Inventory Clerk Lead - Level 4

Summary:

Join us at Panasonic Energy as we expand to De Soto, Kansas, where we’re building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factory. This is an exciting opportunity to grow your career while contributing to the future of electric vehicles. As part of our team, you’ll help push the limits of battery technology, enhancing performance and efficiency in sustainable transportation.

Our state-of-the-art facility, just outside the Kansas City Metro, will be a hub for innovation in green energy solutions. If you're passionate about sustainability and eager to contribute to the electric vehicle revolution, we invite you to be part of our dynamic team. Join us and make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation.

Job Summary:

The Inventory Clerk Lead – Level 4 serves as the lead for daily inventory operations, coordinating execution to ensure accurate material control, system integrity, and uninterrupted support to production in a high-volume manufacturing environment. This role provides task-level direction, technical guidance, and on-shift coordination for Inventory Clerks Levels I–III, without formal people management authority. The Lead is accountable for inventory accuracy, physical counts, discrepancy resolution, and adherence to safety, quality, and Panasonic Production System (PPS) standards, while escalating personnel-related matters to supervisory leadership as appropriate. This role promotes a safety-focused, high-performance work environment and drives continuous improvement aligned with Panasonic’s seven core principles.

Essential Duties:

Functional Operations:

• Provide day-to-day operational coordination and task-level direction for inventory activities
• Oversee and audit inventory transactions related to receipts, transfers, production usage, adjustments, lot codes, and part traceability within SAP and MES systems
• Ensure proper execution of SAP Receiving (GR), MES material transfers, refurbished part tracking, and shipping transactions to maintain end-to-end traceability
• Establish and maintain inventory control practices that achieve and sustain a 99% cycle count accuracy standard
• Review, analyze, and validate inventory, cycle count, and performance reports prior to escalation or submission; identify trends, risks, and systemic gaps requiring corrective action
• Ensure all materials, storage locations, and refurbished parts are accurately labeled using approved durable label makers (Brady or equivalent) and Panasonic printers
• Direct refurbished parts shipping activities and ensure all documentation, handling, and traceability requirements are met
• Ensure materials are stored, issued, and replenished in accordance with FIFO principles and audit-ready traceability standards
• Oversee indirect receiving operations, internal deliveries, and production/MRO replenishment to support uninterrupted manufacturing operations
• Lead layout, racking, bin, and cabinet improvements to optimize material flow, ergonomics, and storage efficiency
• Ensure coverage for all scheduled shift hours and coordinate overtime and weekend support as required to meet operational needs

Performance Optimization & Continuous Improvement:

• Lead cycle count programs, discrepancy investigations, and root cause analysis efforts, driving corrective and preventive actions
• Own execution and results of monthly and year-end physical inventory counts, ensuring accurate reconciliation and documentation
• Establish accountability for inventory accuracy, scrap control, refurbishment, and recovery processes
• Lead implementation and sustainment of Total Supply Warehouse (TSW) and High-Performance Logistics (HPL) initiatives in alignment with Panasonic global standards
• Identify, prioritize, and drive continuous improvement initiatives related to inventory accuracy, material flow, system performance, and standard work
• Monitor performance metrics and implement countermeasures to address recurring issues or gaps

Training & Team Support:

• Provide task-level guidance, coaching, and real-time work feedback to Inventory Clerks Levels 1-3, escalating formal performance concerns to supervisory leadership
• Ensure consistent training, qualification, and adherence to standard work across the inventory team
• Maintain and govern the New Clerk Training Tracker, ensuring onboarding, certification, and progression milestones are met
• Coordinate daily work assignments, balance workload, and adjust priorities within established schedules and staffing plans
• Serve as the primary escalation point during the shift, making informed, business-minded decisions within established policies and escalation guidelines
• Model and reinforce expectations for accuracy, safety, accountability, teamwork, and professionalism

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Communication:

