AESC is looking to add a Senior Manager, Direct Procurement to our team in Murfreesboro, TN. 

• Full-Time
• Hybrid 
• Hybrid, 3-4 days on-site in Murfreesboro office

About AESC US LLC 

AESC is an exciting, newly created global organization committed to solving the challenges of a sustainable future and becoming the leading supplier of full-value-chain battery solutions. Our lithium-ion batteries can be found in nearly one million electric vehicles worldwide and have a stellar safety record of zero-critical issues. AESC US is leading the way in battery technology. We design and manufacture EV battery technology for various electric vehicles and equipment. We are working hard towards unlocking the full potential of sustainable energy and climate change mitigation. We will continue to build upon our successes and expand into new markets and industries, producing innovative and competitive products and technologies that advance the goal of a zero-carbon emission future. AESC is headquartered in Japan and has battery manufacturing locations in Japan, UK, China, and the U.S.

AESC Mission

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

About the Role

The Senior Direct Procurement Manager will be the lead Cell and Electrode buyer focusing on efficiently procuring a large portion of the battery cell across multiple battery chemistries. You will be responsible for developing the commodity strategy that strives for competitive costing, adherence to governmental regulations, and incorporating a global supply base. The role would require flexible work hours with our partners and supply base and business travels.

What You Will Do 

• You will be responsible for developing the commodity strategy that strives for competitive costing, adherence to governmental regulations, and incorporating a global supply base.
• Develop cathode, anode, and other cell chemical commodity strategy.
• Develop raw materials expertise in the battery cell chemistry markets (Lithium Ion, NCM, LFP)
• Work with global procurement team to analyze value chain partnership structures and investment opportunities commodities.
• Lead the development and execution of business cases for cathode and anode and focusing on cost/project feasibility/timing/localization/risk.
• Execute MOUs/off takes/sourcing agreements with cathode, anode suppliers to support AESC’s cycle plan and cell plant capacity needs.
• Support recycling and closed loop re-use activities and workstreams.
• Establish baseline measurement of ESG performance for suppliers, driving participation in audits/assessments that evaluate whether sustainability and ESG standards are met and ensure implementation of corrective actions to findings from audits/assessments.
• Provide data transparency from the supply base to support fact-based negotiations to deliver cost targets.
• Institute in-depth understanding of cost drivers, historical prices, and future cost projections.
• Monitor team’s progress towards strategy implementation and supply procurement.
• Design an analytical tool to quantify progress of sourced/secured supply to quantify annual output capabilities vs capacities needed.
• Analyze AESC’s cycle plans and translate changes to address potential capacity issues that could constrain AESC / raw materials team in the future.
• Contribute to risk mitigation plans cross-functionally with raw material suppliers, engineering teams and other battery cell purchasing stakeholders.
• Analyze market trends, industry dynamics, and technology announcements, and translate findings into data collection and actionable insights.
• Lead cross-functional project implementation to enhance AESC’s competitiveness in the EV market with an agile, solutions-based mentality.

What You Need

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business administration, industrial engineering, economics, or related technical field with MBA preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in procurement, logistics/transportation, supply chain, finance, operations, or related fields (battery, automotive, manufacturing industry experience preferred). 
• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and SAP.
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awarenes