Senior Sourcer/Recruiter @Panasonic Energy North America
Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation.
Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.
Job Summary
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining safety programs that ensure compliance with all applicable regulations during commissioning and production operations. This role partners closely with business leaders, stakeholders, consultants, and vendors to identify and mitigate risks, enhance safety culture, and drive continuous improvement across all operations. The OHS Specialist serves as a subject matter expert on occupational health and safety, providing guidance on regulatory requirements, risk assessments, and incident investigations. Through proactive coaching, auditing, and collaboration, the OHS Specialist supports a safe, compliant, and high‑performing work environment aligned with organizational goals.
Qualifications
Education
- Required: Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related technical field or equivalent work experience
- Preferred: Master’s Degree in Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Environmental Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
Experience
- Minimum of 4-6 years of EHS experience, with 2-4 years in a manufacturing environment
- Strong knowledge of OSHA standards and other applicable guidelines (NFPA, ANSI, NEC, ACGIH, NIOSH)
- Experience creating and delivering EHS training programs
- Proficient in risk assessments, incident investigations, and root cause analysis
- Demonstrated experience working with contractors and external personnel on field‑based safety
- Strong analytical, quantitative, and problem‑solving skills with high attention to detail
- Ability to work effectively in both independent and cross‑functional team environments
- Ability and willingness to respond to site emergencies 24/7 as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting commissioning, construction, or startup environments within manufacturing or industrial settings
- Familiarity with lithium‑ion battery manufacturing processes, chemical handling, or other high‑hazard operations
- Working knowledge of environmental regulations and management systems (ISO 14001, ISO 45001, or equivalent)
- Experience participating in or leading internal audits and compliance inspections
- Background in ergonomics, industrial hygiene, or occupational exposure assessments
- Demonstrated experience supporting cross‑functional improvement initiatives or safety committees
- Proficiency using EHS management software (e.g., Enablon, Intelex, VelocityEHS, or similar platforms)
- Ability to develop and deliver engaging safety training to diverse audiences
- Experience collaborating with contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies as applied to safety systems
Preferred Certification(s)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- HAZWOPER, First Aid/CPR, and Emergency Response certifications
- Lockout/Tagout / Electrical Safety Certification
- Respiratory Protection / Fit Test Certification
Physical Demands
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
- To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.
Physical Activities
- Sit: 25%
- Walk: 75%
- Stand: 50%
- Lift: 10%
Required Lifting and Carrying
- Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional
- Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
- Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
- Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required
Who We Are
Meet Panasonic Energy! At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high‑quality lithium‑ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us.
This is an exciting time to join us as we expand our operations to De Soto, Kansas and build the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery factory. We will provide you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one.
As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium‑ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs.
Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions.
We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact.
In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.
Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You
- Highly inclusive and class‑leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance
- Employee assistance programs that support total well‑being with complimentary sessions offered each and every month
- Company‑matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment
- Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
- Simplified access to self‑guided and representative‑supported short and long‑term financial wellness and retirement planning
- Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program
- Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging
- Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization
- Collaborative and motivating culture routed in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.
Supplemental Information
Pre‑employment drug testing is required.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.
Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.