Sr. Manager, Indirect Purchasing

About AESC US LLC 

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for zero-emission electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in Japan in 2007 and headquartered in Yokohama, AESC has been building manufacturing capabilities around the world in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan and China to serve key markets and leading customers locally for over 14 years. Today, AESC has become the partner of choice for the world’s leading OEMs and energy storage providers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its advanced technology powers over one million electric vehicles and provides more than 15GWh of installed capacity for battery energy systems in over 60 countries.

AESC is expanding its footprint in the United States with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC's Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational since 2012, produces batteries for Nissan. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply Mercedes-Benz with high-performance battery cell modules. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply technology-leading battery cells for new electric models produced in BMW Group's Spartanburg plant. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making its investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities.

AESC Mission

Our mission is to solve the challenges for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. 

About the Role

The individual will oversee activities relating to AESC indirect procurement process for products and services. In addition, there will be responsibility for cost reduction using innovative sourcing approaches and various supplier development activities. The individual will work cross-functionally with different departments to ensure the best cost value products and services in the market. The role will also partner with global procurement team for various products and services. 

What You Will Do 

• Develop and manage the indirect sourcing process and provide oversight for the supplier life cycle management process.
• Provide support to purchasing leaders by gather market Intelligence, identify major categories, analyze current spend and develop optimal Indirect Strategy Plan 
• Deliver the strategy through supplier relationships & multiple projects (CAPEX, Service, Energy, Maintenance, T&L contracts)
• Actively participate in the strategic and tactical negotiation of major indirect supplier contracts.
• Partner with various departments to select the right suppliers to allow AESC to take advantage of the best cost/value products in the market.
• Investigate new supply markets to assess existing and new supplier capabilities to further strength cost reductions and supply rationalization.
• Perform general management responsibilities such as hiring, performance management, performance reviews, individual development activities, etc.
• Monitor team performance against department standards and ensure that these standards are consistently met or exceeded.

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, procurement, sourcing, or other relevant degrees.
• 10+ years’ experience in purchasing, sourcing, and contract management leadership, including global sourcing and indirect sourcing, on a global basis.
• 5+ years in a leadership capacity.
• Experience and proven track record in project management, collaboration with other departments, and driving supplier performance with new products and services.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and negotiation skills and experience in working in dynamic environment and tight deadlines
• Ability to develop strong relationships with internal and external business stakeholders.
• Able to travel up to 10% domestically.

Nice to Have

• Previous Six Sigma training, Black or Green Belt desired.
• Experience in developing and implementing category strategies.
• Experience in implementing a source-to-pay framework with IT support on a global basis.
• Advanced degree in Business Administration or Purchasing Management.
• Nationally recognized professional certification (Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional Contract Manager).

What We Offer 

Welcome to AESC, supporting our state-of-the-art Gigafactories, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's mo