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Headquartered in Scotts Valley, CA, Ambient Photonics’ mission is to enable our customers to offer best-in-class products, features, and user experience with our unparalleled low-light photovoltaic technology. Ambient has solved both the low power density and high-cost problems of legacy low light PV technologies and has created the world’s most powerful low light energy harvesting photovoltaic cells- making endless power for loT electronics a reality for the first time.

Position overview & purpose

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Project Manager to lead the successful implementation and launch of a new industrial project. The Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the project, from planning and execution to resource management and stakeholder coordination. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in project management, extensive experience in manufacturing start ups, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to navigate complex operational challenges.

Essential duties & responsibilities

  • Project Planning and Strategy:
    • Collaborate with senior management and key stakeholders to define project goals, objectives, and strategic direction for the project.
    • Develop a comprehensive project plan, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.
    • Conduct feasibility studies and risk assessments to identify potential challenges and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Cross-Functional Team Leadership:
    • Assemble and lead a cross-functional project team, including members from engineering, operations, procurement, quality assurance, and other relevant departments.
    • Provide clear direction and guidance to team members, ensuring alignment with project objectives.
    • Foster effective communication and collaboration among team members to optimize project performance.
  • Budget and Resource Management:
    • Partner with Cost Accounting to manage the project budget, ensuring cost-effective utilization of resources.
    • Identify resource requirements and coordinate with relevant stakeholders to allocate resources effectively.
    • Implement corrective measures, when necessary, in the event of potential cost overruns or delays.
  • Supplier and Vendor Management:
    • Identify and select appropriate suppliers and vendors for equipment, materials, and services required for the factory launch.
    • Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
    • Coordinate with internal and external Supply Chain teams to ensure compliance with budgetary and quality requirements.
  • Risk Management:
    • Identify potential risks and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
    • Regularly assess project risks and implement measures to minimize their impact.
    • Anticipate and address any potential issues or obstacles that may affect project timelines or deliverables.
  • Project Monitoring and Reporting:
    • Manage project metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track project progress.
    • Regularly monitor project milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
    • Prepare and present comprehensive project status reports to senior management and stakeholders.
  • Stakeholder Engagement:
    • Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding project-related matters.
    • Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring their engagement and support throughout the project lifecycle.
    • Proactively communicate project updates, risks, and dependencies to stakeholders.


Knowledge, skills & abilities

  • Strong knowledge of project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
  • Experience in start ups in the manufacturing or industrial sector is a must have.
  • Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire cross-functional teams.
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency in project management software and tools.


Basic qualifications & competencies

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, project management, or a related field. A master's degree is a plus.
  • Proven experience (at least 5 years) in project management, with a focus on launching new industrial projects.
  • PMP Certified
  • Must be able to provide proof of eligibility to work in the U.S., Ambient Photonics does not provide any sponsorship.


Physical demands and working environment

  • International travel is likely. Must be willing to take long duration international flights on short notice.
  • Long periods of sitting and occasional long days in a production environment.
  • Must be physically able to walk production floors for hours without a break.

Statement

The qualification requirements, physical demands, and work environment characteristics described in this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job successfully.

This job description in no way states or implies that the essential duties described are the only responsibilities involved in the position. The employee is required to follow any other instruction and to perform any other duties by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.

This job description in no way states or implies a contract of employment. Ambient Photonics reserves the right to modify this job description at their discretion at any time and will notify the employee of the change.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

We are an equal opportunity employer. At Ambient Photonics, we are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to promote inclusiveness in everything we do. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Ambient Photonics is also committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear and see. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations.

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