Description

Title: Director of Strategic Sourcing Department: Tracker Operation Location: Cleveland, OH Supervisor: Senior Director of SCM FLSA Status: Exempt Position Status: Permanent; Full-Time Work Status: Hybrid

DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC SOURCING

This is your chance to join the rapidly growing commercial solar energy business. FLEXRACK by Qcells is an integrated solar company that offers custom-designed, fixed tilt ground mount and single-axis solar tracking systems in the commercial and utility-scale solar mounting industries. FLEXRACK by Qcells also offers full services, including engineering, geotechnical, pullout testing, field, and layout design services to address the actual site conditions of a project site. FLEXRACK by Qcells has completed over 3.5 GW of solar racking installations in over 40 U.S. states, 9 Canadian provinces and across the globe.

SUMMARY

The Director of Strategic Sourcing leads the development and execution of FLEXRACK’s strategic procurement processes to optimize the acquisition of goods and services. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, conducting market research, and aligning sourcing strategies with organizational goals to ensure cost efficiency, quality, and supply chain reliability. The Director collaborates with cross-functional teams and provides leadership to staff of Category Managers and other procurement professionals to drive operational excellence and competitive advantage. The role requires a strategic mindset, balancing cost, quality, and risk while fostering innovation in procurement processes. This position reports to the Senior Director of SCM, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is Hybrid based out of Cleveland, OH and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is open to considering remote candidates, but preference will be given to candidates local to Cleveland, OH or willing to relocate to Cleveland, OH. This position is expected to travel up to 40%.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive sourcing strategies that align with FLEXRACK’s organizational objectives, focusing on cost reduction, quality improvement, and risk mitigation.

Supplier Management: Identify, evaluate, and foster relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliable, high-quality, and sustainable procurement processes. Negotiate and execute Master Supply Agreements to secure favorable pricing, payment terms, performance expectations, and shared risks.

Market Analysis: Conduct market research and benchmarking to anticipate price fluctuations, identify sourcing opportunities, and stay informed about industry trends.

Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor a team of sourcing and procurement professionals, setting objectives, monitoring performance, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Process Optimization: Maximize effectiveness of ERP systems and other technology tools (e.g., e-Sourcing platforms, e-Auctions) to streamline procurement processes, enhance efficiencies, and control costs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with departments such as finance, operations, and legal to align sourcing initiatives with business needs and ensure compliance with regulations.

Risk Management: Develop supplier business continuity plans and implement strategies to mitigate potential supply chain disruptions and financial risks.

Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost savings, supplier performance, and procurement efficiency to drive continuous improvement.

Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position. Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field. An MBA or advanced degree is preferred.

Experience: Requires 7-10 years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain management within the solar/renewable energy sector. Prefer at least 3 years in a managerial role.

Skills: Strong negotiation and contract management skills. Develop and publish supplier performance metrics. Analytical and problem-solving abilities to interpret complex data and market trends. Strong interpersonal communications skills.  Polished and professional presentation skills; represent FLEXRACK in front of suppliers, customers, and FLEXRACK leadership. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications. Leadership and team management expertise to inspire, guide, and improve the team’s performance. Proficiency in procurement software, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office. Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with stakeholders and suppliers. Knowledge of strategic sourcing best practices and industry regulations.

Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or APICS certifications are highly desirable.

EXAMPLES OF 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 40% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

·          Regular professional, office business setting ·          Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting) ·          Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite) ·          Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department

FLEXRACK by 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.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by FLEXRACK by Qcells are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, FLEXRACK by 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 hr-usa@qcells.com .

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