Project Manager, Continuous Improvement

First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our high growth and position in the renewable energy industry offers outstanding opportunities to individuals seeking an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries for the 21st century. Our culture is one where teamwork, continuous improvement, achievement of results, and environmental responsibility are core values. We are seeking new associates that are motivated to contribute their talents to making cost effective solar energy an important part of the world’s energy mix.  . Basic Job Functions:· Responsible for providing program management support for Continuous Improvement projects.· Responsible for executing Continuous Improvement projects. Education/Experience:· A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, and five years experience in a manufacturing or commercial research & development environment.· A Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, and three years experience in a manufacturing or commercial research & development environment. · PMI qualification in project management.· Six Sigma Black belt· Theory of Constraint training· Some database development and programming skills Required skills:Technical:· Excellent negotiation skills to obtain cooperation and commitment to project deliverables· Proven skills in all aspects of project planning and execution.· Proficiency in project management software – MS Project, Concerto an advantage· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Minitab and/or JMP software· Program management of multiple projects. Essential functions and responsibilities:· Program managemento  Develop workable and comprehensive project plans with project ownerso  Secure agreement on deadlines, resource commitment and deliverableso  Actively initiate and continue project review meetings, assertively motivate project participants to execute projects to agreed levels of quality, deliverables and durationo  Maintain software infrastructure to keep project plans up to dateo  Maintain project pipeline to enable management to determine status of all projects in the portfolio· Continuous Improvemento  Apply industrial engineering skills to resolve business process issues and constraintso  Support simulation modeling exerciseso  Apply Six Sigma and TOC skills to find creative solutions to operational problemso  Work closely with other members of the Continuous Improvement team to provide high-impact solutionso  Help develop a strong improvement ethic throughout First Solar through teaching, providing support wherever possible, and demonstrated commitment.     See Job Description.