Vice President - Manufacturing Strategy & Operations - Electric Vehicle (10-20 yrs)

Position Overview: As the VP of Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Strategy and Operations, you will play a critical role in shaping the company's manufacturing strategy, overseeing all aspects of production, supply chain, quality control, and cost management within the electric vehicle segment.

Your leadership will be pivotal in driving operational excellence, sustainability, and innovative approaches to meet production goals while aligning with the company's vision and market trends.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

- Develop and execute the manufacturing strategy for electric vehicles that aligns with corporate goals, market demand, and sustainability targets.

- Lead the scaling of EV production to meet market needs, ensuring that production capacity, timelines, and cost structures are effectively optimized.

- Identify key trends in EV technology, market demands, and industry developments to inform future manufacturing strategies.

- Work closely with executive leadership to influence and drive the company's broader strategic direction within the EV space.

Operations Management:

- Oversee the day-to-day operations of EV manufacturing plants, ensuring they run efficiently, meet quality standards, and are in compliance with safety regulations.

- Manage P&L for manufacturing operations, optimizing cost structures, and driving profitability.

- Ensure all production lines meet KPIs for quality, production volume, on-time delivery, and cost.

- Develop and manage supply chain strategies to support EV production, including sourcing critical raw materials (e., lithium, battery components).

Team Leadership and Development:

- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, and production management functions.

- Foster a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence within the EV manufacturing teams.

- Build a strong talent pipeline to support growth and evolving technological needs in the EV sector.

Sustainability and Innovation:

- Champion sustainability in manufacturing processes, promoting environmentally responsible practices and technologies.

- Drive innovation to improve manufacturing processes, reduce carbon footprint, and enhance the EV manufacturing lifecycle.

- Work with R&D and engineering teams to incorporate new technologies, including automation, AI, and renewable energy sources, into manufacturing operations.

Cross-functional Collaboration:

- Partner with engineering, R&D, sales, and marketing teams to align on product design, production schedules, and go-to-market strategies.

- Collaborate with external partners, suppliers, and government agencies to secure necessary resources, support initiatives, and ensure regulatory compliance.

- Engage with investors and stakeholders to report on operational performance, growth opportunities, and strategic initiatives.

Risk Management and Compliance:

- Monitor and mitigate risks related to production schedules, supply chain disruptions, and quality control.

- Ensure that manufacturing processes meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and environmental guidelines.

- Develop contingency plans to address potential challenges, such as raw material shortages or factory downtime.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).

Experience:

- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, with a strong track record of leadership in the electric vehicle, automotive, or related industries.

- Proven experience in scaling manufacturing operations, including planning, executing, and managing production across multiple facilities.

- Expertise in lean manufacturing, supply chain management, and sustainable production practices.

- In-depth knowledge of EV technologies, battery production, and associated supply chain intricacies.

Skills:

- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

- Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to manage large, complex operations and lead cross-functional teams.

- Deep understanding of industry standards, government regulations, and emerging trends in electric vehicle manufacturing.

- Data-driven decision-making and familiarity with industry-specific software tools for operations management.