Senior Supplier Management Specialist (Chemical)

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company. 

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive.  You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

This position reports directly to the Senior Manager,  Battery Components and Supplier Management and is responsible for independently coordinating the supplier management process. This involves working closely and pro-actively with internal and external clients, global procurement teams, and various business units such as R&D and quality assurance to ensure timely and efficient start-up of purchased parts, aligning with deadlines and capacity requirements. Additionally, the role includes on-site support and management of plant and tool production at supplier locations, as well as overseeing toolmaking and factory preparation for both greenfield and brownfield projects, both domestically in Canada and internationally. The role plays a major key-factor to make sure that component suppliers deliver parts on time and with right capacity on project milestones, and to avoid delays.

This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site at our St. Thomas location.

•    Lead and influence component design during the concept phase to ensure alignment with project requirements and procurement interests.
•     Ensure supplier industrialization plans are realistic and aligned with PowerCo milestones to avoid delays that could jeopardize SOP and customer delivery.
•    Drive the review and validation of QTR (Quality Technical and Requirements) documents to ensure accuracy and feasibility. 
•    Conduct early-phase technical evaluations of supplier capabilities during tenders, analyzing manufacturing processes, industrialization concepts, and installed capacities to guide supplier selection and ensure technical readiness — recognizing that poor evaluations can critically impact project timelines.
•    Manage the assessment of schedule feasibility and actively participate in commitment meetings to ensure project timelines are realistic  and aligns with aligns with production and SOP milestones.
•     Oversee the tracking and verification of component development, including on-site reviews of eco-inserts and the management of documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy. 
•    Independently track and manage key components relevant to purchased parts management, ensuring timely delivery of initial samples.
•    Manage up to 5 suppliers simultaneously, ensuring each supplier meets key delivery and readiness milestones.
•    Monitor and control the timely completion of tools, products, and factory capacities (PCA1/PCA2) by requesting and tracking necessary documents and providing intensive on-site support at supplier locations.
•    Act as a technical specialist for on-site support at suppliers of battery cell components, resolving technical issues and maintaining alignment with development timelines.
•    Maintain clear and regular communication with Procurement, operations, and other departments, providing updates on project status, risks, and mitigation measures.
•    Manage operational activities with suppliers, sub-suppliers, and set suppliers at the production site, ensuring adherence to quality and performance standards to support a stable production launch
•    Provide continuous updates to Procurement and relevant departments on activities, measures, and results, ensuring clear and timely communication.
•    Lead the coordination and tracking of sampling processes for critical parts, ensuring all deadlines are met for pre-series and SOP phases.
•    Influence and advise internal and external stakeholders — including senior leaders and suppliers — to drive alignment on procurement activities and ensure smooth transitions into series production.
•    Ensures end-to-end readiness with a clear link to successful product launches and market delivery
•    Oversee and support special measures such as cost investigations, tool