Job Title - General Manager Operations

Location: BOWLING GREEN, KY - US

Employment Type: Full-Time

Industry: Electric Vehicle (EV) Battery Manufacturing and Energy Storage Systems (ESS)

Client Overview

Our client, a global leader in lithium-ion battery manufacturing for electric vehicles and energy storage systems, is launching a state-of-the-art gigafactory in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to supply top automotive OEMs and energy sector partners. With a $2 billion investment and plans to create up to 2,000 skilled jobs, this facility will play a pivotal role in both the EV and ESS ecosystems. They are seeking a General Manager Operations to lead this high-impact facility with a focus on operational excellence, Lean Manufacturing, and cross-cultural collaboration.

Role Overview

The General Manager - Operations will oversee all production and operational functions at the Bowling Green Gigafactory, driving world-class performance in safety, quality, and delivery for both EV battery manufacturing and energy storage systems. This strategic leadership role requires deep expertise in automotive or EV manufacturing, ESS production, operational excellence, and Lean methodologies (e.g., Toyota Production System - TPS), alongside proven experience working with Chinese business culture. The successful candidate will manage a large team, optimize processes, and support the facility’s ramp-up to full production capacity.

Job Requirements

• Experience: 10+ years in manufacturing leadership, with 10+ years in automotive, EV battery production, or ESS manufacturing; gigafactory experience a plus.
• Operational Excellence: Proven success managing large-scale operations (e.g., 250M€+ revenue, 1,000+ employees) with measurable improvements.
• Lean Manufacturing: Expertise in TPS or equivalent Lean systems (e.g., PSA Excellence System, Monozukuri); Lean certification preferred.
• Chinese Culture: Demonstrated experience (3+ years) working with Chinese teams or suppliers; Mandarin skills a bonus.
• Automotive/EV/ESS: Direct involvement in powertrain, casting, battery manufacturing for OEMs, or ESS production for energy sector clients.
• Education: Bachelor’s in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical) or related field; Master’s or MBA a plus.
• Skills: Strong command of ERP systems (e.g., SAP), digitalization tools, and multi-shift management.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

• Direct plant-wide operations to meet ambitious production goals for EV batteries(e.g., 700,000 battery modules annually) and ESS units, while exceeding safety, quality, and cost KPIs.
• Achieve 15%+ annual productivity and efficiency gains through data-driven masterplans, digitalization, and performance metrics (e.g., OEE).
• Lead investment and innovation projects, ensuring 98%+ on-time delivery to both EV and ESS clients.

Chinese Culture Experience

• Leverage 3+ years of working awareness in Chinese manufacturing environments to align with global strategic goals and supplier networks.
• Manage cross-border collaboration, ensuring 95%+ material availability through culturally adept supplier relations.
• Present operational updates to Chinese leadership, adapting to their business norms for effective communication.

Automotive & EV Expertise

• Oversee high-volume production of EV batteries (e.g., 40-60 kWh packs) and ESS units, meeting automotive standards (IATF 16949) and energy sector requirements.
• Drive industrialization and scale-up projects, targeting a 25% capacity increase by 2028 for both EV and ESS product lines.
• Maintain quality at <50 PPM defect rates through robust process controls and team leadership.

Lean Manufacturing & Toyota Production System (TPS)

• Implement TPS-inspired Lean practices (Kaizen, Monozukuri, visual management) to eliminate waste and enhance throughput across assembly, machining, and quality processes for both EV batteries and ESS.
• Reduce operational costs by 10%+ using problem-solving methodologies and standardized workflows.
• Mentor employees in Lean tools (e.g., 5S, Kanban, PDCA), fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Leadership & Management

• Lead a workforce of 200+ (including10+ managers and 20+ supervisors) across multiple shifts, fostering accountability and growth.
• Develop organizational structures, job roles, and training programs to upskill 20% of staff annually in EV and ESS technologies.

Why This Opportunity?

This role offers the chance to lead a gigafactory at the forefront of sustainable mobility, with competitive compensation and a platform for impactful innovation. It’s ideal for candidates passionate about EV technology and global manufacturing excellence.