Production Assembly Manager

Date: Feb 24, 2025
- Location: St. Thomas, CA
- Company: PowerCo Canada Inc.
- Level of Experience: Management
- Job Function: Operations
- Job ID: 3125

**Production Assembly Manager**:
**With whom you will CELLebrate**

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job - it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive. You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us

The Assembly Manager in the Process Development department is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the assembly processes for battery cell manufacturing. This role focuses on developing and refining assembly techniques, scaling production, and ensuring a smooth transition of processes from development to full-scale manufacturing. The Assembly Manager will lead a team of engineers and technicians to ensure efficient production processes, collaborate closely with R&D and production teams, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall performance.

This exciting opportunity is based in the charming town of St. Thomas, Ontario, and requires in-person attendance.

**How you will CELLebrate**
- Lead and manage a team of engineers and technicians focused on assembly process development.
- Set performance objectives for the team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
- Oversee day-to-day operations in process development, ensuring alignment with production and quality goals.
- Develop and refine assembly processes to optimize performance, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
- Work with R&D teams to transition new assembly methods from pilot stages to full-scale production.
- Evaluate and implement new technologies, tools, and equipment to improve assembly efficiency.
- Collaborate closely with the R&D, quality, production, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot issues and develop robust solutions.
- Act as the liaison between the process development and production departments, ensuring smooth process transfers and scalability.
- Work with suppliers and equipment vendors to implement new technologies and ensure smooth integration into production processes.
- Monitor and analyze quality metrics, including first pass yield, defect rates, and rework.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at improving assembly quality and reducing process variability.
- Implement and maintain rigorous testing procedures to ensure adherence to quality and safety standards.
- Lead process development projects focused on assembly, including new equipment installations, process trials, and capacity scaling.
- Manage project timelines, resources, and budgets to ensure timely and successful completion.
- Report regularly to senior management on the status of development projects and key performance metrics.
- Ensure all assembly processes adhere to safety regulations and company standards, promoting a culture of safety within the team.
- Conduct regular safety audits and ensure that team members are trained on the latest safety protocols.
- Ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory standards in all process development activities.

**What you need for our CELLebration**
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in in electrical, mechanical, materials, chemical or electrochemical engineering, or a related major.
- 7+ years of experience in lithium-ion battery design, development, prototyping, or manufacturing, ideally within a global organization.

**What else can you bring**
- Strong understanding of the assembly manufacturing process.
- Familiarity with data collection and analysis and statistical process control (SPC)
- Proficient in manufacturing feasibility, method plan validation, design principles, measurement process validation, FMEA, MES and DOE.
- Familiarity with analytical software and programming languages (e.g. JMP, Minitab, MATLAB, Python etc.)
- Ability to follow through and make significant progress in a fast pace, dynamic environment.
- Experience in initial phase of a battery cell production plant would be considered an asset.
- Working experience with automotive OEMs is an asset.
- Action oriented work style and strong drive of results.
- 6 sigma green belt certificate will be plus
- Integrity and value-driven working style, complaint to rules and regulation.
- Adaptable to international teams with cross-cultural communication skills.
- Experience in process development, optimization, and scale-up from pilot to full product