Program Manager II, Global Manufacturing

First Solar, Inc.; Perrysburg Township (OH); On-site; USD 81,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

First Solar, Inc. is seeking a Program Manager for Global Manufacturing to lead cross-functional projects from R&D handoff to high-volume rollout. You will coordinate with Technology, Product Management, HVM, Quality, Supply Chain, and EHS to meet schedule and budget.

The role requires a BS in engineering, 1–5 years PM experience, and MS Project/Concerto familiarity; PMP/PgMP and TOC/CCPM experience are pluses. Travel is minimal, and the team emphasizes strong stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Engineering Discipline, required.
• MS Degree in Engineering Discipline, preferred.
• MBA considered but must have technology experience.
• 1 - 5 years' experience in Program Management
• 1 year in manufacturing environment providing New Product / Process handoff through roll out to high volume manufacturing Program Management
• 1 - 5 years' experience using MS Project or equivalent project management tools
• PMP or PgMP certification, preferred.
• 1 year's TOC/CCPM Program Management experience, preferred.
• 1 year Concerto software experience, preferred.

Responsibilities

• With direction builds project plans around existing Global Manufacturing project portfolio.
• Takes ownership of overall project schedule; Drives projects to completion on-time and on-budget.
• Builds interfaces between organizations to ensure successful hand-offs.
• Negotiate project goals and develop mitigation plans.
• Manage program review meetings, track action items, and motivate program stakeholders.
• Maintain software infrastructure to keep project plans and action items up to date.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Negotiation

Project planning

MS Project

Concerto

Communication

Stakeholder management

Multi-project management

Education

BS in Engineering

MS in Engineering

MBA (tech experience accepted)

Tools

MS Project

Concerto

Job description

First Solar reserves the right to offer you a role most applicable to your experience and skillset.

Basic Job Functions:

• Provides Program Management for complex cross-functional programs within the Global Manufacturing arena.With direction, develops project plans, interfaces with Technology, Product Management, HVM, High-Speed Rollout Team, Quality and Reliability, Supply Chain, Finance, Environmental Health and Safety, and other departments as required.

Education/Experience:

• BS degree in Engineering Discipline, required.

• MS Degree in Engineering Discipline, preferred.

• MBA will be considered but must have technology experience.

• 1 - 5 years' experience in Program Management

• 1 years' experience in manufacturing environment providing New Product / Process (R&D handoff through roll out to high volume manufacturing) Program Management

• 1 - 5 years' experience using MS Project or equivalent project management tools

• PMP or PgMP certification, preferred.

• 1 year's TOC/CCPM Program Management experience, preferred.

• 1 years Concerto software experience, preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Demonstrated project management skills in a high-tech manufacturing environment.
• Basic understanding of Quality and Reliability requirements to bring new products or processes to manufacturing.
• Basic negotiation skills to obtain cooperation and commitment to project deliverables.
• Basic skills in all aspects of project planning and execution
• Basic proficiency in project management software - MS Project, Concerto an advantage
• Capable of providing program management for 1 to 3 projects simultaneously
• Communicates clearly, oral and written, across the organization.
• Strong assertive characteristics to push projects through to completion.
• Partners with stakeholders to coordinate resources, activities and priorities for rapid project completion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to assertively motivate project participants.

Essential Responsibilities:

• With direction builds project plans around existing Global Manufacturing project portfolio
• Takes ownership of overall project schedule; Drives projects to completion on-time and on-budget.
• Builds interfaces between organizations to ensure successful hand-offs.
• Negotiate project goals and develop mitigation plans.
• Manage program review meetings, track action items, and motivate program stakeholders.
• Maintain software infrastructure to keep project plans and action items up to date.

Reporting Relationships:

• This position will not have direct reports.

Travel:

• 0% - 5% (On occasion/as needed for training, etc.)

Estimated Salary Range:

• $80,700-$115,000

US Physical Requirements:

Manufacturing & Maintenance Physical Requirements:

• Will sit and stand for long periods of time during the day.
• Will walk, climb stairs and on equipment.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist.
• May lift up to 50 lbs.
• Required to use hands to finger, lift, handle, carry or feel objects.
• May stoop, kneel, bend, talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities are required.

• All associates working at a First Solar manufacturing or R&D facility may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).

Potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check band any other tests that may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.