Area Manager (Shift Working)

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.

· Safety & 5S

o Drives and promotes a strong “safety-first” culture and world class house-keeping standards within plant operations to enable a zero-recordable rate.

o Timely and appropriate resolution of equipment or process safety concerns.

o Collaborates with EH&S to execute safety-programs like Lock-out Tag-out and Incident Reporting and Management System.

o 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.

o 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

o Manage shift module team to ensure all labor resources, material and equipment are available to ensure all tool/process KPI/KPOs are meeting targets.

o 2nd level escalation on crew for decisions, actions and efforts made. Will follow escalation path as defined.

o Has responsibility for manpower planning, elimination of waste, quality, and safety compliance.

o Accountable for ISO & RBA -compliance in their area through up-to-date process and equipment documentation and training records.

o 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.

o Establishes a DMAIC mindset among associates as a way of problem solving and a Kaizen approach to improvement.

o Follows TOC (Theory of Constraints) concepts to resolve bottlenecks as it pertains to daily operations or roadmap execution.

· Engineering & Continuous Improvement

o Understand yield and quality requirements and make decisions that improve quality and yield.

o Accountable for semiconductor process control within shift. Ensures team is appropriately responding to SPC alarms and adhering to control plan.

· People

o Ensure the team is properly trained and developed through structured plans. Provide coaching and support to the team in dealing with any potential issues.

o Conduct performance appraisal, provide feedback, and create succession plan for shift leaders.

o Engage, Recognize and Reward associates. Supervises and motivates a team of associates creating a culture of personal responsibility and continuous improvement.

o Strategic planning in skillset development for shift manufacturing associates based on competency plan and gaps identified.

o Take charge of emergency situations when required within the shift.

o Responsible to train and to adopt the 7 steps problem solving methodology in the daily running of the shift.

o Mentor and coach shift supervisors and take the lead in shift operation.

o Daily report & present semiconductor plants performance in Production Meetings.

· Other duties as assigned.

· Job description subject to change at any time.

· 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.

· 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.