Area Manager

Our Story and Why We're Growing

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive.  You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

About the Role

The Area Lead is the responsible technical project leader for delivering the production area from construction to handover (SOP +6M, incl. facility setup, equipment installation & launch preparation. The role ensures the technical SOP, is the most senior project role to external contractors and reports to/via the Taskforce Head to the PowerBoard and other top management.

This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site at our St. Thomas location.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the complete delivery of the production area for their respective value streams (1 Area = ~1/3 of the cell factory and holds 2-3 Value Streams) from the start of construction through to the handover to the plant operations organization, ensuring all project milestones are met.
• Manage and coordinate all aspects of facility construction, including BSI (Battery Specific Infrastructure), equipment setup, and material procurement for production launch, headcount planning of external contractors, and ramp-up activities.
• Ensure adherence to project timelines and budgets, while maintaining full transparency on risks and opportunities. Develop, implement and executes (most important) mitigation strategies to address potential delays or cost overruns.
• Act as the central point of contact for cross-functional coordination for the respective factory area, interfacing with technical factory organization, logistics, permitting, procurement, and other line functions.
• Represent the respective production area (during the timeframe of Taskforce leading the project - till SOP +6month) in high-level stakeholder meetings such as PowerBoard and Group
• Board of Management, providing updates, raising concerns, and aligning on strategic decisions, fully aligned with the TF steering team.
• Lead and manage the production area team, i.e., Value Stream Managers, Planning Coordinators, Execution Coordinators, Core teams/functional dedicated VSM team members, and support staff, ensuring alignment and accountability across all roles, including external stakeholders.
• Escalate unresolved issues and decision needs to the respective Task Force Lead and Factory Project Steering meetings, particularly in cases of timeline delays, endangering major FEP milestones, e.g., TBTi or SOP, but also related to significant cost increases.
• Maintain oversight of the Primavera project plan, ensuring that all activities are tracked, in the provided Risk & Opportunity framework provided by TF Steering.  Ensures early risk identification, and corrective actions are taken proactively.

What you bring to the Team

• BSc degree in Business Administration, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Material, or Chemical engineering.
• 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience managing cross-functional committees to resolve issues and manage risks.
• Experience setting the integration of new technologies and processes into production.
• Strong leadership capabilities to manage and mentor multidisciplinary teams
• Strategic decision-making and ability to delegate effectively in complex projects.
• Experience in team development, performance evaluation, and conflict resolution.
• Proficiency in managing time, cost, quality, and safety objectives within project frameworks.
• Experience with risk and change management in construction environments.
• Strong ability to coordinate with cross-functional departments such as logistics, HSE, IT, and process management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Analytical skills to address operational disruptions, bottlenecks, and unforeseen challenges.
• Up to 20% international travel.

Power Perks

•    Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
•    Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
•    Opportunities for development
•    Relocation Support
•    Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
•    Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
•    Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.

*This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.