Head – Manufacturing / VP – BESS Operations

Job description

Department Utility :

Scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) – Cell-to-Pack & Containerized Battery Bank Manufacturing

Role Summary :

The Head – Manufacturing Engineering / VP – BESS Operations will lead the complete manufacturing strategy, operations planning, technology roadmap, team structure, supply chain coordination, safety governance, and compliance for lithium-ion battery cell-to-pack and containerized BESS battery banks used in grid-scale storage. This leadership role drives plant capability, automation, yield, quality, vendor ecosystem, product reliability, and cost competitiveness, aligned with global benchmarks and utility-grade safety standards.

Core Leadership Responsibilities :

1. Technology & Process Leadership

* Define and own the manufacturing architecture for cell → module → pack → containerized BESS bank.

* Drive process design, automation, digitalization, Industry 4.0 implantation (MES/SCADA integration), traceability systems.

* Approve PFMEA/PFD/Control Plans/PPAP/SOP frameworks for all plants.

* Lead tech selection for welding, formation, thermal management, fire systems, HVAC, gas venting, inspection automation, and battery testing.

2. Global Standards, Safety & Compliance Governance

* Ensure compliance to worldwide BESS standards:

UL 9540/9540A, UL 1973, IEC 62933, IEC 62619, UN38.3, NFPA 855, NFPA 70/70E, NFPA 72, local CEA norms.

* Govern EHS strategy covering MSDS, lithium fire hazards, gas management, explosion prevention, arc-flash mitigation, HV safety protocols.

* Oversight for HAZOP, HIRA, DFMEA, PFMEA, Fire Risk Assessments, HVIL systems, cell/pack abuse testing, runaway prevention.

3. Strategic Operations & Cost Ownership

* Design and expand plants based on BESS demand projections and localization strategy.

* Own CapEx/OpEx budgets, vendor development, outsourcing strategy, and cost optimization.

* Approve sourcing and localization for cells, thermal systems, HV DC components, BMS/EMS/PCS interfaces, fire suppression, HVAC units, and containerized infrastructure.

* Direct (EV vs BESS) chemistries sourcing strategy (LFP/NMC/LTO) with focus on cycle life, safety, and economics.

4. Quality, Reliability & Testing Governance

* Approve reliability test matrices & qualification strategies for:

o Long-cycle aging & RTE performance

o Stress, C-rate & high-temperature cycling

o Thermal propagation & abuse testing

o Bank fault simulation & fail-safe testing

* Ensure real-time diagnostic analytics using SCADA/MES logs to prevent field failures.

* Implement quality systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 as applicable).

5. Organizational & Vendor Ecosystem Development

* Build and lead a multi-disciplinary organization including:

o Manufacturing Engineering

o Thermal & Mechanical Engineering

o BMS/Controls/SCADA/EMS Engineering

o EHS/Safety and Certification

o Commissioning & Aftermarket

* Develop ecosystem of domestic/international suppliers & technology partners.

* Create skill development frameworks for technicians → engineers → leaders.

6. Cross-Functional & Business Leadership

* Collaborate with R&D, Product Management, EPC/Project Delivery, Commissioning, and After-Sales for bank reliability and commissioning success.

* Drive customer audits, certification approvals, EPC specifications alignment, and performance warranties (availability, RTE, duty cycle guarantees).

* Support commercial teams in technical bids, tenders, and techno-commercial evaluations for C&I, utility and renewable-integrated BESS projects.

Qualifications & Experience :

* Bachelor’s degree (B.E./B.Tech) mandatory; Master’s Degree (MTech or MBA in Operations/Strategic Leadership) preferred.

* 15–25 years of experience with extensive exposure to:

o Li-ion manufacturing (EV Packs/BESS)

o Utility-grade electrical systems & compliance

o HV battery operations (600–1500 V DC)

o Plant leadership, CapEx planning, automation, & vendor development

* Prior leadership role (Head/GM/VP level) in ESS, EV batteries, Power Electronics, Renewable EPC, or

High-Reliability Manufacturing preferred.

Key Competencies :

Leadership & Strategy

* Visionary mindset with deep understanding of global energy storage trends.

* Strong governance on safety, compliance, quality, reliability, and documentation.

* Ability to lead multi-plant operations & scaling strategies.

Technical & Business Skills

* Expert in lithium battery safety, thermal management, BMS hierarchy, HV compliance, and

containerized BESS integration.

* High competency in CapEx/Opex planning, localization strategy, total cost of ownership (TCO), and

power market implications.

Soft Skills

* Excellent communication with internal teams, board members, regulatory bodies, EPCs, utilities, and

certification agencies.

* Stakeholder management, negotiation, team building, and conflict resolution.

Industry : Renewables & Environment

Employment Type : Full-time

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Application Question(s):

• Are you okay with the Vadodara location?
• Have you completed B. Tech/BE?
• How many Years of experience do you have ?
• Have you previously work with ESS, EV batteries, Power Electronics, Renewable EPC industry?

Work Location: In person