Technology Program Manager

Panasonic • De Soto, KS

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation.
Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.
Job Summary:
The Technology Program Manager leads a portfolio of related projects that drive strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and capital expansion within a high-volume lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment. In this role, the Technology Program Manager will be tasked to develop, execute, and deliver on project plans, driving multiple technology projects simultaneously, and communicating on status, risks, and process changes.
In addition to overseeing program-level execution, this role includes direct people management responsibilities for Project Managers and PMO Analysts. The Program Manager ensures alignment across functions, manages interdependencies, and provides strategic and tactical direction to both project teams and senior stakeholders. This position is ideal for a hands-on leader who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and brings a strong combination of technical fluency, communication ability, and leadership experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related technical/operations field. Relevant work experience may be substituted for required education
• 5+ years of progressive project or program management leadership experience
• Working knowledge of software delivery lifecycle
• Proven experience managing enterprise-scale programs (SAP, MES, SCADA, Data Platforms, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Automation, Cloud, IioT, etc)
• Strong understanding of IT/OT convergence and manufacturing operations
• Experience managing multi-site deployments and complex vendor ecosystems
• Experience working with cross-functional IT and OT teams in manufacturing or operations environments
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-project programs in technical, construction, or manufacturing settings
• Strong understanding of program governance, budgeting, and risk management across interdependent projects
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills
• Proficiency in project/program management tools (e.g., Smartsheet, MS Project, Power BI, JIRA)
• Ability to influence across functional boundaries and operate effectively in matrixed environments
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Engineering Management, Project Management) or equivalent
• Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP) certification, or equivalent
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt
• Agile / SAFe certification
• ITIL, ISA/IEC 62443, or manufacturing systems certifications
• 10+ years of progressive program management leadership experience
• SAP S/4 Hana experience
• IT/OT architecture and integration
• Experience in capital-intensive or high-volume manufacturing environments such as batteries, energy storage, automotive, or electronics
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, Agile, or hybrid project management methodologies
• Proven track record of leading teams through transformation, scaling, or process improvement

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise manufacturing technology programs including MES, SCADA, IIoT, data analytics, integrations, automation, and infrastructure
• Define and manage program scope, success criteria, deliverables, budgets, and resource plans across a portfolio of interrelated projects
• Create, maintain, and govern integrated master schedules to ensure alignment across engineering, operations, procurement, and construction activities
• Track and report program-level KPIs, ensuring timely milestone delivery, issue resolution, and performance transparency
• Optimize resource allocation and sequencing to balance capacity, cost, and schedule constraints while maximizing program outcomes
• Identify and manage program interdependencies, prioritizing initiatives to align with strategic objectives and operational timelines
• Apply program-level insights, metrics, and lessons learned to continuously refine project delivery approaches and PMO best practices
• Identify opportunities to improve program governance, reporting cadence, and workflow standardization across the portfolio
• Support long-term planning by aligning program execution with evolving business needs and capital strategy
• Lead, coach, and develop Project Managers and PMO Analysts through performance management, goal setting, and career development planning
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across program and project teams
• Ensure consistent application of PMO standards, tools, templates, and methodologies across all managed projects
• Promote knowledge sharing and capability building within the PMO to strengthen program delivery maturity
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams across engineering, operations, procurement, construction, and external partners
• Serve as the primary liaison between program teams and senior leadership, providing clear, data-driven program status and performance updates
• Facilitate steering committee meetings, stakeholder reviews, and executive briefings
• Translate complex technical and operational information into clear, actionable communications for diverse audiences
• Translate manufacturing requirements into technology delivery plans
• Identify and manage program-wide risks and issues, developing mitigation plans and escalating appropriately to leadership
• Ensure program execution complies with company policies, regulatory requirements, and EHS standards
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, security policies, and regulatory requirements (ISO, ISM, SOX, IEC, etc.)
• Maintain program documentation, governance artifacts, and audit readiness to support internal and external reviews
• Reinforce a strong safety, quality, and compliance mindset across all program activities
• Provides direct supervision to Project Managers and PMO Analysts, including work assignment, performance oversight, training, and adherence to safety and operational standards

Benefits

• Health Benefits – Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options.
• Voluntary Benefits – Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance.
• Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) – 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting.
• Paid Time-Off Benefits – Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave.
• Educational Assistance – Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service.
• Health Management and Wellbeing Programs –Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service.
• Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus.
• On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level