Senior Procurement Specialist

About the role

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, 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. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future. Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance.

With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere. As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

Responsibilities

• Conduct the purchase process for major equipment (racking, inverters, etc.) from RFP to purchase order/contract execution.
• Identify new vendors and emerging technologies; maintain a database of current suppliers.
• Support the pre-qualification process and monitor supplier performance.
• Work closely with key suppliers that support the overall strategic objectives of the organization and ensure reliable support and supply of materials to projects.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimize the procurement of materials and/or services.
• Manage key procurement processes in alignment with company’s overall strategic goals.
• Administer the RFP process, including:
  • Prepare RFPs to qualified suppliers 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 supplier proposals with historical and market pricing to determine cost-competitive pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings.
• Support commercial negotiations for Equipment Supply Agreements, project-specific orders, change orders, etc., with key suppliers in accordance with company policies and guidelines.
• Administer 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 scope of work/supply.
• Monitor supplier compliance to contract terms and project requirements.
• Support Project Management Team as needed 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 Project Management Team as needed with urgent procurement needs.
• Maintain accurate and complete purchasing records in accordance with record retention procedures.
• Support qualification and onboard new vendors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• Minimum 4–6 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.
• Change order management experience.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, 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.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; confidence communicator and ability to interact with people at all levels of the organization.
• Experience in conducting supplier reviews and evaluation, and maintaining good business relationships.
• Computer literacy with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
• Strong understanding of construction management software systems (Procore, E-Builder, CMiC, etc.).
• SAP experience preferred.

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 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 and the Head of Department.