Program Manager (EV & Energy Storage)

Location: Onsite in De Soto, Kansas, United States. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Company

Panasonic Energy produces lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and sustainable energy applications and is expanding a large-scale battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas.

What you will do

• Lead a portfolio of interrelated projects covering strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and capital expansion.
• Define program scope, success criteria, deliverables, budgets, resource plans, and integrated master schedules.
• Coordinate engineering, operations, procurement, construction, and external partners.
• Track program KPIs, milestones, risks, issues, and mitigation plans while providing data-driven updates to senior leadership.
• Lead steering committee meetings, stakeholder reviews, and executive briefings.
• Directly supervise, coach, and develop Project Managers and PMO Analysts while governing PMO standards and methodologies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Computer Science, or a related technical or operations field; relevant experience may substitute.
• 5+ years of progressive project or program management leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex, multi-project programs in technical, construction, or manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of program governance, budgeting, risk management, and interdependent project delivery.
• Proficiency with project and program management tools such as Smartsheet, MS Project, Power BI, and JIRA.
• Working-level English proficiency and unrestricted authorization to work in the United States are required.

Nice to have

• 10+ years of progressive program management leadership experience.
• Master’s degree, PMP or PgMP certification, or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt.
• Experience in batteries, energy storage, automotive, electronics, or other capital-intensive, high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, hybrid methodologies, SAP, Oracle, or MES/ERP systems.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription, HSA, and FSA options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching and immediate vesting.
• Vacation, holidays, sick leave, personal days, volunteer, parental, and caregiver leave.
• Tuition reimbursement after six months of service, wellbeing programs, and employee recognition awards.
• Annual performance-based bonus and onsite cafes, snacks, and employee events.
• PPE may be required, including safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, protective suits, and respirators.