Procurement Manager

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Houston, TX, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle, reducing uncertainty and risk while enhancing investment returns and contributing to a sustainable future.

This position reports to the Houston, TX office but maintains a remote work schedule from a home office. Working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time, with up to 15% travel expected. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States.

About the Role

The Procurement Manager drives the purchase process for major equipment (racking, inverters, etc.) from RFP to purchase order/contract execution, identifies new vendors and emerging technologies, maintains a supplier database, and manages pre-qualification and supplier performance. This role ensures reliable supply chain support for projects and aligns supplier relationships with the company’s strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimize procurement of materials and/or services.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers in alignment with company strategic goals.
• Oversee the RFP process, including:
  • Preparing RFPs for qualified suppliers in coordination with other functional groups.
  • Determining and maintaining bid schedules in accordance with project timelines.
  • Coordinating responses to RFIs from bidders.
  • Reviewing, comparing, and evaluating supplier proposals against historical and market pricing to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead commercial negotiations for Equipment Supply Agreements, project-specific orders, change orders, etc., in accordance with company policies.
• Manage the change order process and related contract management tasks.
• Ensure prime contract flow-downs are incorporated into subcontract documents as applicable.
• Monitor supplier compliance with contract terms and project requirements.
• Support the Project Management Team with contract information and input to resolve supplier issues, such as under-performance or scope gaps.
• Evaluate vendor performance and develop improvement processes based on lessons learned.
• Assist the Project Management Team with urgent procurement needs.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records per record retention procedures.
• Track and analyze market data, providing updates to leadership teams.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard new vendors.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Contract Management and/or Procurement.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in solar and/or construction field projects with procurement of equipment/material or subcontracting for projects over $30M.
• Preferred experience in Solar or Renewable Energy.
• Knowledge of contract management and change order processes.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, professional, team-oriented environment with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact with all levels of the organization.
• Experience conducting supplier reviews, evaluations, and maintaining business relationships.
• Advanced computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Strong understanding of construction management software systems (Procore, E-Builder, CMiC, etc.).
• SAP experience preferred.
• Ability to identify, investigate, and solve problems in a timely manner.

Physical Demands

• Frequently remains stationary (up to 90% of the time) and sits for up to 8 hours a day.
• Infrequently bends, stands, stoops, and walks.
• Infrequently carries weight or lifts objects up to 10 pounds.
• Frequently communicates, requiring the ability to hear and speak regularly with employees and personnel.
• Frequent use of sight to detect images on computers, documents, and objects near and far.
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairs to access office floors.
• Travel up to 15% as needed.

Work Environment

• Regular professional office setting with low to moderate noise levels.
• Moderate to high noise levels if on a construction worksite.
• Role may transition to onsite or hybrid under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, as determined by business needs.

Pay

The salary range for this position, as required by the California Pay Transparency Act, may differ depending on location. The range provided pertains to candidates working in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by factors such as internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses, certifications, geographic location, essential job duties, and experience relative to the role’s minimum qualifications. A discretionary bonus structure or incentives may also be offered as part of the compensation package, along with medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position.