Operations Manager Startup Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Summary:

The Director of Operations, BESS is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the end-to-end operational performance of Shoals’ Battery Energy Storage Systems product line. Reporting to the VP of Operations, this leader will own manufacturing, assembly, test, and commissioning support functions, ensuring Shoals delivers high-quality BESS products on time and at scale. This role is a critical bridge between engineering, supply chain, program management, and field service, requiring a hands-on operator with deep energy storage domain expertise and a track record of building high-performing teams in complex manufacturing environments.

• Lead all aspects of BESS operations including manufacturing, assembly, testing, commissioning support, and field service readiness across domestic and international sites.
• Own and drive operational excellence across the BESS product line, developing scalable processes, quality systems, and workflows that support volume growth and margin targets.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Sales to align production capacity with demand forecasts and customer delivery commitments.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing operations team, establishing clear accountability structures, performance expectations, and development pathways.
• Oversee BESS manufacturing planning, resource allocation, and capacity management to ensure on-time delivery and efficient utilization of labor and equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the BESS operations function, leveraging lean manufacturing principles, root cause analysis, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Establish and maintain operational KPIs, dashboards, and reporting cadences that provide visibility into performance and support data-driven decision making.
• Collaborate with engineering teams on design for manufacturability (DFM) to ensure new BESS products and configurations can be built efficiently and reliably at scale.
• Lead the BESS commissioning support strategy, coordinating with field service, project management, and customer teams to ensure smooth and timely project turnover.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and contract manufacturers supporting the BESS product line, ensuring quality, delivery, and cost objectives are met.
• Ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and environmental standards across all BESS operations activities, fostering a culture of safety and accountability.
• Support the development and execution of the BESS operations budget, identifying cost reduction opportunities and driving efficiency improvements.
• Partner with the Quality team to develop and enforce BESS-specific quality standards, inspection criteria, and corrective action processes.
• Represent BESS Operations in executive-level business reviews, customer meetings, and cross-functional forums, communicating status, risks, and improvement plans clearly.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a director or senior manager capacity
• Direct experience in BESS, energy storage, power electronics, or closely related electrical/renewable energy systems manufacturing
• Demonstrated track record of scaling manufacturing operations, building teams, and delivering operational performance improvements
• Deep understanding of EPC, commissioning, and field service dynamics in the energy storage or utility-scale renewable energy industry
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies, and quality management systems
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence without direct authority across engineering, supply chain, and commercial functions
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; data-driven approach to decision making
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present clearly to executive leadership and external stakeholders
• Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally to support project sites, customer visits, and supplier engagement
• Ability to work on-site at our Portland, Tennessee headquarters

• Experience with BESS integration, PCS/inverter systems, containerized energy storage, or utility-scale battery management systems
• Familiarity with UL 9540, NFPA 855, IEC standards, or other applicable BESS safety and performance certifications
• Experience scaling operations in a high-growth or post-startup environment
• Proficiency in ERP systems and advanced data analytics tools