Team Lead, Rapid Response

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!

We are looking for a Manager, Rapid Response. This role oversees a cross-functional team focused on resolving critical supplier, operational, and shop-floor issues. The Manager coordinates high-stakes interventions, ensures alignment with strategic goals, and acts as the primary escalation point for executive leadership. This role is instrumental in preventing major disruptions, safeguarding ramp-up, and protecting manufacturing performance.

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

• Lead and manage a cross-functional team of problem solvers and manufacturing experts.
• Provide direction, prioritization, and coaching to team members.
• Ensure team efforts are aligned with business-critical priorities.
• Coordinate resolution of high-impact issues across supplier and production domains.
• Oversee investigations and interventions led by team members.
• Ensure timely containment and sustainable resolution of disruptions.
• Act as the primary escalation point for executive leadership and operational heads.
• Communicate issue status, risks, and resolution strategies to senior stakeholders.
• Represent the task force in executive- and board-level discussions and decision forums.
• Ensure structured problem-solving and technical rigor across all interventions.
• Review and validate methodologies used by the team (e.g., DMAIC, 8D).
• Ensure consistency and quality in root cause analysis and corrective actions.
• Align tactical actions with strategic ramp-up and production goals.
• Coordinate with program, ramp-up, and operations teams to maintain alignment.
• Balance short-term issue resolution with long-term process stability.
• Drive continuous improvement and knowledge transfer across the organization.
• Capture learnings from resolved issues and integrate them into standards.
• Promote best practices and technical excellence across departments.
• Monitor manufacturing performance and impact through KPIs and reporting.
• Track resolution speed, cost avoidance, and production recovery metrics.
• Report outcomes and improvement opportunities to leadership.
• Support talent development and capability building within the task force.
• Identify skill gaps and provide training or mentoring as needed.
• Foster a high-performance, collaborative team culture.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field Certifications
• PMP certification is considered an asset Experience
• 10+ years of relevant experience in technical or manufacturing environments
• 1–3 years of leadership experience.

Core Skills & Expertise

• Demonstrated experience in managing factory ramp-ups, construction projects, and process design within a technical or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of project management tools & methodologies with a focus on technical workstreams, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Experience in leading and developing cross-functional teams, including direct management of project managers and coordination with engineering, construction, operations, and external contractors.
• Experience in budget management, cost control, and resource planning for large-scale industrial projects.
• Solid knowledge of industrial safety standards, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance.
• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to address technical challenges and provide innovative solutions.
• Outstanding communication,global work interest, leadership, and people management skills, with a proven ability to engage senior stakeholders, lead teams, and manage complex technical discussions.
• Ability to operate cross-functionally (vertically and horizontally) in a high-demand, rapidly shifting environment and ability to multi-task, determine and shift priorities.
• Extremely collaborative, organized, meticulous, with an ability to juggle multiple issues and activities simultaneously in a highly professional manner.
• Proven ability to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring smooth project execution and timely delivery of technical milestones.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and develop project management professionals.
• Ability to work in an intercultural environment includes empathy and interpersonal understanding.
• Experience in automotive and/or e-mobility industry (challenges & opportunities) is considered an asset.
• German language skills are considered an asset.

Attractive Remuneration: The expected competitive compensation range for this position is $120,920 - $170,000 CAD, which includes base pay and target amount of short term incentive plan.

• In addition we offer competitive benefits: our program is flexible to allow you to make the selections and get the coverage you need.
• Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.
• Employee Assistance Plan: We offer an Employee Assistance Plan which can support you in mental health, physical wellness and overall wellbeing.
• 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.

We are committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Our compensation is determined based on a combination of factors including but not limited too relevant years of experience, education, and alignment with the responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description.

This posting is for a currently vacant role.

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.

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.

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.

#LI-Hybrid

Change the Future with Us

PowerCo was founded in 2022 to become a global battery champion. Headquartered in Germany, we are currently ramping up gigafactories in Salzgitter, Valencia and St. Thomas in Canada with a total volume of up to 200 GWh. We are integrating the entire value chain and building a supply chain as local as possible. With that we are driving the development of a strong, sustainable battery industry in Europe and North America.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, or local laws.

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.

Recruitment Practices

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

Our organization may use artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted tools as part of our recruitment and hiring processes. All decisions regarding hiring, interviews, and selection are ultimately made by human recruiters or hiring managers.