Head of Manufacturing

Why Sundrive? SunDrive’s proprietary technology enables the use of copper instead of silver for solar cell electrodes. This technological breakthrough has significant benefits, including greater efficiency, lower cost, a scalable supply chain, and more environmentally friendly production.

Founded in 2015, SunDrive is backed by some of Australia’s top venture capital firms (Blackbird, Main Sequence, Virescent, Grok), tech founders, and the Australian Government (CEFC, ARENA). SunDrive has quickly grown from a UNSW Ph.D. project in a garage to producing the world’s most efficient commercial-sized solar cells.

As our Head of Manufacturing at SunDrive, you’ll be integral to scaling from 0-1, developing and implementing manufacturing strategies. This includes leading and managing a team of production supervisors and operators, developing and managing budgets, identifying process improvements, overseeing production, ensuring compliance with regulations, collaborating with other departments, analysing market trends, and providing regular reports to senior management. Your role requires extensive experience in a manufacturing leadership role, strong leadership, communication, problem-solving and analytical skills, knowledge of solar manufacturing processes, and familiarity with quality control processes, financial analysis, and regulatory requirements. You must be able to adapt to changing market conditions and customer needs and be willing to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

**You'll be working on**:

- Developing and implementing manufacturing strategies that align with the company's overall business goals related to new Manufacturing facilities. This includes production schedules, inventory management, quality control, and cost optimization across manufacturing facility (size, layout, fit out, utility requirements).
- Lead on SunDrive metallisation line manufacturing to ensure the line capacity and yield meet the manufacturing targets.
- Lead on SunDrive heterojunction module manufacturing.
- Assist HR on manufacturing hiring needs.
- Lead on inventory turnover calculation and raw material procurement.
- Lead on exploring different module size products.
- Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure that SunDrive has the necessary materials and equipment to meet production needs.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements related to manufacturing, including environmental regulations, waste management, health and safety standards, and industry-specific certifications.
- Collaborate with other departments, such as research and development, engineering, and eventually sales, to develop new products, improve existing products, and ensure customer satisfaction.

**Requirements**:

- Qualified in Manufacturing, Engineering, Photovoltaics or Renewable Energy degree preferred
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in solar cell manufacturing
- Minimum 2 years in a senior management position within solar cell or module manufacturer
- Minimum 2 years’ experience in module manufacturing
- Experience speaking directly with manufacturing equipment vendors (installation, commissioning, training, troubleshooting, maintenance)
- Able to upskill on standards such as ISO 9001 and 14001

Note: Current Australian working right not required.

SunDrive Solar Pty Ltd is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

SunDrive is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.