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field; relevant work experience may substitute for required education.
• 10 or more years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading multiple manufacturing departments, value streams, or operational functions through subordinate leaders.
• Demonstrated success driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people performance in complex manufacturing operations.
• Experience developing leaders, building organizational capability, and leading high-performing teams.
• Strong business, financial, and operational acumen, including budget management, workforce planning, and resource allocation.
• Proven ability to lead continuous improvement, operational transformation, and change management initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence principles, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills across organizational levels.
• Ability to influence decision-making and drive results in fast-paced, complex manufacturing environments.
• Working-level knowledge of English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
• Alignment with Panasonic's seven core principles: contribution to society; fairness and honesty; cooperation and team spirit; untiring effort for improvement; courtesy and humility; adaptability; and gratitude.
• Valid authorization to work in the United States without restriction.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree (MBA, MS, or equivalent) in a related discipline.
• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification or higher.
• Prior experience as a general manager or in a senior management role leading teams in large-scale manufacturing environments.
• Experience in lithium-ion battery manufacturing, automotive, semiconductor, or another advanced manufacturing environment.
• Experience supporting production ramp-up, capacity expansion, operational transformation, or greenfield manufacturing initiatives.
• Experience leading large-scale Lean Manufacturing or operational excellence programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations to meet safety, quality, delivery, cost, and people performance objectives across assigned production areas.
• Direct and support Production Managers and operational leaders in carrying out manufacturing strategy, operational priorities, and performance expectations.
• Establish operational goals, performance measures, and workforce plans aligned with plant objectives and customer requirements.
• Manage operating budgets, labor utilization, productivity, and resource allocation.
• Support capital planning, equipment strategy, and operational readiness initiatives.
• Serve as the senior operational leader for assigned functions and resolve complex operational, organizational, and production issues.
• Translate plant strategy and business priorities into operational objectives and action plans.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, operational excellence, and structured problem-solving methodologies.
• Improve production efficiency, productivity, quality performance, and cost competitiveness.
• Lead change management related to business growth, operational transformation, production ramp-up, and new product introductions.
• Monitor operational performance trends and identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness and business results.
• Develop, coach, and mentor Production Managers and operational leaders to strengthen organizational capability and succession readiness.
• Foster accountability, engagement, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement.
• Ensure leaders and employees receive training, coaching, and development to support performance and career growth.
• Promote knowledge sharing, best-practice adoption, and operational standardization across manufacturing areas.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Human Resources, Finance, Facilities, and EHS teams to achieve operational and business objectives.
• Collaborate on production planning, capacity expansion, capital projects, continuous improvement, and operational readiness.
• Provide operational insights, performance updates, and risk assessments to plant leadership and stakeholders.
• Support customer visits, operational reviews, audits, and business initiatives as needed.
• Promote and reinforce safety, quality, compliance, and operational discipline.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, environmental, customer, and company requirements.
• Drive accountability for quality systems, product standards, and operational performance expectations.
• Identify and mitigate risks that may affect safety, quality, delivery, or business continuity.
• Support improvement of systems, processes, and controls to enhance performance and reduce risk.
• Lead Production Managers and other operational leaders directly, with indirect responsibility for supervisors and hourly production personnel.
• Manage workforce planning, organizational design, talent development, succession planning, budgets, and performance management.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and strategic priorities aligned with quality, operational, and business objectives.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior