Manager, Manufacturing

AESC is looking to add a Manufacturing Manager to our team in Florence, South Carolina

• Full-Time
• On-Site: Florence, SC

About AESC US LLC

AESC is an exciting, newly created global organization committed to solving the challenges of a sustainable future and becoming the leading supplier of full-value-chain battery solutions. Our lithium-ion batteries can be found in nearly one million electric vehicles worldwide and have a stellar safety record of zero-critical issues. AESC US is leading the way in battery technology. We design and manufacture EV battery technology for various electric vehicles and equipment. We are working hard towards unlocking the full potential of sustainable energy and climate change mitigation. We will continue to build upon our successes and expand into new markets and industries, producing innovative and competitive products and technologies that advance the goal of a zero-carbon emission future. AESC is headquartered in Japan and has battery manufacturing locations in Japan, UK, China, and the U.S.

AESC Mission

Our mission is to solve the challenges for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

About the Role

The Manufacturing Manager will initially join the core project team responsible for the development, revision, and execution of a hiring plan for manufacturing team members as well as other key operations team members. This role will also be responsible for developing necessary training plans and recruitment strategies with the representatives of the local and the State government. Managing real-time operations supporting lithium-ion battery production by leading a team of Manufacturing Supervisor, Manufacturing Technicians and other team members in a manner that facilitates the use of company resources. This role also ensures equipment uptime improvements while achieving Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with an emphasis on improving Safety and OEE while reducing equipment downtime and achieving critical cost reductions/increases to profitability. Work with plant leadership, develops, reviews, and tracks manufacturing budgets and supporting AESC Production Way. Evaluates manufacturing policies and procedures. Provides project support for equipment installation, debugging and program launches.

Career Growth Opportunities

You will have the opportunity to embark on a dynamic career path with abundant growth possibilities. We are committed to fostering the professional development of our employees, and your journey with us will be marked by ongoing learning and advancement. Our organization believes in recognizing and nurturing talent from within, providing a clear trajectory for career growth. As you demonstrate your skills and contribute to our collective success, doors will open for expanded responsibilities, leadership roles, and the chance to work on increasingly complex and impactful projects. We encourage a culture of continuous learning, offering various training programs, mentorship opportunities, and access to resources that empower you to chart your course within the company. Your success is our success, and we are dedicated to supporting your career aspirations every step of the way.

What You Will Do

• Develops and maintains a comprehensive hiring plan aligned with project schedules, ensuring the timely acquisition of Manufacturing and Operations team members.
• Creates and manages a master training plan and evaluation system according to AESC Production standards, adjusting as necessary for effectiveness.
• Oversees daily team activities to optimize resource utilization, coordinating with Management to ensure alignment with project schedules and adherence to KPIs.
• Leads production equipment buyoff and training activities, managing pilot production and reporting KPIs to drive performance improvements.
• Monitors equipment uptime, implements strategies to enhance overall uptime, troubleshoots issues, and enacts contingency plans when necessary.
• Manages staffing schedules, evaluates performance, and provides leadership, coaching, and staff development to subordinates, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in an accredited institution in a related discipline.
• Five years of experience working in a manufacturing environment involving complex automated equipment.
• Two years of experience working on a high speed/volume cylindrical battery assembly line.
• Five or more years Supervisory experience, providing leadership, coaching, guidance, and training and contributing to staff development. Supervised subordinates or contractors with differentiated roles. Subordinate positions carried several different titles. Functions, though similar in objective, were distinct.
• Working knowledge of word processor, spreadsheet, other PC applications, or other PC applications to produce non-standard, creative products.
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

What is “Nice to Have”?

• Proficiency in additional languages beyond English is advantageous, as it aligns with our global operations and enhances communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Previous experience working in cross-cultural environments, or a demonstrated understanding of cultural nuances would be beneficial, given our global presence and diverse team.
• Experience or familiarity with the dynamics of start-up environments, showcasing an ability to thrive in agile and fast-paced settings.

What We Offer

Welcome to our state-of-the-art Gigafactory, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. At AESC, we offer a comprehensive compensation package, including a competitive salary and a rewarding AESC bonus program. In addition, we provide a range of valuable benefits, such as 401K, and health insurance. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission of changing the world.

• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Process

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, if you believe this role suits you well, we encourage you to apply. Your application gives us the opportunity to learn more about you and explore potential fits within our team.

Following the submission of your application, we are committed to providing timely responses to all applicants, though response times may vary depending on the volume of submissions. If you do not receive an immediate response, please rest assured that this in no way reflects on the quality of your candidacy. Your application will be retained in our files, and we may reach out to you for future roles that align with your skills and interests. As our organization experiences rapid growth, we appreciate your patience in this process. We are actively working each day to enhance our application procedures to ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for all applicants. Thank you for your understanding and enthusiasm for joining our dynamic team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
• Required to occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 35 pounds.

Travel

Occasional domestic and international travel required.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily an automated manufacturing plant with a concrete floor and is characterized by some temperature extremes, moderate noise, and forklift traffic. The individual must be able to perform all essential functions as appropriate on the plant floor, in meetings, and with employees, management, customers and suppliers.

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.