Operations Manager- Module Operations

The work location for this position is to be determined and will be communicated at the time of offer. Candidates must be willing to relocate to any First Solar location. Relocation assistance may be provided where applicable.

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic

Job Functions:

• Directs and manages 24/7 Site Plant's Module Operations activities with overall responsibilities for Operational Safety, Regulatory Compliance, Quality, Production (Throughput), Equipment Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Cost to P90 and meet customer.
• Leads a team of Area Managers responsible for Module Manufacturing operations in a thin-film photovoltaic manufacturing flow.
• This position owns the integrated Manufacturing, Engineering, Maintenance, and key functions in Module Manufacturing Areas.
• Ensures that products and processes are introduced, and the designs are capable of being manufactured to meet the organization’s objectives.
• Acts as an advisor and coach concerning manufacturing related issues to facilitate teamwork and continuous improvement to management and the workforce.
• Controls the AOP spending within approval budget and other operation-related activities.
• Deploys and provides leadership in continuous improvements, including leading/participating in global alignment activities.
• Establishes and invests in training and development people/upskills associates, technical competencies and standardize training programs for all plants.
• This position also serves as the key back-up to the Head - Module Operations when not available.

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering, business administration, or management discipline (MBA or Master of Engineering a plus).
• 5+ years of manufacturing experience with 2+ years of Supervisory experience.
• In lieu of a degree: 8+ years in managerial experience in a high-tech manufacturing environment; 10+ years of manufacturing experience in a technical field or manufacturing environment.
• Direct experience in at least one of the areas preferred - PV module assemble, glass industry experience, lamination systems, vision metrologies, adhesive systems, packaging, and general robotics/PLC.

• Safety First Mentality.
• Proven ability to effectively lead salaried and production associates.
• Excellent understanding of computer applications.
• Proven ability to train and develop associates.
• Proven Employee Relations Skills and Knowledge of Human Resources Practices.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as experience with cross-functional coordination required.
• Demonstrated record of quality, cycle time and cost improvements using TOC, lean manufacturing, and kaizen concepts.
• Technical competency with proven ability to work with and advise engineers on technical matters.
• Solid knowledge of inventory management and control.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with all levels of the organization.
• Provides leadership and training to accomplish First Solar goals and objectives.
• Attracts, challenges, and develops people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Excellent communications and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English.
• Proven computer skills.
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills.
• Excellent employee relations and inter-personal skills.
• Excellent time management skills.

• Safety & 5S
• Operations
• Member of site-safety steering committee; drives and inculcates a strong "safety-first" culture and world class house-keeping standards within plant operations to enable a zero-recordable rate.
• Timely and appropriate resolution of equipment or process safety concerns.
• Work with local EHSS team to ensure all equipment & processes are compliant with local regulatory compliances, ISO & RBA requirements in term of Environment Health and Safety for operation, provide safety leadership to improve safety culture.
• Provide operational leadership to 24/7 shift teams to ensure all tool/process KPI/KPOs are meeting targets (P90).
• Accountable for ISO & RBA compliance in their area through up-to-date process and equipment documentation and training records.
• Drives the workforce towards a world class environment by applying the 5S methodology and ensuring housekeeping is kept at the highest level of cleanliness and maintained at all times.
• Develops strategy for bottle-neck management in the module operations area that include setting OEE goals (Uptime, Unplanned Downtime, G2G/ MTTR, Yield) and deploying right resources to address chronic issues.
• Initiates or vets continuous improvement work-streams ensuring they pass through relevant change-management forums.
• Establishes a DMAIC mindset among associates as a way of problem solving and a Kaizen approach to improvement.
• Follows TOC (Theory of Constraints) concepts to resolve bottlenecks as it pertains to daily operations or…