Job Description

Senior Project Quality Director   

e-STORAGE is a subsidiary of Canadian Solar and a leading company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and integration of battery energy storage systems for utility-scale applications. The Company offers its own proprietary LFP battery solution, comprehensive EPC services, and innovative solutions to improve grid operations, integrate clean energy, and contribute to a sustainable future. e-STORAGE has successfully implemented over 3.3 GWh DC of battery energy storage solutions in various locations, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and China. This significant accomplishment solidifies e-STORAGE's position as a key player in the global energy storage integration industry. Currently, the Company operates two fully automated, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with an annual production capacity approaching 20 GWh. e-STORAGE is fully equipped to continue providing high-quality, scalable energy storage solutions and contribute to the widespread adoption of clean energy.    

For additional information about e-STORAGE, visit www.csestorage.com   

Canadian Solar was founded in 2001 in Canada and has been listed on NASDAQ since 2006. It is now one of the world's largest solar technology and renewable energy companies. Canadian Solar is a leading manufacturer of solar photovoltaic modules, provider of solar energy and battery storage solutions, and developer of utility-scale solar power and battery storage projects with a geographically diversified pipeline in various stages of development. Over the past 22 years, Canadian Solar has successfully delivered over 102 GW of premium-quality, solar photovoltaic modules to customers across the world. Likewise, since entering the project development business in 2010, Canadian Solar has developed, built, and connected over 9 GWp of solar power projects and over 3 GWh of battery storage projects across the world. Currently, the Company has approximately 700 MWp of solar power projects in operation, 8 GWp of projects under construction or in backlog (late-stage), and an additional 17 GWp of projects in advanced and early-stage pipelines. In addition, the Company has a total battery storage project development pipeline of 52 GWh, including approximately 2 GWh under construction or in backlog, and an additional 50 GWh at advanced and early-stage development. Canadian Solar is one of the most bankable companies in the solar and renewable energy industry.    

For additional information about Canadian Solar, visit www.canadiansolar.com   

Position Title:  Snr. Project Quality Director   

Department:Quality   

Entity:CS e-Storage   

Reports To:President   

Location:Hybrid, US   

Position Summary:   

 The Sr. Director of Quality – will oversee all CS e-STORAGE Quality system establishment, supplier quality, products/manufacturing process quality, customer quality, and project quality/performance. He/She shall work with the senior leadership teams to drive continuous improvement in all aspects of the quality framework.    

This multi-faceted role encompasses the management and implementation of quality systems, development and implementation of quality processes, procedures, and tools, management of internal and external quality audits, and supplier management.    

This position shall serve as the primary contact regarding any product and construction quality issue related to energy/battery storage systems. This role will also have a strong link to the global quality control team.   

Key Responsibilities:   

• Establish a world-class total quality management system for utility energy storage products and projects.
• Oversee and coordinate all project and product quality-related activities globally.
• Control and improve utility energy storage product quality by closely collaborating with manufacturing and R&D teams.
• Implement project quality programs and resolve quality issues with engineering, PM, and CM at project sites. 
• Enable closed-loop feedback and unified action among all stakeholders on product and project quality.
• Lead SQE, identify quality deficiencies, conduct RCA, and carry out corrective and preventive actions. 
• Develop and execute quality requirements as exhibits for contracts with equipment suppliers.
• Build action plans to improve quality initiatives and present recommendations to senior management.
• Develop and implement resource plans to support all quality initiatives,
• Manage direct reports that might be located globally.
• Develop and maintain Quality Management System (QMS), local, national, and international regulatory requirements and standards (such as ISO).
• Promote quality achievement and performance improvement throughout the organization.
• Collaborate with the technology team to review quality standards in product development and support manufacturing activities. 
• Ensure great customer relations are developed and maintained, and communicate customer expectations to the Organization. 
• Responsible for ISO9000/14001 and OHSAS 18001 system certification and audit compliance.
• Conduct training on topics related to quality programs, initiatives, and awareness.
• Prepare and maintain a budget related to quality initiatives. 
• Ensure continuous performance analysis and monitoring of KPIs.
• Regularly communicate results and issues with executive management on matters related to quality management.

