Area Manager- Module VNM

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First Solar

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Hanoi, Vietnam

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Basic Job Functions:

  • Manages and leads assigned shift module production, engineering, and maintenance resources in the production of photovoltaic modules to meet shift goals in terms of Safety, Quality, Yield, and Throughput.

Education/Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED plus 5 years in manufacturing or engineering supervisory role OR
  • High school diploma or GED plus 3 years in First Solar supervisory role OR
  • BS degree in business, engineering, or manufacturing with no experience.
  • Working knowledge of budgets and financial statements.
  • Strong background with manufacturing methods and process improvement.

Required Skills/Competencies:

  • Safety First Mentality.
  • Proven ability to effectively lead salaried and production associates.
  • Excellent understanding of computer applications.
  • Proven ability to train and develop associates.
  • Proven Employee Relations Skills and Knowledge of Human Resources Practices.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as experience with cross-functional coordination required.
  • Demonstrated record of quality, cycle time and cost improvements using TOC, lean manufacturing and kaizen concepts.
  • Technical competency with proven ability to work with and advise engineers on technical matters.
  • Solid knowledge of inventory management and control.
  • Knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes.
  • Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
  • 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 communications and presentation skills.
  • Proven computer skills.
  • Excellent organizational and managerial skills.
  • Excellent employee relations and inter-personal skills.
  • Excellent time management skills.
  • Preferred knowledge of Finishing Tools, Processes, and Fundamentals. (Internal Only)
  • Demonstrate ability to analyze engineering and statistical data. JMP experience a plus.
  • Able to make good engineering proposals and solutions.
  • Preferred knowledge of Mechanical, Pneumatic, Hyrdraulic and Electrical Practices.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Safety & 5S
    • Drives and promotes a strong “safety-first” culture and world class house-keeping standards within plant operations to enable a zero-recordable rate.
    • Timely and appropriate resolution of equipment or process safety concerns.
    • Collaborates with EH&S to execute safety-programs like Lock-out Tag-out and Incident Reporting and Management System.
    • Work with local EHSS team to ensure all equipment & process are compliance with local regulatory compliances, ISO & RBA requirements in term of Environment Health and Safety for operation, provide safety leadership to improve safety culture.
    • Leads workforce towards a world class environment by applying the 5S methodology and ensuring housekeeping is kept at the highest level of cleanliness and maintained at all times.
  • Operations and Maintenance
    • Manage shift module team to ensure all labor resources, material and equipment are available to ensure all tool/process KPI/KPOs are meeting targets.
    • 2nd level escalation on crew for decisions, actions and efforts made. Will follow escalation path as defined.
    • Has responsibility for manpower planning, elimination of waste, quality, and safety compliance.
    • Accountable for ISO & RBA -compliance in their area through up-to-date process and equipment documentation and training records.
    • Develops strategy for bottle-neck management in the module operations area that include setting OEE goals (Uptime, Unplanned Downtime, MTTR, Yield) and deploying right resources to address chronic issues.
    • Establishes a DMAIC mindset among associates as a way of problem solving and a Kaizen approach to improvement.
    • Follows TOC (Theory of Constraints) concepts to resolve bottlenecks as it pertains to daily operations or roadmap execution.
  • Engineering & Continuous Improvement
    • Understand yield and quality requirements and make decisions that improve quality and yield.
    • Accountable for semiconductor process control within shift. Ensures team is appropriately responding to SPC alarms and adhering to control plan.
  • People
    • Ensure the team is properly trained and developed through structured plans. Provide coaching and support to the team in dealing with any potential issues.
    • Conduct performance appraisal, provide feedback, and create succession plan for shift leaders.
    • Engage, Recognize and Reward associates. Supervises and motivates a team of associates creating a culture of personal responsibility and continuous improvement.
    • Strategic planning in skillset development for shift manufacturing associates based on competency plan and gaps identified.
    • Take charge of emergency situations when required within the shift.
    • Responsible to train and to adopt the 7 steps problem solving methodology in the daily running of the shift.
    • Mentor and coach shift supervisors and take the lead in shift operation.
    • Daily report & present semiconductor plants performance in Production Meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • Job description subject to change at any time.

Reporting Relationships:

  • This position reports to the Operations Manager - Module.
  • This position will have direct reports.

Travel:

  • 10% travel is required.

US Physical Requirements:

  • Will sit, stand, or walk short distances for up to 12 hours per day.
  • Will climb stairs on an occasional basis.
  • Will exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push or pull on a seldom basis.
  • Will lift, push, or pull up to 27 pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Will lift up to 51 pounds on an occasional basis, according to work instructions.
  • Will lift up to 37 pounds on a frequent basis.
  • Will push or pull up to 27 pounds of force on an occasional basis.
  • Will push or pull up to 10 pounds of force on a frequent basis.
  • Required to use hands to grasp, lift, handle, carry or feel objects repetitively 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.