Program Manager- Cost IND

Job Description

Basic Job Functions:

• Set clear direction and show leadership to drive and execute cost roadmap together with all relevant stakeholders.
• Understand cost per watt model (variable and fixed cost) and able to identify gaps and opportunities of cost reduction in achieving or exceeding the site cost per watt target.
• Apply critical thinking and find creative ways of reducing cost to achieve next level of excellence.
• Timely review actual spending versus target, understand cost impact from process changes, and manage the delivery of cost projects from cross functional groups.
• Partner with Finance and operation teams to roll up AOP budget.
• Key coordinator to work with functional group members to roll up AOP budget planning. Work with stakeholders and revise cost strategies to meet the monthly affordable cost targets.
  
  

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Analyze plant cost structure (variable and fixed cost model) and identify gaps and improvement opportunities for cost reduction. Capable to take strategy and convert into actionable deliverables to meet the site CpW target.
• Lead cost forum or focus team to establish and control the cost operating system.
  • Own and drive the plant cost metrics to ensure that all functional groups are spending within the budget and will highlight any variances.
  • Plan and design overall plant cost programs and proactively monitor its progress, resolve issues and initiate appropriate corrective actions.
  • Communicate and build positive working relation with cross functional teams to achieve the plant operation objectives
• Establish good working relationships with global cost leads, operations, MIS, Supply Chain and Finance associates to monitor and control operation expenses (CpW impact).
  
  

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administrator or management discipline (MBA or Master of Engineering a plus).
• 7 – 10 years of experience in production operations, engineering, supply chain, planning, or finance. Must have good understanding of cost modeling and analysis.
• Proven track record of successful cost reduction project implementation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Added advantage of having good exposure or experience in accounting/finance, cost accounting, inventory management, or forecasting methodologies.
  
  

Education:

• Possess a Degree in any discipline. Candidate with a Technical Discipline will be an added advantage.
  
  

Required Skills:

• Have leadership experiences with the ability to interact with and influence people at all levels inside, across groups and external to the company.
• Ability to identify problems, develop, and implement solutions, work independently and in collaboration with others, and build support for new initiatives and systems.
• Strong knowledge of High Volume Manufacturing Processes, Inventory Management and MRP Principles.
• Excellent analytical and problem solving skill.
• Strategic thinker who can manage long and short term projects.
• Ability to discern and meet needs of internal and external customers.
• Ability to build and maintain a high-performance, scalable team.
• Broad range and advanced computer skills—Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, statistics applications, reporting – SAS/Tableau/Power BI, and ERP (SAP and/or Kinaxis Rapid Response a plus).
• Must have strong capabilities to take on a larger role in the future.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; capable of formal and informal discussions and presentations at all levels of the business – internal and external; has a professional presence.
• Able to influence and make recommendations for improvement in both technical and management subject.
  
  

Behavioral:

• Excellent in both verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
• Competent presenter; promotes process, program or projects with other functional groups
• Discipline and meticulous in conducting assigned duties.
  
  

Technical:

• Demonstrate ability to analyze engineering and statistical data.
  
  

Physical Requirements (if any):

• Will sit and stand for long periods of time during the day.
• Will walk, climb stairs and on equipment.
• May reach above shoulder heights and below the waist
• May lift up to 50 lbs.
• Required to use hands to finger, lift, handle, carry or feel objects.
• May stoop, kneel, bend, talk and hear.
• Specific vision abilities are required.
• All associates working on the production floor may be required to wear a respirator at any given time and thus, the ability to wear a respirator is a condition of employment and continued employment (requires little or no facial hair).
  
  

Please note: potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role. All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check, pre-employment drug screen, and any other test that may be required for the role.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.