Supplier Quality and Product Development (SQ&D):    

• Responsible for ensuring that suppliers’ products meet technical requirements and standards for quality, safety, consistency, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop control plans and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis for all new and current programs.
• Collaborate with Engineering to develop raw material/subcomponent standards by studying manufacturing and engineering requirements, conferring, and negotiating with suppliers, and devising testing methods and procedures.
• Collaborate with Engineering to develop testing plans to evaluate and qualify the reliability and performance of battery cells and battery management systems. 
• Qualify third-party labs or evaluate in-house capabilities to implement performance and reliability testing programs.
• Conduct supplier quality audits for quality systems, special processes, and customer requirements using SQ&D processes.
• Conduct a risk assessment of suppliers and assist the procurement team with Quality metrics for supplier scorecards. 
• Define and implement global supplier development strategies to drive continuous improvement of the supplier base related to the quality of the product and processes. 

Project Execution Quality (EPC):    

• Assessing project specifications, ensuring compliance with national and international standards and legislation,
• Develop project quality plan and budget resources.
• Develop detailed inspection test plans and field inspection procedures.
• Identify relevant quality-related training needs and deliver training to project team members.
• Review and provide input during the project contract negotiation.
• Collaborate with the project manager to hire and manage contract field quality representative(s). 
• Collaborate with project and construction managers to ensure the implementation of quality programs. 
• Conduct periodic reviews and evaluation of quality-related documents.
• Lead direct investigation of any quality-related problems, identify non-compliance issues, and validate root causes.

Required Qualifications and Skills:   

• A leader with a can-do attitude - setting aggressive, measurable goals and objectives for him/herself and prepared to be measured against them; be motivated to achieve specific,

• challenging, and focused results personally and for the team; and leading the organization to meet and/or exceed expectations.
• The ideal candidate shall have hands-on experience in field and production environments and the ability to lead high-impact program implementation.
• A practical, hands-on executive with strong implementation and problem-solving skills coupled with the ability to derive concrete improvement measures.
• Able to positively interact and collaborate with a diverse group of people at all levels and disciplines and capable of standing in front of key clients, thinking on his/her feet, and making sound decisions within compressed timelines.
• An excellent time manager, able to balance multiple projects and prioritize a broad variety of issues, initiatives, and objectives concurrently.
• A pragmatic executive who is comfortable in a collaborative and fluid environment. An individual who can think on his/her feet and make sound decisions within compressed timelines.
• A dedicated manager who has a strong work ethic; someone who values honesty and integrity. 
• Able to travel throughout the globe up to 50+% of the time.

Education and Professional Qualifications:    

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or any technical or related business discipline is required; a graduate degree is strongly preferred.
• 10+ years’ experience in Quality capacity.
• Product management experience and technical knowledge of battery storage, solar modules, medium voltage stations, and/or related products are required. 
• Experience with utility-scale renewable construction projects is an asset.
• Solid understanding and firsthand experience in Quality Management Systems (such as ISO) and Quality Assurance disciplines (e.g., Statistical Process Control, Six Sigma, 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping). 
• Strong technical aptitude including the ability to read and fully understand technical drawings and engineering schematics.
• Global perspective awareness and direct experience working across diverse cultures in a multinational company would be beneficial. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally with staff, management, volunteers, clients, suppliers, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Effectively practice ethics and integrity, enforce laws, rules, and regulations.
• Desire for innovative thinking, continual learning, and continual improvement.

Compensation & Benefits:   

Canadian Solar offers a competitive salary plus fully comprehensive benefits and a performance bonus package based on an annual objective achievement. Our generous benefits package includes a 401(k) Retirement Plan, medical/dental/life/disability program, vacation, and sick days.     

Canadian Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).  Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.