Director of Procurement (HV)

Title: Director of Procurement (HV)
Department: SCM
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: Sr. Director of Procurement
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Hybrid

 Director of Procurement (HV)

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (“HQC US”) develops, invests, and delivers solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects through Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) services in North America.

The company brings a decade of global leadership in solar PV to deliver utility-scale power generation plants customized for local and regional energy markets. HQC US offers the full spectrum of PV solutions – from the core technology of cells and modules to large-scale project development and investment. With proven capabilities across the solar and battery storage value chain, HQC US minimizes uncertainty and risk, and helps customers achieve a higher return on their investment in renewable energy.

SUMMARY

The Director of Procurement is a key member of the SCM leadership team responsible for helping define and execute overall procurement strategy for the high voltage category. This role will lead the purchasing process for high voltage equipment (main power transformer, high voltage circuit breakers, etc.) and substation, overhead transmission and other high voltage subcontracting from RFP to contract execution. This includes, but is not limited to, identifying new vendors, evaluating emerging technologies, negotiating key material and construction service contracts and other supply chain functions as required. This individual will be responsible for managing key vendor relationships that support the overall strategic objectives of the organization and ensure reliable support and supply of materials to projects. May be assigned other tasks as needed.

This position reports to the Sr. Director of Procurement, or another senior management personnel that the President of the Company may designate. This position can be remote with a preference for candidates on PST or MST time zones or based in the Irvine, CA office.  PST working hours required. This position may be required to travel up to 30% of the time. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• In coordination with senior leadership, establish and execute strategic plan for competitive material purchasing and subcontracting scopes.
• Establish and oversee team’s execution plans to support the project schedule(s).
• 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.
• In coordination with Project Management team, negotiate project specific construction agreements for substations and high voltage scopes.
• Lead commercial negotiations for Equipment Supply Agreements and project specific orders, with high voltage equipment 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.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Minimum 10 years of experience in construction and/or project-based procurement
• Minimum 7 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.)

SALARY RANGE FOR POSITION

The anticipated starting pay range of this position, which is to be located in Irvine, CA is $185,000 - $210,000 base salary per year.

The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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 30% as needed

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting with travel to construction worksites and supplier manufacturing facilities
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

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.

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 [email protected].

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