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Sr. Project Manager - ESS (Cell and Pack) at HappyGlobal Service Sr. Project Manager - ESS (Cell and Pack) at HappyGlobal Service in Manteno, Illinois Posted in 4 days ago.

Type:

full-time Role Overview In this pivotal role, you will lead a specialized two-person project management team-comprising yourself as the Senior Manager and a dedicated Project Analyst-to drive the end-to-end execution of battery cell and pack manufacturing programs at the Gotion Manteno facility. You will oversee large-scale capital and production initiatives from concept through high-volume manufacturing, managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with budgets exceeding $50 million. Serving as the crucial bridge between local operations and global engineering, this position requires strong technical acumen in Li-ion battery systems, mastery of enterprise project management tools, and bilingual fluency in English and Chinese.

Key Roles & Responsibilities Team Leadership & Delegation:

Direct the workflow of a dedicated Project Analyst, delegating data analysis, schedule tracking, reporting, and administrative project controls to ensure the two-person team operates at maximum efficiency.

Program & Capital Management:

Direct the lifecycle of battery cell and pack programs from planning and engineering through procurement, construction, commissioning, and product launch. Manage simultaneous project budgets explicitly exceeding $50 million.

Project Controls & Scheduling:

Build, maintain, and actively oversee complex, resource-loaded project schedules and work breakdown structures using Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera P6 .

Cross-Functional Leadership:

Coordinate across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, EHS, and external contractors to ensure alignment on program deliverables, timelines, and costs.

Technical Validation:

Oversee product development and manufacturing validation processes, including DV/PV (Design/Production Validation), APQP, and PPAP for automotive and energy storage customers.

Global Communication:

Serve as the primary liaison between the US-based Manteno site, North American customers, and the headquarters/engineering teams in China. Facilitate technical workshops, executive updates, and RFQ/RFI responses.

Risk & Supply Chain Mitigation:

Partner with logistics and supply chain teams to coordinate long-lead equipment purchases, monitor supplier manufacturing timelines, and proactively mitigate risks to keep project schedules on track.

On-Site Execution:

Oversee equipment integration, staging, commissioning, and facility setup specifically related to cell and pack production lines, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and building codes. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Schedule Adherence:

Achieve 100% on-time delivery for critical path milestones (e.g., equipment delivery, site commissioning, Start of Production) tracked accurately via enterprise scheduling software (MS Project/P6).

Budget Variance:

Maintain capital and program expenditures strictly within the $50M+ allocated budget parameters.

Team Output & Efficiency:

Successfully manage and develop the dedicated Project Analyst, ensuring accurate and timely delivery of project reports, risk registries, and financial tracking.

Quality & Validation Pass Rate:

Secure first-pass approvals for critical automotive/OEM quality gateways, such as PPAP and DV/PV sign-offs.

Risk Mitigation Efficiency:

Maintain a documented risk registry and ensure zero project delays caused by foreseeable supply chain bottlenecks or lack of cross-functional alignment.

Safety Compliance:

Achieve a zero-incident safety record during the installation and commissioning phases of the cell and pack production lines.

Experience Level & Qualifications Industry Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of dedicated project or program management experience within the battery, cell, and pack industry (EV or energy storage preferred).

Financial Scope:

Proven track record of successfully leading complex manufacturing, facility, or product development projects with budgets explicitly exceeding $50 million .

Management Experience:

Prior experience leading, mentoring, or directing analysts, coordinators, or junior project staff.

Software Proficiency:

Demonstrated functional proficiency in Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera P6 for managing complex Gantt charts, resource allocation, and critical path analysis.

Language Proficiency:

Bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese (Mandarin) is highly preferred/required to seamlessly facilitate technical discussions and bridge the US-based team with global counterparts.

Technical Acumen:

Deep understanding of Li-ion battery cell chemistry, pack systems, and manufacturing processes.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Materials) or a related technical discipline.

Work Setting:

Ability and willingness to work 100% on-site at the Manteno, IL gigafactory