Team Manager Production, Ford Energy

Ford•Glendale, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As the Team Manager – Production, you will lead the execution, optimization, and continuous improvement of high-volume assembly and manufacturing operations within our advanced BESS facility. In this role, you will lead with purpose by building, inspiring, and leading an agile production team to deliver advanced battery storage technology driving the future of the American grid. You will lead system performance by driving standardization, discipline, and execution of the Ford Energy Production System (FEPS) to ensure peak manufacturing efficiency, quality, and operational stability. You will enable business results by delivering SQDCPME (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, People, Maintenance, Environment) objectives through effective shift scheduling, resource alignment, and line performance management. You will drive continuous improvement by championing data-driven decision-making to optimize cycle times, eliminate production bottlenecks, reduce scrap, and maximize First Time Through (FTT) rates. You will develop people and capability by building a high-performing manufacturing team through hands-on coaching, mentorship, and skill development of production operators, team leaders, and technicians. You will partner cross-functionally by aligning seamlessly with Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Logistics to resolve systemic line issues, support new product launches, and meet plant-wide objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related technical field.
Significant, progressive leadership experience in high-volume manufacturing (e.g., automotive, battery cell/pack assembly, food manufacturing, or semiconductor industries).
Proven experience managing other leaders (such as Senior Supervisors, Supervisors, or Process Coaches) and leading large, multi-shift production teams.
Strong working knowledge of manufacturing execution systems (MES), automated assembly lines, parts traceability, and end-of-line testing.
Advanced root-cause analysis capability with a track record of implementing systemic, long-term technical and operational solutions.
Ability to support a 24/7 manufacturing operation, including flexibility to work across shifts, weekends, and extended hours as business needs dictate.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree in Engineering, Management, or a related field.
Six Sigma Black Belt certification.
Strong working knowledge of traceability and testing data systems.
Demonstrated expertise in conflict management, negotiation, and persuasion.
Ability to work closely with others to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Accountable for department-wide performance against key manufacturing metrics, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Time Through (FTT) capability, scrap reduction, and unit cost.
Translate high-level corporate business plans into actionable, daily shop-floor manufacturing strategies, ensuring seamless alignment across all production shifts.
Ensure absolute compliance with contamination-control protocols, cleanroom standards, and material handling guidelines critical to battery energy storage technology.
Direct the response to critical facility constraints, material shortages, or major equipment failures, ensuring rapid escalation, root-cause resolution, and sustainable corrective actions.
Manage department budgets, staffing plans, capacity constraints, and operational expenditure (OpEx) targets.
Lead daily pre-task analyses and support safe work execution across all production shifts.
Champion systemic continuous improvement efforts, utilizing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and structured problem-solving methodologies (e.g., 8D, DMAIC) to eliminate waste and variability.
Govern the layered process audit (LPA) structure and process confirmation routines to ensure total adherence to standardized work.
Partner with Quality and Launch Engineering to manage new product introductions (NPI), engineering changes, and system validation trials without compromising daily throughput.
Directly lead, evaluate, and develop Senior Production Supervisors and department staff, establishing clear performance expectations and accountability.
Foster a culture of psychological safety, absolute integrity, and collaboration, promoting trust and high engagement across all levels of the organization.
Lead high-level tiered operating meetings (Tier 3/4) to align cross-functional plant leadership (Maintenance, Quality, Logistics, and Engineering) on daily priorities and systemic issues.
Manage team relations proactively, ensuring all operational decisions comply with company policies and applicable agreements.
Own the safety culture for the production department, driving a zero-injury mindset and ensuring compliance with all government, corporate, and plant safety regulations.
Enforce rigorous adherence to safety routines, control plans, ergonomic standards, and environmental requirements on the production floor.