Director of Manufacturing

At Canadian Solar, our vision is to make lives better by bringing electricity powered by the sun to millions of people worldwide. As a leading manufacturer of solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions, we've been an industry front-runner since our founding in 2001. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in all parts of our organization as we navigate the complexities of a booming industry.

Throughout Canadian Solar's subsidiaries, e-Storage, Recurrent Energy, MSS and CSI Solar Co., we invest in our employees' growth. Our training programs and promotional opportunities ensure we all can continue to learn. We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide various flexible work options to support our employees' well-being. Join our team to "Make the Difference" by creating a lasting positive impact on the world and the communities where we operate.

Canadian Solar Inc. is a vertically integrated manufacturer of ingots, wafers, cells, solar modules (panels) and custom-designed solar power applications. Canadian Solar Inc. delivers solar power products of uncompromising quality to customers worldwide. Canadian Solar's world class team of professionals works closely with our customers to provide them with solutions for all their solar needs. For more information on the company, please visit www.canadian-solar.com.

Position Summary

Oversee all aspects of energy storage system production within a manufacturing facility, including managing the production process, ensuring quality control standards are met, optimizing production efficiency, managing the facility, and streamlining supply chain operations. The role is critical to the strategic direction and operational success of the organization and includes implementing cost-saving measures and ensuring alignment with corporate goals.

Primary Responsibilities

• Production Management: Lead and manage all aspects of manufacturing operations, including planning, scheduling, and execution of production activities to meet quality, cost, and delivery targets. Ensure continuous production capacity and efficient operations.
• Process Optimization: Continuously improve manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. Implement best practices such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, and automation techniques.
• Equipment Maintenance and Upkeep: Oversee the entire equipment lifecycle, including installation, testing, and commissioning. Ensure proper equipment maintenance and performance standards throughout its operational life. Oversee troubleshooting and operational readiness during the trial run phase, ensuring all equipment is fully functional and aligned with production needs.
• Facility Management: Oversee all aspects of the manufacturing facility, ensuring equipment maintenance, safety compliance, and adherence to environmental regulations. Ensure a safe, productive, and well-maintained facility.
• Cost Management: Develop and manage budgets for manufacturing operations. Identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements to maximize profitability.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development of long-term strategic plans for the manufacturing department. Collaborate with senior management to align manufacturing objectives with overall business goals and objectives.
• Team Leadership and Development: Recruit, train, and mentor manufacturing staff. Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning to drive employee engagement and professional development.
• Cross Department Collaboration: Collaborate with quality, and R&D teams to align manufacturing efforts with product development and resolve any operational challenges swiftly. Ensure alignment across all operational areas to meet corporate objectives.
• Compliance & Quality Management: Ensure compliance with all relevant safety, environmental, and quality standards. Manage the implementation of quality control processes, safety regulations, and industry best practices.

Qualifications and Experience

• Education: A bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, industrial management, or a related field is usually required.
• Experience: 15 years of experience in manufacturing leadership roles, with progressively increasing responsibilities. Strong background in manufacturing operations, process improvement, facility management, and supply chain leadership. Experience in the energy storage battery manufacturing is required.
• Technical Knowledge: In-depth understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and technologies relevant to solar production. Familiarity with quality management system, Lean Manufacturing principles, and Six Sigma methodologies is advantageous.
• Leadership Skills: Demonstrated leadership abilities, including the ability to motivate and inspire teams, make tough decisions, and drive organizational change. Strong communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills are essential.
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the solar energy and energy storage battery sectors. Ability to drive operational excellence in a rapidly growing, innovative industry.

Compensation and Benefits

Canadian Solar offers a competitive salary plus fully comprehensive benefits and performance bonus package based on an annual objective achievement. Our generous benefits package includes a 401k Retirement Plan, medical/dental/life/disability program, PTO.