Job Description

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

Please NOTE: This role will be required to spend extended time (60-80%) training in another plant, Ohio or Alabama or overseas, until permanent assignment. 

Basic Job Functions:

• The Plant Manager manages and directs plant activities in accordance with established corporate manufacturing policies and procedures, maintains an adequate labor force, and sets production goals to meet business demands within budgetary guidelines. The Plant Manager maintains plant cost effectiveness by coordination of all production and matrixed departments toward fulfillment of annual goals and standards. Ensures timely and efficient maintenance of plant and equipment. The Plant Manager also establishes and implements production schedules, parameters, programs, and standard operating procedures and monitors same for compliance and progress, while also planning, recommending, establishing, and implementing production forecasts/budgets. The Plant Manager provides the necessary leadership to develop and implement, in coordination with corporate oversight, plans to continuously improve plant safety, environmental responsibility, quality, service and cost effectiveness.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations or Business related field or 8 years of equivalent experience.
• Ten or more years plant management experience leading operations, production control, engineering, finance or maintenance.
• Working knowledge of budgets and financial statements.
• Strong background with manufacturing methods and process improvement.
• Five or more years of First Solar manufacturing leadership experience including AOP and P90 planning and execution.
• Plant start-up experience preferred.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Safety First Mentality.
• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with all levels of the organization.
• Provides leadership and training to accomplish First Solar goals and objectives.
• Attracts, challenges and develops people of diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Fluent in English.
• Proven computer skills.
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills.
• Excellent employee relations and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Supervises the manufacture of thin film solar panels to the desired levels of safety, quality, cost and delivery standards with optimum efficiency.
• Initiates and implements procedures/processes to conserve material and eliminate waste.
• Authorizes recruitment, hiring, assignment and termination of personnel in line with business demands and consistent with corporate policies and Governmental regulations.
• Maintains positive associate relations through fair and consistent application of Company policies and procedures.
• Evaluates subordinate personnel for management potential and coordinates developmental activities with the Human Resources Department to ensure progression.
• Coordinates production/plant training programs with the designated trainer and/or Human Resources. Identifies and guides production personnel “trainers” to assist in training other associates in the technical aspects of their jobs.
• Ensures that plant facilities and equipment are engineered and maintained to minimize hazards and protect assets from loss, theft or damage through accident prevention, safety education, fire protection and physical security.
• Coordinates and directs safety programs with EHS consistent safe working conditions, insurance requirements, government regulations, and corporate policy.
• Prepares monthly manufacturing/production/distribution forecasts and budgets.
• Completes and reviews daily, weekly, and monthly reporting of operating metrics.
• Monitors operating performance, with emphasis on Cost Per Watt and overall Cost of Goods Produced, to facilitate early recognition of trends. Ensures timely and accurate financial reporting with corporate FPA.
• · Monitors facility and manpower requirements. Plans and establishes utilization targets to realize most efficient use of available manpower and facilities.
• Monitors raw, in-process, and finished goods inventories.
• Reviews all production plans for continuity between demands and goals.
• Monitors scheduling and shipping to ensure acceptable customer service.
• Ensures that proper inventory management procedures are in place and followed including procedures to maintain proper inventory accuracy.
• Assists in the development of new products and processes to ensure consideration of manufacturing economies.
• Coordinates and monitors compliance with customer and company product specifications and standards to ensure the manufacture of quality product.
• Meet or exceed all financial management plans including the AOP and P90 budget and targeted CpW.
• Interface with customers and suppliers as needed
• Implement cost effective systems of control over capital, operating expenditures, manpower, wages and salaries.
• Manages capital asset maintenance.
• Establish and monitor overall plant performance for production and quality standards.
• Work together with other First Solar manufacturing plants to ensure utilization and sharing of First Solar’s Copy Smart philosophy.
• Champions all safety procedures and good housekeeping standards.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

•  This position will have direct reports.

Travel:

• 10% - 20% 

Estimated Salary Range:

$182,800 - $265,000, Annually

US Physical Requirements:

• Will sit, stand or walk short distances for up to the entire duration of a shift.
• Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
• Will lift, push or pull up to 27 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects on a frequent basis.
• 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required.
• Must be able to comply with all safety standards and procedures.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist on a frequent basis.
• May stoop, kneel, or bend, on an occasional basis.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment is required (including but not limited to; steel toed shoes, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, protective jacket or apron and arm guards).
• All associates working on the production floor 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 and 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.