Manufacturing Manager Fuel Cell Module Assembly

Essential Functions/Duties and Responsibilities

• Production & Output Management
• Own the daily, weekly, and monthly production output plan for fuel cell module final assembly; ensure shift targets and schedule attainment goals are consistently met or exceeded.
• Monitor and manage throughput across all assembly stages; primarily focusing on module fabrication and stack integration.
• Develop and maintain production capacity models and staffing plans that account for preventative maintenance, shift transitions, and production ramps in a 24/7 operating model.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in cycle time, line efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) using structured methodologies (Kaizen, VSM, 5S, PDCA).
• Partner with Planning and Supply Chain to align production schedules with material availability.
• Shift Supervision & People Leadership
• Directly manage all Shift Supervisors; provide clear direction, performance expectations, and ongoing coaching to build a high-performing supervisory team.
• Conduct regular one-on-ones and shift overlap meetings to ensure continuity of operations, communication of priorities, and effective shift handoffs with no loss of production time.
• Lead the hiring, onboarding, and development of Shift Supervisors in partnership with HR; establish career development paths and succession planning within the team.
• Foster a culture grounded in accountability, transparency, and respect; maintain a coaching-first leadership approach.
• Administer performance management processes including goal-setting, performance reviews, corrective action, and recognition programs for all direct and indirect reports.
• Manage shift staffing levels, time and attendance, and overtime allocation in compliance with company policy and labor agreements.
• Quality Assurance & Compliance
• Serve as owner for all quality metrics within module assembly, including first-pass yield (FPY), defect rates, nonconformance reports (NCRs), and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) closure rates.
• Partner with Quality Engineering to investigate NCRs, lead root cause analysis (RCA) using structured tools (8D, Ishikawa, 5-Why), and implement sustainable corrective actions at the process level.
• Ensure application of standardized work, assembly procedures, and inspection protocols across all shifts; own the review and update cadence for all relevant work instructions.
• Support internal audits, customer source inspections, and third-party quality assessments; drive readiness and follow-up action closure.
• Champion quality culture on the shop floor.
• Cost Management & Metric Reporting
• Own and report on the manufacturing cost structure for module assembly operations, including direct labor, consumables, rework costs, scrap costs, and overhead allocation.
• Prepare and present a regular manufacturing performance dashboard to senior leadership covering output rate, cost per unit, quality metrics, and shift efficiency.
• Support the organizations’ cost optimization efforts by identifying and executing on cost reduction initiatives through labor efficiency gains, waste elimination, and process optimization.
• Develop and manage the module assembly operating budget; flag variances proactively and provide data-driven recommendations for course correction.
• EH&S and Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure all module assembly operations are conducted in full compliance with applicable EH&S regulations, including OSHA standards relevant to high-voltage testing, pressure systems, and chemical handling associated with fuel cell manufacturing.
• Lead incident investigation and near-miss reporting; ensure timely corrective action and communication to the broader team without a culture of blame.
• Enforce and model safe work practices on the floor; integrate EH&S ownership into Shift Supervisor accountabilities and hourly operator training.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering to introduce new products, process changes, and equipment qualifications into production with minimal disruption to existing output commitments.
• Collaborate with Maintenance to manage planned preventive maintenance (PM) windows and prioritize response to unplanned equipment failures that impact production.
• Interface with Program Management and Customer Service teams to communicate production status, flag risks to committed delivery dates, and provide realistic recovery timelines when needed.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and the engineering change orders (ECO) in module assembly, ensuring lessons learned are captured and incorporated into standard work.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 7+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Demonstrated experience managing a manufacturing team.
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding output, cost, and quality targets.
• Fluency with manufacturing quality systems: NCR processes, CAP, RCA methodologies (8D, Ishikawa, 5-Why).
• Experienced creating and maintaining manufacturing cost reporting and KPI dashboards and presenting them to senior leadership.
• Strong working knowledge of production planning tools, ERP/MES systems, and lean manufacturing principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, coach supervisory staff, and build a positive, accountable culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to translate operations data into clear, concise messaging.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• This role requires regular presence on the manufacturing floor, including periodic off-hours visits to evening and night shifts to maintain management visibility.
• Work environment includes exposure to electromechanical assembly equipment, high-voltage test systems, pressurized gas handling, and industrial cleaning processes; appropriate PPE required per EH&S protocols.
• Able to stand, walk, and observe assembly operations for extended periods; occasional lifting of components up to 35 lbs.
• Must be available for escalation response during off-hours as needed given the 24/7 operational nature of the role.