Production Leader: Lean Ops for 24/7 Manufacturing

Panasonic North America; De Soto (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Panasonic Energy is expanding to De Soto, Kansas, building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. We seek a Production Manager to lead multiple lines in a 24/7 environment, driving safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity while aligning with Lean principles and SQDCP metrics.

You will direct Production Supervisors, optimize capacity, and ensure standardized work, with cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership in high-volume 24/7 operations.
• Proven success owning safety, quality, cost, and delivery performance metrics.
• Strong data-driven decision making and financial acumen.
• Expertise in Lean, 6S, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP/MES systems (SAP, Oracle, FactoryTalk).
• Ability to influence cross-functional partners without direct authority.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Must have working-level knowledge of English and alignment to Panasonic principles.

Responsibilities

• Own safety, quality, cost, and delivery targets across assigned lines.
• Lead Production Supervisors and coordinate daily production plans.
• Drive capacity planning, labor optimization, and resource allocation.
• Implement standardized work and operational controls.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EHS.
• Lead structured problem solving to reduce losses and improve stability.
• Support budgeting and cost-reduction initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Safety metrics

Financial acumen

Lean & 6S

ERP/MES

Cross-functional influence

Communication

MS Office

English proficiency

Core principles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Operations/Business related degree

Tools

SAP

Oracle

FactoryTalk

Job description

Panasonic Energy is expanding to De Soto, Kansas, building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. We seek a Production Manager to lead multiple lines in a 24/7 environment, driving safety, quality, cost, delivery, and productivity while aligning with Lean principles and SQDCP metrics.

You will direct Production Supervisors, optimize capacity, and ensure standardized work, with cross-functional collaboration across Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance.