Facilities Operations Manager

Summary Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation. Job Summary The Facilities Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing facility operations across critical utilities and infrastructure systems, including SCADA-driven Facilities Management Systems (FMS), HVAC, electrical distribution, water and wastewater treatment, and chemical systems. This role oversees a large, multi-shift facilities organization through direct leadership of Facilities Supervisors and indirect leadership of hourly facilities personnel. The Manager ensures safe, reliable, compliant, and cost-effective operations in direct support of manufacturing and site objectives while driving continuous improvement, workforce development, and strategic alignment with Engineering, Maintenance, EHS, OHS, and Project teams. Essential Duties Functional Leadership & Operations Provide overall leadership and operational oversight of facilities utilities and infrastructure across assigned areas and shifts Ensure stable, reliable operation of SCADA-controlled Facilities Management Systems (FMS) supporting manufacturing and site operations Set operational expectations and standards for HVAC, electrical distribution, water/wastewater, and chemical system performance Guide Facilities Supervisors in daily execution, staffing, escalation management, and response to abnormal conditions Ensure effective shift coverage and operational readiness for a 24/7, high-reliability manufacturing environment Strategic Alignment & Continuous Improvement Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety performance, system reliability, uptime, energy efficiency, and cost effectiveness Establish and sustain standard work, preventive maintenance strategies, and operational best practices across facilities teams Utilize operational data, KPIs, and trend analysis to proactively identify risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities Develop and manage departmental budgets, forecasts, and cost controls in alignment with business objectives Support long-term facilities and utilities strategies in coordination with site and corporate leadership Team Development & Knowledge Sharing Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing facilities organization, including Supervisors, Leads, and hourly team members Drive performance management, succession planning, and leadership development for Facilities Supervisors Partner with HR to support hiring, onboarding, training, and workforce development initiatives Promote cross-training, technical capability building, and knowledge sharing across shifts and disciplines Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, continuous learning, and operational excellence Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement Partner closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Construction, Project Controls, EHS, and Operations to align facilities support with business needs Provide operational input for utility design, project development, startups, expansions, and commissioning activities Collaborate with Procurement and vendors to support inventory strategies, material availability, and service performance Communicate facility performance, risks, and priorities effectively to site leadership and internal stakeholders Represent Facilities Operations in cross‑functional meetings and strategic planning forums Quality, Safety, Compliance & Risk Management Ensure compliance with all environmental, health, safety, quality, and financial regulations, permits, and internal standards Establish expectations and accountability for safe work practices, including LOTO, confined space, energized work, chemical handling, and PPE Partner with EHS to drive safety initiatives, audits, training, and corrective action closure Provide leadership during facility emergencies, major outages, and incident response events Ensure accurate reporting, documentation, and traceability for operational events, audits, and performance metrics Supervisory Responsibilities Provide direct leadership to Facilities Supervisors and indirect oversight of hourly Facilities personnel across assigned areas Responsible for performance management, workforce planning, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness within Facilities Operations Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements Wearing PPE is a possibility and may include equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, bump cap, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job. Qualifications Education, Certifications, and Licenses Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Engineering, or a related field Relevant work experience may be substituted for required education Preferred Master’s degree (MBA or MS) in a related discipline Certified Facility Manager (CFM) or Facilities Management Professional (FMP) Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification NFPA 70E or NFPA 70B certification OSHA 30‑Hour General Industry certification Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) Trainer HAZWOPER 8‑ or 40‑hour certification EPA Universal Certification (or equivalent refrigerant handling certification) Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Essential Qualifications 5+ years of progressive facilities or utilities leadership experience Proven experience overseeing critical building systems, including HVAC, electrical distribution, water/wastewater, and SCADA-driven systems Strong working knowledge of regulated-environment safety programs, including LOTO, confined space entry, energized work, and chemical handling Experience utilizing CMMS or digital maintenance management systems for asset management, preventive maintenance, and workforce planning Demonstrated ability to lead operations in a 24/7, high-reliability manufacturing environment Ability to manage complex priorities, make sound decisions under pressure, and lead through emergency or abnormal situations Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities, including KPI development and dashboard utilization Must have working‑level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude) Preferred Qualifications 7+ years of progressive facilities leadership experience in a large‑scale, regulated manufacturing environment Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity metrics (SQDCP) Advanced understanding of operational KPIs, utilities performance metrics, and continuous improvement methodologies Experience supporting utility startups, major expansions, commissioning activities, or complex system upgrades Familiarity with environmental permitting and compliance reporting (air, water, wastewater), as applicable Strong executive‑level communication skills with employees, contractors, vendors, and senior leadership Bilingual or multilingual capabilities (e.g., Japanese, Spanish) Physical Demands Physical Activities Sit: 40% Walk: 30% Stand: 30% Required Lifting and Carrying Rare ( For This Position, The Required Frequency Is Up to 10 lbs.: Continuous Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional Team‑lift only (over 35 lbs.): Rare Benefits & Perks Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well‑being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health: Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options. Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance. Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting. Paid Time‑Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave. Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job‑related courses after six months of service. Health Management and Wellbeing Programs – Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service. Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance‑based bonus. On‑site Food Options: Several on‑site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on‑site vendor visits and employee events. Supplemental Information Pre‑employment drug testing is required. Equal Opportunity Statement Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr