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 Team Lead, 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.

• 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 $98,160 - $147,250 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 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.