Senior Director of Procurement

Description

Title:Senior Director of Procurement
Department: SCM
Location: Houston, TX
Supervisor: Head of SCM
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status:Permanent, Full-time

Work Status:Hybrid

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Senior DirectorofProcurement will serveas a criticalleaderwithin Supply Chain Management (SCM), responsiblefordeveloping and executing a comprehensiveprocurementstrategyformaterials, high-voltage (HV) equipment, BESS, and subcontractingservicesacross Qcells USA's utility-scale solar and batterystorageprojects. This executive will oversee a team ofprocurementprofessionals and drive commercial excellence, costefficiency, and supplier innovation in alignmentwithcorporategoals.This positionreportstothe Head of SCM, oranothersenior management personnelthatthe CEO ofthe Company maydesignate.  This positionreportstothe Irvine, CA office but will maintain a hybrid scheduleofworking out oftheirhome office and the Houston, TX office. Working hoursare Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm PST. This positionmay berequired totravelupto 25% ofthe time. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Strategic Procurement Leadership
  • Define and implement long-term procurement strategies that align with company growth, cost targets, and operational excellence for materials, HV equipment, BESS and subcontracted scopes.
  • Serve as the one of the senior authorities on procurement execution and optimization across the project portfolio, partnering with executive stakeholders to align procurement with business objectives.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimize the procurement of materials and/or services.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors in alignment with Companies overall strategic goals.
• Oversee execution of the RFP process which include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Prepare RFPs to qualified suppliers and/or subcontractors including working with other functional groups to gather all required documents and data;
  • Determine and maintain bid schedules in accordance with project schedules;
  • Coordinate responses to RFIs from bidders;
  • Review, compare and evaluate suppliers and/or subcontractors’ proposals with historical and market pricing to determine cost-competitive pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings;
  • Manage project award/selection process in compliance with best procurement practices and Company policy.
• Negotiate commercial terms in accordance with Company policies and guidelines.
• Develop and negotiate strategic agreements with suppliers and/or subcontractors as needed to address ongoing market conditions and changes.
• Lead commercial negotiations for Equipment Supply Agreements and project specific orderswith suppliers in accordance with company policies and guidelines;
• In coordination with Legal, ensure prime contract flow downs are incorporated into subcontract documents as needed or applicable to scope of work/supply;
• Monitor suppliers and/or subcontractor compliance to contract terms and project requirements;
• Support Project Management Team as needed with contract information and input to resolve suppliers and/or subcontractor issues, such as under-performance or scope gaps;
• Evaluate suppliers and/or subcontractor performance and develop improvement processes based on lessons learned;
• Develop and maintain processes for storage of accurate and complete purchasing records in accordance with record retention procedures;
• Track and analyze market data and provide updates to leadership teams;
• Identify, qualify & onboard new suppliers and/or subcontractors; and
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management.
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Minimum 12 years of experience in construction and/or project-based procurement
• Minimum 8 years of experience in solar and/or renewables construction with at least $25M in procurement of equipment/material or subcontracting value per project
• Skilled contract negotiator with knowledge in procurement best practices, construction contract management and the renewable industry.
• Ability to lead a team in a fast paced and dynamic environment.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast pace, professional, team environment with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately and in support of project schedules and other deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Confident communicator with the ability to interact with people at all levels of the organization
• Able to identify, investigate and solve problems that arise in timely manner
• Experience in conducting supplier reviews and evaluation, and maintaining strong business relationships
• Computer literacy with an advanced knowledge in Microsoft office including, but not limited to, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
• Strong understanding of construction management software systems (Procore, etc.)

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 25% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)
• Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at

hr-usa@qcells.com

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.