Head of Production

Located in the heart of Central Ohio, Illuminate USA is transforming solar panel manufacturing from our cutting-edge facility in Pataskala. As a new standalone joint venture established by two global leaders in renewable energy, we’ve rapidly grown to over 1,500 associates and are now fully operational in our 1.1 million-square-foot factory. Our vision is to establish one of the largest solar panel manufacturing operations in the Western Hemisphere.

This is an exciting time to join Illuminate USA as we continue to grow and innovate. We’re not just building solar panels—we’re building a team of dedicated, passionate associates eager to make a real impact. If you’re looking to be part of a collaborative, people-focused, and forward-thinking workplace, we want to hear from you!

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and continuous opportunities for career growth. Come join us on this journey to create a brighter, more sustainable future in the Columbus area.

Job Summary:

The Head of Production will be responsible for leading the production department within a fast-paced, 24/7 manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing large-scale production operations and leading a diverse team of production managers, supervisors, and associates. This role is focused on optimizing processes, meeting production goals, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

Oversee production operations, ensuring all production goals are met efficiently and on time while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and productivity.

Provide leadership and direction to production managers and department staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Drive operational improvements by implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and 6S principles across the production processes.

Develop and execute strategic production plans, aligning with the VP of Manufacturing and company objectives for safety, quality, and efficiency.

Monitor production metrics to identify opportunities for improvement, ensuring adherence to production schedules and quality standards.

Ensure compliance with safety regulations, driving initiatives that promote a safety-first culture within the department.

Optimize production workflows and processes to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance overall performance.

Provide ongoing mentorship and support to production managers, enhancing their leadership capabilities and professional growth.

Collaborate with senior leadership to align production goals with broader organizational strategies and drive operational success.

Address production-related issues quickly and effectively, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and corrective actions are implemented.

Execute other duties and responsibilities as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field. Advanced degrees are a plus.

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in production management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing large-scale operations.

Proven experience managing complex production schedules and large teams within a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, ISO 9001 standards, and process optimization.

Strong understanding of production planning, cost control, and efficiency improvement strategies.

Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with senior management and team members.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, using data to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production management software.

Illuminate USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by law.

Illuminate is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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