Director of Operational Excellence

Description

Title: Director of Operational Excellence
Department: Operational Excellence
Location: Houston, TX
Supervisor: Senior Vice President of Operational Excellence
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time

Work Status: (Hybrid/Remote/In-Office): Hybrid

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Director of Operational Excellence plays a critical role within Qcells EPC, supporting the Senior Vice President of Operational Excellence in enhancing operational efficiency, standardization, and performance across the organization. This position combines strategic oversight with hands-on execution, focusing on data-driven process improvement, team leadership, and cross-departmental collaboration. The Director will work closely with the SVP to implement operational excellence strategies, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure alignment with Qcells’ strategic goals in the utility-scale solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) sectors. This role reports to the Houston, TX office but operates on a hybrid schedule, balancing time between a home office and the Houston and Irvine locations, with occasional travel to support field operations and corporate objectives. This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Operational Excellence, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is Hybrid based out of the Houston, TX office 3 days per week. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time .This position is expected to travel up to 20%.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the Senior Vice President in developing and executing operational excellence strategies, optimizing processes, and standardizing workflows to improve efficiency and align with company goals.
• Monitor and analyze key performance metrics (KPIs) and key risk indicators (KRIs), identifying trends and areas for improvement, and proposing actionable plans to the SVP for approval and implementation.
• Lead and coordinate cross-functional teams to execute continuous improvement projects, ensuring collaboration and accountability across operations, engineering, and procurement departments.
• Support the SVP in fostering a culture of continuous improvement, providing training and mentorship to operational teams to enhance skills and performance.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and company policies, assisting in the development of proactive risk management strategies for field and office operations.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations for the SVP and executive leadership, summarizing operational performance, project progress, and improvement outcomes.
• Act as a liaison between field operations and corporate functions, facilitating data integration (e.g., via ERP systems) and communication to support hybrid work dynamics.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Senior Vice President of Operational Excellence.
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in operations management, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• 10+ years of experience in operational roles, preferably within EPC, utility-scale solar, or BESS projects.
• Proven experience with process improvement and Project Management methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and coordinate large-scale projects.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with advanced problem-solving capabilities.
• Strategic planning and project management expertise.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, P6, Procore).
• Detail-oriented with a results-driven approach.
• Adaptability to hybrid work environments and changing priorities.
• Knowledge of safety regulations and risk management practices in the renewable energy sector.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or a related field.
• Experience working in a hybrid or remote operational role.
• Certification in project management (e.g., PMP) or process improvement (e.g., Lean Six Sigma Green Belt).
• Familiarity with utility-scale solar or BESS project lifecycles and EPC processes.

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 20% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)
• Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.