Overview:
We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions. If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.
Responsibilities:
Meet the Recruiter: Denise Goetz

JOB SUMMARY:

The Area SOP Manager leads all project activities toward Start of Production (SOP) within a defined production area at the KS plant (KE, KA, KC, or KP). This role ensures production readiness of the area by coordinating activities across construction, tool installation, engineering, and support functions like IT, SCM, Environment & Safety, and Quality. The Area SOP manager drives milestone execution, manages requirements, and resolves cross-functional issues to safeguard timelines and SOP-critical deliverables.
Success in this role requires strong leadership and project management skills, fast anticipation, and the ability to manage conflicting priorities with clarity and resilience. The Area SOP Manager acts as the key integrator between planning and execution, ensuring alignment across disciplines and enabling informed decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) REQUIREMENTS:

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees,’ wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.

THE FOREGOING DESCRIPTION IS NOT INTENDED AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS AND EFFORTS OR WORK CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB. IT IS INTENDED TO BE AN ACCURATE REFLECTION OF THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF THE JOB.

Qualifications:

EDUCATION:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineering, Project Management, or related field
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Engineering or related discipline

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering, industrialization project management, or related roles, ideally in battery cell manufacturing
• Demonstrated experience with multi-discipline & multi-cultural engineering projects across all phases
• Solid foundations in manufacturing engineering and project management methodologies
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and guide cross-functional teams in high-pressure, fast-paced environments
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport quickly and foster trust-based relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders
• Takes full accountability and ownership under intense pressure and supports ambiguous situations with providing structure and clear targets.
• Maintains an unbiased, clear-minded perspective with a strategic focus on the broader organizational goals
• Exhibits resilience and composure under pressure, consistently driving results and continuous improvement
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to evolving challenges and technologies
• Willingness and capability to manage conflicting priorities and drive resolution constructively

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 10+ years of experience managing complex manufacturing engineering projects
• Lean Six Sigma certification (minimal : green belt, preferred: black belt)
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal site development regulations
• 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)

WHO WE ARE:

Meet Panasonic Energy! At Panasonic Energy, you’ll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us.
This is an exciting time to join us as we expand our operations to De Soto, Kansas and build the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. We will provide you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one.
As an innovative thinker, you’ll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs.
Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions.
We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact.
In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Coordination of installation and commissioning activities
• Definition and compilation of SOP requirements
• Identification of SOP risks
• Driving issue resolution & punch list
• Facilitating decision making
• Securing change request approvals & control