Overview
We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions. If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas. The Senior Director, EPC & Facilities is a strategic and operational leader responsible for end-to-end oversight of Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) execution and Facilities operations across Panasonic Energy’s battery manufacturing site. This role combines deep technical expertise in large-scale construction and commissioning with executive leadership accountability for facility operations, utilities infrastructure, and long-term site performance. The leader will drive optimization across the full asset lifecycle—from design and construction through commissioning and steady-state operations—ensuring cost, schedule, quality, safety, and operational readiness targets are achieved. This position has direct management responsibility for the Director of Facilities and is accountable for overall Facilities performance, organizational capability, and alignment with enterprise strategy.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties:
EPC Strategy, Execution & Technical Leadership
- Provide enterprise-level technical leadership across building design, construction, tool installation, and commissioning activities
- Optimize project cost, schedule, and execution strategies to meet Start of Production (SOP) milestones
- Establish standardized EPC processes, design standards, and scalable delivery models for future factory builds and retrofits
- Review and challenge contractor proposals, change orders, and cost structures to ensure alignment with industry benchmarks
- Lead technical risk mitigation, milestone governance, and project performance oversight
Facilities Leadership & Operational Accountability
- Provide full leadership oversight of the Facilities function through the Director of Facilities
- Ensure effective design, construction, commissioning, and ongoing operation of plant utility infrastructure
- Drive facility reliability, efficiency, and level of service to support manufacturing operations
- Oversee capital planning (CAPEX) and operational budgets (OPEX) for facilities infrastructure
- Ensure alignment between EPC project delivery and long-term operational sustainability
Organizational Leadership & Capability Building
- Lead and develop a high-performing, integrated organization across EPC and Facilities
- Build leadership bench strength by coaching senior leaders, including the Director of Facilities
- Define organizational structure, roles, and capability requirements across construction, engineering, and facilities teams
- Drive workforce planning, training strategies, and capability development programs
Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement
- Establish KPIs across EPC and Facilities functions to track project and operational performance
- Implement continuous improvement initiatives across construction, commissioning, and facility operations
- Develop standardized, repeatable (“cookie-cutter”) approaches to facility systems and project delivery
- Incorporate Lean principles and data-driven decision-making to improve efficiency and reduce cost
Project Integration & Lifecycle Management
- Ensure seamless handoff from construction and commissioning into steady-state operations
- Align EPC, PMO, and Facilities teams on shared milestones, deliverables, and readiness criteria
- Drive improvements in project management processes, governance, and execution rigor
Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration
- Partner with Operations, Supply Chain, Safety, and executive leadership to align on business priorities
- Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership
- Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and global stakeholders
Quality, Safety, & Compliance Leadership
- Champion a world-class safety culture across construction, commissioning, and facility operations
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies, and industry standards
- Lead risk management, safety system enhancements, and continuous improvement initiatives
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is required and may include the following equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area. All PPE requirements are defined by the Safety Site lead.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Travel Requirement
Qualifications
Requirements - Required and/or Preferred
Education Required
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
Essential Qualifications
- Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
- 10+ years of experience in a large-scale construction engineering, construction project management or related role.
- 8+ years of experience as a construction leader.
- Proven experience overseeing large-scale industrial or manufacturing site development and operations
- Knowledge and experience with BIM,3D CAD, mechanical and Electrical drawings, MPI, P&IDs.
- Knowledge and experience with U.S. building and fire codes.
- Deep understanding of large-scale construction site development.
- Experience performing engineering functions and responsibilities in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience coordinating and collaborating with contractors, service providers and equipment vendors.
- Flexible with the working environment and able to perform job duties between the factory and office/desk.
- Strong team working skills at all levels of an organization, especially skilled at working with executive leadership.
- Proven track record of process improvement and problem-solving resulting in tangible organizational success.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- 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
- Experience in battery manufacturing or a related heavy manufacturing industry.
- Knowledge and experience with international building and fire codes desired.
Physical Demands
Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:
- Sit: 40%
- Walk: 30%
- Stand: 20%
- Lift: 10%
Required Lifting and Carrying: Rare (<1%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)
For This Position, The Required Frequency Is
Up to 10 lbs: Occasional (1-33%)Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional (1-33%)Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Rare (
The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, 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. In addition, employees are expected to participate in cross-training and may be assigned responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve.
Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You
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
- Free Shuttle: Rides to and from work!
Where You'll Be
For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We understand the significance of moments that matter in your onsite experience, and we prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere. Join us at Panasonic Energy, where your onsite presence is valued, and we strive to make each moment count in your professional journey.
Who We Are
Meet Panasonic Energy! At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us.
Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one.
As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs.
Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions.
We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact.
In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.
We Take Opportunity Seriously
At Panasonic Energy, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer.
We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application!
Supplemental Information
Pre-employment drug testing is required.
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.
Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.
Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
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