Purchasing Manager

About the Company

Ultium Cells, LLC is a joint venture lithium-ion automotive battery cell manufacturing plant between LG Energy Solution, Ltd. and General Motors. This $2.3 billion facility features the latest battery cell manufacturing technology and is among the largest battery cell plants globally. Ultium Cells produces battery cells for General Motors’ North American electric vehicle applications, partnering with LG Energy Solution—the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive battery cells—and General Motors, a global leader in sustainable transportation solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute purchasing strategies based on business, market, and technology trends; establish a strong and competitive supply base.
• Purchase productive and/or non-productive materials, supplies, machinery, tooling, and services.
• Actively participate in commodity strategy development, sourcing, negotiations, and budget execution.
• Optimize supply performance using benchmarking, cost and value chain analysis, negotiations, and supply chain analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners to identify creative solutions, including RFQ management, procure-to-pay, order fulfillment, customer satisfaction, and supplier relationship management.
• Drive outcomes aligned with business objectives and develop strong supplier relationships.
• Respond to critical supply chain issues and provide contingency solutions to mitigate risks or disruptions in inbound/outbound logistics.
• Communicate proactively on issues impacting purchasing, logistics, or the supply chain.
• Develop protection of supply and contingency plans.
• Set strategy and lead a team toward common goals that meet company objectives.
• Oversee day-to-day team activities, set goals, and conduct performance reviews.

Requirements

• BA/BS degree; master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

Skills

• Superior analytical and critical thinking skills to identify creative solutions in a fast-paced environment.
• Open-minded self-starter with the ability to adapt, improvise, and problem-solve.
• Experience working independently on multiple tasks with various stakeholders.
• Experience in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Contract drafting, redlining, and cross-functional collaboration with legal teams.
• Highly proficient oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and thrive in a startup-type environment with ambiguity; adept at creating/adjusting processes to match business scale/phase.
• Strong understanding of legal terms, licensing models, and security/confidentiality requirements.
• Balances customer service with integrity in purchasing and supply chain processes.
• Skilled at engaging and presenting to senior executives, tailoring communication to the audience.
• Curiosity about industry trends (including non-automotive) and developing new supplier engagement models aligned with business strategy.
• Ability to develop and apply deep cost knowledge.
• Proficiency in procurement and materials software, MS applications, and deep functional knowledge of SAP.
• Experience managing and negotiating commercial issues with suppliers and assessing customer satisfaction.
• Ability to prioritize assignments and multitask within time constraints.

Benefits

• Market-competitive compensation, including base pay and incentive opportunities tied to company goals.
• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous paid holidays and paid time off to refresh and recharge.
• Tuition assistance for continuing education.
• Vehicle discount program on General Motors branded vehicles.
• Communication stipend for personal cell phone.

Employee may be exposed to or work with hazardous materials and/or hazardous waste. Upon hire, employees receive initial environmental training on RCRA, SWPPP, SPCC, and emergency escalation, with annual refresher training required thereafter.