Procurement Manager

About the Role

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. The Procurement Manager is responsible for driving the purchase process for major equipment (racking, inverters, etc.) from RFP to purchase order/contract execution, identifying new vendors and emerging technologies, maintaining a database of current suppliers, and managing the pre-qualification and monitoring of supplier performance.

This position reports to the Director of Procurement and will maintain a remote schedule, working out of a home office. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time, with up to 15% travel expected.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimize the procurement of materials and/or services.
• Manage relationships with key suppliers in alignment with the company’s overall strategic goals.
• Manage the RFP process, including:
  • Preparing RFPs for qualified suppliers, gathering required documents and data from other functional groups.
  • Determining and maintaining bid schedules in accordance with project schedules.
  • Coordinating responses to RFIs from bidders.
  • Reviewing, comparing, and evaluating supplier proposals with historical and market pricing to identify cost-competitive pricing and cost-saving opportunities.
• Lead commercial negotiations for Equipment Supply Agreements, project-specific orders, change orders, etc., in accordance with company policies and guidelines.
• Manage the change order process for suppliers and other related contract management processes.
• Ensure prime contract flow-downs are incorporated into subcontract documents as needed or applicable to the scope of work/supply.
• 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.
• Support the Project Management Team with urgent procurement needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete purchasing records in accordance with record retention procedures.
• Track and analyze market data and provide 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 at the project size of over $30M in procurement of equipment/material or subcontracting.
• Preferred experience in Solar or Renewable Energy.
• Knowledge in contract management and change order management.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, professional, team environment with minimal supervision.
• Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately in support of project schedules and deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Confidence in communicating and interacting with people at all levels of the organization.
• Experience in conducting supplier reviews and evaluations, and maintaining good business relationships.
• Computer literacy with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.).
• Strong understanding of construction management software systems (Procore, E-Builder, CMiC, etc.).
• SAP Experience preferred.
• Able to identify, investigate, and solve problems in a timely manner.

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position: Frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sits up to 8 hours in a day.
• Move/Traverse: Infrequently bends, stands, stoops, and/or walks.
• Carry Weight: Infrequently carries weight and/or lifts 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.
• Sight: Frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far.
• Climb: Occasionally ascends/descends stairways to access office upper and lower floors.
• Travel: Up to 15% as needed.

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.

Pay

The salary range for this position, if located in Irvine, CA, is influenced by factors including internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and 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, along with medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.