Lead Project Manager - Battery Manufacturing Site

Preference will be given to candidates local to the Raleigh-Durham area.

Lead Project Manager – Battery Manufacturing Site

Forge Nano Inc. is a fast-growing materials company with a focus on manufacturing nano-scale coatings across a wide range of markets and is now expanding into Battery Manufacturing. Forge Nano is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Project Manager to oversee the development and implementation of the lithium battery site and equipment projects. This position will report into the COO with ties to the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering team and the Facilities Team, ultimately enabling the Forge Nano Battery brand to be recognized for the Highest Quality Batteries made in USA. As a Project Manager, you will be leading cross-functional teams, coordinating project activities, and ensuring the successful construction of lithium battery site projects from initiation through completion and the execution of lithium battery equipment projects from initiation to completion. Your hands-on style and expertise in project management within the battery industry will be crucial in driving efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

SKILLS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

- Project Planning: Through collaboration with vendors and cross-functional teams, drive successful project outcomes including:

• Develop comprehensive project plans,
• Define project scope, goals, and deliverables to execute engineering and customer objectives against project performance targets
• Develop and manage project budgets, change impacts, tracking costs and ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• Create project timelines, milestones, resource allocation plans, risk & mitigation plans

- Team Leadership:

• Lead and motivate cross-functional project teams,
• Ensure effective collaboration and communication amongst team members, provide guidance and support as needed
• Collaborate with a wide team to resolve obstacles, able to balance priorities
• Make sound/timely judgments in an ambiguous environment, identify & mitigate risks
• Escalate appropriately when help is needed to resolve challenges or conflicts.

- Deliverables Management:

• Collaborate with stakeholders to secure necessary resources and equipment for project execution.
• Create and implement innovative solutions that will deliver world class KPI targets including safety, quality, productivity, cycle time, and cost.
  
• Work closely with Purchasing / Finance to manage / track scheduled payments, and all change cost impacts against the approved CapEx budget.
• Manage Planning and integration of activities including permitting, purchasing MRO supplies/ spare parts, hiring contractors, validating/shipping/commissioning of facility and equipment & tools, ensuring that all materials are on time in the correct quantities for validation/testing/SOP, and meet our quality standards for battery production.

- Stakeholder Engagement:

• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Communicate clearly and appropriately including globally diverse audiences where language challenges may exist
• Manage expectations, address concerns or issues that arise during project implementation
• Apply technical and behavioral competencies in order to deliver high-impact business results
• Understand the development of facilities and equipment, communicating with EPC/clients/vendors, reviewing designs / controls, coordinating with engineering and site readiness plans.

- Quality Control:

• Establish and enforce safety/quality control standards throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct regular inspections and audits to ensure compliance with safety regulations, industry standards, and customer requirements.
• Apply basic APQP principles, to assure our site/processes/products meet specifications (including Federal, State, County, Local, Community, etc.)

- Project Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor project progress, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and generate timely reports to stakeholders. Provide regular updates on project status, risks, and deviations from the plan. Prioritize work, delegating tasks and responsibilities. Conduct regular meetings with cross department and manufacturing staff/vendors to:

• Ensure that deadlines are met and work is progressing steadily (deliverables on time/project within budget)
• Manage over EPC / GC construction schedules, forecasting of change impacts on cost/time, and resolve challenges that arise
• Document/maintain the roadmap status from site construction kickoff through ramp up to full capacity and equipment kickoff through ramp up to full capacity/sign-off

- Continuous Improvement:

• Identify, organize and oversee areas for process improvement and integrates best practices to enhance project management methodologies.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the project team.
• Assure a 3P Lean footprint integration of site processes and manufacturing processes and flows exists, and communicates with staff to determine possible design changes to improve efficiency or manufacturability.
• Understand and Implement programs similar to the LEED program; where-as, Energy and Environmental Conservation Efforts can be recognized and achieved.

EXPERIENCE / EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing or business related fields. Masters degree or beyond is a plus.

- Certifications: Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent OJT is desirable. Lean, Shainin, and or 6Sigma certification preferred

- Experience: 5 years in Project Management, with 2-3 years relevant manufacturing process/ equipment exposure to Battery manufacturing cell assembly & testing. Must be familiar with local zoning ordinances and sub-contractors in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area. Minimum of 5 years relevant construction site experience in Battery site development and delivery. Strong leadership experience and the ability to grow partnerships, must be open to start-up role flexibility, collaborate and drive informed decisions. Financial management experience creating and overseeing complex budgets and previous experience in financial auditing. Familiar with engineering drawings to understand requirements for facility permitting, fabrication, commissioning, and validation.

- Knowledge: Strong understanding of Cell manufacturing equipment (ideally Lithium Batteries) and the necessary APQP skills to effectively manage projects, with a track record of successfully managing multiple projects with demonstrated results. Familiar with engineering drawings to understand manufacturing required for equipment fabrication, commissioning, and validation.

- Project management skills: Proven track record of adhering to timelines and budgets. Proficient in project management tools, and software. Familiarity with LEEDS.

- Leadership and Communication: Excellent leadership and team management skills. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage and collaborate with diverse stakeholders at various levels. Results oriented, positive “Can Do” attitude, fostering a “Blameless Learning Environment”

- Problem-Solving: Ability to anticipate and mitigate project risks and effectively resolve issues as they arise. Demonstrated hands-on analytical and problem-solving skills. Exposure to Lean Manufacturing Process Improvement methodologies, and knowledge of basic engineering techniques (6Sigma, Shainin) to optimize manufacturing processes.

- Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines. Ability to manage/oversee multiple project aspects simultaneously.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work will be in an office or manufacturing environment. A balance of remote and onsite work is expected, as dictated by the needs of the work required. The employee will be required to wear appropriate safety PPE including but not limited to eye protection, gloves, steel toe shoes, lab coat, and a hard hat. Strict adherence to corporate and/or plant policies, rules and regulations in these areas is required. Forge Nano follows all recommended COVID-19 safety protocols and accepted candidates must be willing to adhere to these policies.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee occasionally will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear (communicate). The employee may be required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

TRAVEL

Frequent travel (25% to 50%) may be required. Occasional travel to Asia/Europe possible and occasionally for long durations. Current passport will be necessary for this position.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

• 125k – 155k depending on skills, knowledge and abilities
• Medical/dental/vision/disability and life insurance, holidays, PTO, Flexible Spending Account and 401(k) plan with company match and additional voluntary benefits.

Forge Nano is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.