Beneva Group has recently been engaged by a solar energy manufacturer to support the launch of their first US-based factory in Greenwood, SC. As Plant Manager, you'll be responsible for overseeing the entire production process, ensuring smooth operation and maximizing output while adhering to strict safety and quality standards. Your role will be a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic decision-making, requiring you to wear many hats and navigate the intricate world of automated manufacturing.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership: Spearhead the establishment and fine-tuning of manufacturing operations, ensuring the attainment of peak production efficiency and effectiveness.
Production Management: Orchestrate comprehensive production planning, encompassing materials, workforce, and equipment, to guarantee seamless operational flow.
Team Development: Recruit and mentor a high-caliber operational team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Process Excellence: Engineer and supervise a robust framework of operational processes and protocols, emphasizing Safety, Quality, Timeliness, Cost-efficiency, and Innovation.
Collaborative Integration: Act as the pivotal link between manufacturing operations and the Process & R&D teams, ensuring alignment of objectives and maximization of resource efficiency.
Operational Flexibility: Manage a dynamic operational schedule across a single facility, coordinating four shifts, 12-hour rotations, and 24/7 production cycles.
Workforce Empowerment: Direct the comprehensive training and professional development of over 400 associates, elevating skill sets and fostering a motivated workforce.
Cost Optimization: Champion ongoing initiatives to reduce operational costs, enhancing profitability while maintaining product quality and sustainability.
Community Stewardship: Lead all initiatives to engage with and contribute to the local community, reinforcing the company's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development
QUALIFICATIONS
Leadership Excellence: Demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities, underpinned by superior communication, mentoring, and interpersonal prowess, capable of fostering a culture of teamwork and continuous improvement.
Manufacturing Expertise: Possesses extensive knowledge in lean manufacturing principles and the operation of automated production lines. While prior experience in the solar energy sector is advantageous, it is not mandatory. Prior experience leading brownfield and/or greenfield plant launches is highly desirable.
Educational Foundation: Holds a Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business, or a closely related discipline, providing a solid academic foundation for complex problem-solving and strategic decision-making.
Industry Experience: 7+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, showcasing a track record of operational excellence and innovation.
Technical Proficiency: Well-versed in advanced manufacturing systems, including Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and Office Automation (OA), and adept at analyzing production reports to drive efficiency and productivity.
Global Perspective: Exhibits a global mindset, with the flexibility and readiness to engage in international training sessions lasting 3-4 weeks to gain insights into global best practices in solar manufacturing.
DESIRED QUALITIES AND ATTRIBUTES
Innovative Mindset: Exhibits a bold sense of adventure and a pioneering spirit, embracing innovation and not shying away from calculated risks to trailblaze new pathways in manufacturing excellence.
Renewable Energy Champion: Possesses a deep-rooted passion for renewable energy and a genuine commitment to contributing to the global solution for the climate crisis, driven by a vision of a sustainable future.
Adaptive Leadership: Demonstrates exceptional adaptability and can navigate and lead with agility in the ever-evolving, fast-paced landscape of the renewable energy sector.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion: Embodies a profound ability to connect with, inspire, and unite a diverse workforce, valuing and leveraging the rich tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives to foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment.
LOCATION
This position is located in Greenwood, SC. Relocation assistance is available.