Sr. Manufacturing Performance Strategist

Panasonic•De Soto, KS

6d•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 Senior Manufacturing Performance Strategist serves as a strategic partner to Manufacturing Operations and leadership teams by analyzing manufacturing and business performance data to drive operational excellence, improve decision-making, and support strategic initiatives across lithium-ion battery manufacturing operations while influencing operational strategy, business performance, and manufacturing transformation efforts. This role develops and maintains reporting, dashboards, analytics tools, and performance metrics that provide actionable insights related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and customer satisfaction. The Senior Manufacturing Performance Strategist leverages data from manufacturing systems, MES, ERP, quality, maintenance, and operational databases to identify trends, optimize manufacturing performance, support operational planning, and enable data-driven business decisions related to capacity expansion, automation, digital transformation, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Data Analytics, Statistics, Operations Research, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical discipline
7+ years of experience in manufacturing analytics, industrial engineering, operations analysis, business intelligence, data analytics, or a related analytical discipline, including experience supporting high-volume manufacturing operations
Demonstrated experience analyzing manufacturing performance metrics (e.g., throughput, OEE, yield, scrap, downtime, productivity, capacity utilization, and quality) and translating findings into actionable business recommendations
Experience developing and improving operational reporting, dashboards, KPI scorecards, business intelligence solutions, and performance analytics
Experience extracting, validating, and analyzing data from manufacturing and business systems, including MES, ERP, quality systems, maintenance systems, and operational databases
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and root cause analysis skills
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar data visualization and business intelligence tools
Working knowledge of SQL and database querying tools
Ability to communicate complex analytical findings effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver accurate results in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
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, Data Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Business Analytics, or a related technical field
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
Professional certifications related to data analytics, business intelligence, Power BI, SQL, Tableau, or similar analytical tools
10+ years of experience in manufacturing analytics, business intelligence, industrial engineering, or related analytical disciplines, including experience leading complex analytical initiatives, influencing operational strategy, and serving as a subject matter expert within manufacturing environments
Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders, provide technical leadership, and drive adoption of data-driven decision-making across cross-functional teams
Experience supporting executive-level operational reviews, strategic planning activities, and customer-facing reporting requirements
Experience in high-volume battery manufacturing or a related industrial environment such as electronics, automotive, or energy storage
Experience supporting Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, digital manufacturing, automation, or manufacturing transformation initiatives
Experience with forecasting, predictive analytics, statistical modeling, or machine learning applications in manufacturing environments
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, continuous improvement principles, and operational excellence practices
Knowledge of manufacturing cost accounting, operational finance, capital project analysis, and business case development

Responsibilities

Analyzes production performance across all manufacturing processes, including Electrode Manufacturing, Cell Assembly, Formation, Aging, Packaging, and Material Handling Operations
Monitors throughput, OEE, yield, downtime, scrap, labor productivity, capacity utilization, inventory performance, customer delivery metrics, and cost-per-unit trends
Develops, maintains, and continuously improves operational reporting, dashboards, KPI scorecards, visualizations, and executive-level performance reports that support leadership decision-making, business reviews, audits, and customer requirements
Extracts, validates, analyzes, and governs data from MES, ERP, Quality, Maintenance, and other manufacturing systems to ensure accuracy, consistency, and standardized reporting practices
Supports annual operating plans, production forecasting, capacity planning, workforce planning, and capital investment analysis activities
Identifies performance gaps, operational trends, manufacturing constraints, and business opportunities, providing strategic analytical recommendations to improve operational performance
Conducts root cause analysis related to production losses, quality issues, process variability, and operational inefficiencies
Develops forecasting tools, predictive models, and analytical solutions that support operational planning, decision-making, and evaluation of operational and financial impacts
Supports Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and operational excellence initiatives through performance measurement and reporting
Leads large-scale analytics, reporting automation, and performance-improvement initiatives by establishing priorities, defining analytical strategies, coordinating cross-functional execution, and tracking business outcomes
Champions Industry 4.0, Smart Factory, digital manufacturing, automation, and operational transformation initiatives through the development and implementation of innovative analytical solutions and advanced performance measurement strategies
Serves as the primary subject matter expert for manufacturing analytics, reporting, and performance measurement, providing strategic guidance to manufacturing leadership and cross-functional teams on KPI strategy, reporting methodologies, and analytical best practices
Exercises independent judgment in determining analytical approaches, prioritizing business needs, and developing innovative solutions to support manufacturing performance and business objectives
Provides guidance, training, and consultation to stakeholders on KPI management, reporting requirements, data interpretation, and analytics tools to support data-driven decision-making
Provides technical mentorship and promotes data literacy, analytical best practices, and a culture of data-driven decision-making throughout the organization
Collaborates with cross-functional stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Finance, HR, IT, and Digital Manufacturing to address operational challenges and achieve business objectives
Presents findings, recommendations, and performance insights to manufacturing leadership and senior management
Supports customer audits, operational reviews, business reviews, and customer-facing reporting requirements
Develops business cases and provides data-driven recommendations that influence operational, strategic, and capital investment decisions
Supports manufacturing expansion, startup, and scale-up activities through data analysis and performance reporting
Ensures the accuracy, integrity, consistency, and timeliness of manufacturing and operational data
Maintains compliance with company policies, reporting standards, data governance requirements, and applicable regulatory requirements
Supports safety, quality, environmental, and operational compliance initiatives through reporting and performance analysis
Promotes a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence
Follows all Panasonic safety policies, procedures, and workplace expectations

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