Senior Strategic Planning Manager

Panasonic Corporation of North America•De Soto, KS

40d•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. The Senior Strategic Planning Manager oversees all cost and schedule planning activities for construction and equipment installation projects supporting the Kansas facility. This role ensures alignment between project execution, financial performance, and strategic objectives by leading the development and governance of cost control, scheduling, and performance management systems. The Senior Strategic Planning Manager collaborates extensively with internal teams and external partners to optimize efficiency, minimize costs, and eliminate schedule delays.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field
8+ years of progressive experience in procurement (sourcing and/or purchasing) with exposure to cost control, planning, or project management functions
5+ years of experience in a prior leadership role with direct P&L and Balance Sheet management experience
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional cost and schedule planning in complex construction or equipment installation environments
Strong analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced setting
Proven ability to lead through influence and drive results across diverse teams and external partners
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 Business Administration (MBA), Engineering Management, or a related discipline
Experience in the EV battery, automotive, or advanced manufacturing industries
Background in logistics (transportation, international trade, warehousing)
Familiarity with cost estimation and scheduling tools such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or equivalent systems
Experience implementing and managing ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) for cost and procurement integration
Knowledge of capital project management methodologies and long-term cost forecasting techniques
Strong understanding of supply chain interdependencies and risk mitigation within large-scale manufacturing projects
Experience presenting complex cost and schedule analyses to senior executives and stakeholders
Project Management Professional (PMP) - PMI
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) - APICS
Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or equivalent credential

Responsibilities

Oversee cost management and schedule planning processes across construction and tool installation projects, ensuring data accuracy, transparency, and timeliness
Develop and manage comprehensive cost-saving initiatives that drive long-term operational efficiency and financial performance
Review and approve daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual cost-tracking reports and performance summaries
Ensure consistent application of planning standards, tools, and reporting methodologies across all projects
Align planning activities with corporate strategy and long-term business goals to ensure project investments deliver optimal value
Lead process improvement initiatives to reduce inefficiencies such as tool arrival (TA) waiting time, contractor idle time, work stoppages, and equipment storage costs
Establish benchmarks, KPIs, and predictive analytics to monitor and improve planning accuracy and cost forecasting
Drive continuous improvement culture through the integration of lessons learned and best practices into future planning frameworks
Manage, mentor, and develop one direct report (Planning Manager) by setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional growth
Foster a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment within the Planning team and across departments
Promote consistency in planning standards and cost-control methodologies across all project teams
Work closely with the construction team, tool installation team, general contractors, subcontractors, legal, finance, PEC/MEBD, logistics, and equipment partners to maintain seamless coordination throughout project lifecycles
Synchronize construction and equipment installation schedules with upstream manufacturing, procurement, and logistics activities
Partner with Finance and senior leadership to ensure cost management and schedule plans support corporate objectives and fiscal responsibility
Represent the Planning function in executive reviews, presenting key performance data, risks, and recommendations
Ensure all planning and execution activities comply with corporate policies, contractual terms, and regulatory requirements
Assess and mitigate project risks related to cost, schedule, and supply chain disruptions
Maintain strong documentation, governance, and reporting discipline in line with audit and compliance standards
Promote safety awareness and adherence to EHS standards across all planning and execution activities

Benefits

Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance
Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month
Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment
Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning
Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program
Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging
Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization
Collaborative and motivating culture routed in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.

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