Senior Director, Battery Module Operations & Strategy

Senior Director, Battery Module Operations & Strategy

Join Fluence, a global leader in intelligent energy storage and optimization software, as Senior Director, Battery Module Operations & Strategy. Fluence is expanding its U.S. battery module operations to support the next generation of advanced Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The Senior Director will lead the strategy, execution, and scaling of our U.S. battery module production footprint, overseeing contract manufacturing partnerships, operational excellence, cost competitiveness, and technology readiness to drive growth and profitability.

• Develop and execute a multi‑year roadmap to scale domestic battery module operations aligned with company growth targets and U.S. content initiatives.
• Build a clear capacity and sourcing strategy that optimizes Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), including logistics, capital efficiency, and labor productivity.
• Drive long‑term strategy for domestic battery module supply chain localization, resilience, and sustainability.
• Partner cross‑functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to ensure alignment of manufacturing capacity with product roadmap and customer demand.

• Oversee day‑to‑day operations and performance of domestic battery module manufacturing (internal and contract sites).
• Define and drive KPIs for output, yield, uptime, quality, and cost—ensuring operational stability, predictability, and continuous improvement.
• Lead contract manufacturer (CM) engagement, from factory readiness to volume ramp, including performance management and governance cadence.
• Ensure manufacturing processes are designed for quality, scalability, and automation readiness, leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques and Lean principles.

• Provide technical oversight of automated module assembly processes.
• Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and NPI teams to ensure robust DFM and DFT integration for new products.
• Champion digital manufacturing initiatives—MES, SPC, and data‑driven process control—to enhance traceability and decision‑making.

• Identify cost reduction opportunities across materials, processes, logistics, and overhead to achieve margin targets.
• Drive make‑versus‑buy assessments, capital investment justification, and ROI‑based expansion proposals.

• Build, mentor, and scale a high‑performing cross‑functional team encompassing operations, engineering, and program management.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with HR and leadership to attract and develop top technical and operational talent.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or Chemical Engineering (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• 15+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations with a focus on automated equipment.
• Proven experience managing contract manufacturers (CMs) and scaling production in high‑growth environments.
• Strong understanding of battery module design, assembly processes, and quality systems (ISO/IATF 16949).
• Demonstrated ability to lead P&L, develop business cases, and deliver on financial and operational KPIs.
• Exceptional cross‑functional leadership and stakeholder management skills in a global matrix environment.

• Experience with energy storage systems (ESS), automotive, or EV battery supply chains.

At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.

We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers’ needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.

We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game‑changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy‑efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.

We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.