• Act as the primary inventory point of contact for production, logistics, engineering, quality, and maintenance teams
• Communicate inventory risks, constraints, and performance trends clearly to leadership and stakeholders
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving efforts related to material flow disruptions, system issues, or inventory discrepancies
• Support system integration, process alignment, and operational readiness initiatives

Quality, Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure strict adherence to Panasonic 6S Minimum Standards, maintaining audit readiness and workplace organization
• Coordinate and verify dangerous goods handling and shipment processes in accordance with regulatory, customer, and company requirements
• Ensure safe operation of material handling equipment and maintenance of all required certifications
• Enforce compliance with Defensive Driving, internal transport, and site driving requirements
• Ensure adherence to all safety, ergonomics, PPE, respiratory, hazard communication, spill containment, and emergency response procedures
• Lead response to quality, safety, or compliance issues and ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Lead role with no authority to hire, transfer, suspend, lay off, recall, promote, discharge, reward, or discipline other employees

Travel Requirement:

• None

Education, Certifications, and Licenses:

Required:

• High school diploma, GED, or 2 years of prior experience in functional area
• Defensive Driving Certification
• Equipment Operation Certification (MORTREC, Walkie-Rider, Sit-Down Forklift)

Preferred:

• Associate’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field
• OSHA Safety Training or equivalent
• APICS / ASCM Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Essential Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience in inventory management, logistics, warehouse, or manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated leadership experience in inventory or materials operations
• Advanced working knowledge of ERP and manufacturing systems, including SAP and MES
• Proven experience with durable labeling systems (Brady or equivalent)
• Strong understanding of Panasonic Production System (PPS), TSW, HPL, and 6S methodologies
• Ability to lead teams, assign work, and hold others accountable for performance and accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for reporting, analysis, and communication
• Strong decision-making, prioritization, and problem-solving skills
• Working knowledge of dangerous goods handling, shipping, and documentation requirements
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement
• Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking English
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Preferred Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience in high-volume manufacturing, warehouse, or inventory environments
• Experience supporting lithium-ion battery manufacturing or other regulated industries
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and resolve complex operational issues
• Demonstrated success developing and mentoring inventory team members
• Bilingual (Japanese) preferred

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure health and safety in the workplace and for employee protection, wearing PPE is required and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator. A respirator fit test will be required based on functional area.

Physical Demands:

Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 20%
• Walk: 40%
• Stand: 40%

Required Lifting and Carrying:Rare (<1%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%), Continuous (67-100%)

For this position, the required frequency is:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Continuous
• Up to 20 lbs.: Continuous
• Up to 35 lbs.: Continuous
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Frequent

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job. In addition, employees are expected to participate in cross-training and may be assigned responsibilities in other areas as business needs evolve.

Who We Are:

Meet Panasonic Energy! At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us.

This is an exciting time to join us as we expand our operations to De Soto, Kansas and build the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory. We will provide you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one.

As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs.

Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions.

We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact.

In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.

We Take Opportunity Seriously:

At Panasonic Energy, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer.

We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application!

Where You'll Be:

For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We understand the significance of moments that matter in your onsite experience, and we prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere. Join us at Panasonic Energy, where your onsite presence is valued, and we strive to make each moment count on your professional journey.

Benefits & Perks - What's In It For You:

Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health:

• Highly inclusive and class-leading healthcare options to include family planning, mental health, and pet insurance
• Employee assistance programs that support total well-being with complimentary session offered each and every month
• Company-matched and fully vested 401K retirement program that starts immediately from date of enrollment
• Annual bonus program, High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition
• Simplified access to self-guided and representative-supported short and long-term financial wellness and retirement planning
• Educational Assistance & Reimbursement Program
• Inclusion programs and associated employee resource groups that promote representation and belonging
• Leadership, career, and mentorship development programs opportunities at all levels across the organization
• Collaborative and motivating culture that is rooted in continuous personal and professional growth and much more.

Supplemental Information:

Pre-employment drug testing is required.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.