Manager, Industrial Engineering & Lean

Job description:

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group's largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job - it's a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive. You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You'll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

PowerCo Canada Inc. is seeking an experienced and visionary Manager, Industrial Engineering and Lean Management to lead the industrial engineering and lean management team at our battery cell production facility in St. Thomas. As the Manager, Industrial Engineering and Lean Management, you will drive strategic initiatives to design, optimize, and continuously improve manufacturing processes, ensuring scalable and efficient operations from pre-production through full production phases. Your leadership will shape our manufacturing landscape by championing innovation, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and driving a culture of operational excellence.

This is a temporary flex hybrid model requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office, subject to change based on the needs and nature of this project. During certain phases of the build, a full-time onsite presence may be a requirement.


The Role:
* Strategic Leadership & Vision: Develop and implement the long-term strategic roadmap for industrial engineering, focusing on process integration, automation, production scalability, and efficient layout coordination in alignment with overall business goals.
* Layout Coordination & Facility Design: Lead layout planning and coordination to optimize space utilization, material flow, and workforce efficiency, ensuring that the facility supports streamlined and effective production processes in collaboration with construction and equipment planning, operational teams and HSE.
* Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement: Oversee the development of efficient production systems and workflows, prioritizing cost management, safety, and quality. Champion Lean principles and value stream optimization, ensuring seamless integration into daily operations.
* Team Development & Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of industrial engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
* Technology & Process Innovation:Guide the exploration and implementation of cutting-edge digital engineering tools and simulation techniques, enhancing process efficiency and adaptability supporting production optimization and data-driven decision-making.
* Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with departments such as Production, Quality, Automation, Logistics, and HSE to ensure cohesive project execution and optimal facility readiness. Serve as a key liaison with international teams to drive standardization and best practices across global manufacturing sites.
* Process & Quality Assurance: Oversee documentation and process standards to meet regulatory requirements and prepare for audits, ensuring that our facility upholds rigorous quality and safety standards. Lead root-cause analyses and implement solutions to address production bottlenecks, enhancing process reliability and performance.
* Lean Management: Drive change management initiatives to support a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring effective communication and buy-in at all levels of the organization. Develop and present strategic reports and updates to senior leadership, influencing decision-making and resource allocation.
* Training & Knowledge Sharing: Develop and oversee training programs for team members and other departments, enhancing operational knowledge across the organization.

Qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, Statistics, Data Science, Project Management, or a related field
* 10+ years' experience of working in large scale production plant in industrial engineering, with sufficient knowledge of production organization, preferably in the battery or automotive sectors.
* Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills, with a track record of driving cross-functional collaboration and operational excellence.
* Deep experience in lean management, value stream mapping, layout coordination, and continuous improvement methods.
* Ability to analyse production technologies and processes by the help of digital tools such as Siemens Teamcenter and Plant Simulation
* Strong analytical thinking with proven record of problem solving using digital industrial engineering tools, automation, and data-driven process optimization.
* Ability to adapt to and maintain flexibility with the juggling of multiple projects.
* Ability to follow through and make significant progress in a fast pace, dynamic environment.
* Ability to travel both within Canada/US and internationally up to ~ 10%

What you will receive:
* Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
* Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don't need to take any v vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
* Opportunities for development
* Relocation Support
* Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
* Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
* Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute the equivalent of 5% to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.
* And much more!

*This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.