Procurement Manager - Battery Energy Storage Systems

Procurement ManagerBased in Durham, N.C., FlexGen is an innovative software and services provider in the global energy storage sector. At the forefront of the energy transition, FlexGen leverages decades of engineering and software expertise to help shape the future of sustainable power both in the United States and globally. FlexGen's HybridOS™ software seamlessly integrates with any hardware vendor and with both traditional and renewable power sources.

Our advanced analytics and AI-driven insights enable energy storage owners to effectively deploy diverse power market strategies and integrate various generation forms, enhancing grid stability and increasing economic returns. With 1.5M hours of runtime and 8 GWh of energy storage systems managed with HybridOS™, FlexGen provides field-tested software and services solutions that are trusted by the most technically and commercially demanding developers, utilities, government agencies, and industrial companies in the world.The Procurement Manager will lead and oversee the procurement activities for major energy storage projects worldwide. You will manage project teams throughout all stages to ensure their supply needs are met promptly and efficiently.

Effective day-to-day communication with internal team members and suppliers is essential to guide the purchasing requests through various phases necessary to deliver successful purchase orders. This role requires the ability to manage several projects in different life cycles simultaneously within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.The Procurement Manager will be responsible for managing and optimizing the procurement of materials, components, and services for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects. This role demands a strategic, results-oriented approach to sourcing and purchasing, combined with deep knowledge of the energy storage sector, its supply chain dynamics, and the technical aspects of BESS components.

The Procurement Manager will play a pivotal role in negotiating favorable terms, driving cost efficiency, quality control, and timely delivery of goods while ensuring alignment with company objectives and compliance with industry regulations.Major Job Responsibilities:Procurement and Strategy Planning:Develop and implement procurement strategies for BESS projects, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, timelines, and budgetsIdentify key suppliers and vendors, fostering long-term relationships while maintaining competitive pricing and reliabilityConduct market research and analysis to identify new sourcing opportunities and mitigate risks in the supply chainMonitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and market conditions affecting pricing, availability, and product specifications in the BESS marketVendor Management & Supplier Relations:Manage the vendor selection process, including conducting supplier audits, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with specifications, quality standards, and delivery schedulesMaintain effective communication with suppliers, addressing any performance issues or supply chain disruptions promptlyBuild and maintain strong partnerships with key suppliers, collaborating on product improvements and cost-reduction initiativesProcurement Operations:Oversee the end-to-end procurement process for critical BESS components, including batteries, inverters, auxiliary equipment, and enclosuresManage the purchase orders, shipping, and receiving processes, ensuring adherence to company policies and proceduresTrack and report on procurement performance metrics, such as cost savings, delivery performance, and supplier qualityContract Negotiation & Cost Management:Lead negotiations for high-value contracts, ensuring optimal terms, pricing, and conditionsDevelop and manage cost models to identify opportunities for cost optimization throughout the procurement lifecycleMonitor supplier performance against contractual obligations, addressing non-compliance or disputes when necessaryDrive value through strategic sourcing initiatives, value engineering, and innovative procurement methods.Cross-Functional Collaboration:Proactively identify and manage risks in the supply chain, including geopolitical, economic, or regulatory risks affecting BESS procurementEnsure compliance with industry standards, legal requirements, and company policies related to procurement, quality control, health and safety, and sustainabilityEnsure the procurement of environmentally sustainable products and services that align with the company's ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goalsContinuous Improvement & Reporting:Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement department, focusing on efficiency, cost reductions, and process automationPrepare regular procurement reports and dashboards for senior management, tracking key performance indicators and procurement metricsMentor and train junior buyers, providing guidance and best practices for sourcing and supplier managementPosition Requirements:Utilize AI-driven tools and workflows to streamline processes, automate tasks, and improve overall performanceBachelor's degree in supply chain management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related fieldMinimum of 5-7 years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, with at least 3 years in the energy storage or renewable energy sectorStrong understanding of the BESS industry, including components, suppliers, and industry standardsProven track record in supplier negotiations, cost management, and strategic sourcing within a complex technical environmentStrong knowledge of procurement processes, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship managementFamiliarity with procurement tools, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and project management softwareTechnical understanding of battery storage systems, electrical components, or energy-related technologies is an advantageExcellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levelsStrong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to managing procurement challengesKnowledge of sustainability practices and regulatory requirements in the energy and storage sectorsTime management and problem-solving skillsVerbal and written communication skillsAbility to perform with a high degree of accuracy in a fast-paced work environmentFlexGen provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, FlexGen complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. 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.FlexGen expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.To the extent permitted by law, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.