Sr. Global Supply Manager, Battery and Raw Materials (Starlink)

Responsibilities

• Develop deep expertise in battery cell chemistries, materials (anodes, cathodes, electrolytes, separators, current collectors), and manufacturing processes to qualify suppliers and resolve technical supply issues
• Manage sourcing and risk for critical battery raw materials and compounds (lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, silicon, manganese, lithium salts, electrolytes, etc.), including price volatility, geopolitical constraints, and ethical/sustainability requirements
• Evaluate and qualify battery cell manufacturers and material suppliers on technical capabilities such as cell performance (energy density, cycle life, safety), production yield, quality systems, and scalability
• Drive supply chain strategies for battery-specific challenges including long-lead custom cells, cell-to-pack integration components, and emerging technologies
• Place purchase orders and resolve blocked invoices
• Forecast demand, evaluate capacity, and manage supply signals to adjust incoming material
• Track high-risk components and ongoing supplier delivery performance
• Communicate clearly and rapidly to influence decisions of vendors and senior leadership
• Interpret engineering drawings and BOMs
• Solve complex, open-ended problems with an emphasis on speed and efficiency
• Perform onsite reviews of vendor capabilities
• Author contract documents with the legal department and ensure that vendors comply with all agreements
• Negotiate with suppliers to maximize value and cost savings while lowering risk

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree and 9+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or bachelor’s degree and 11+ years of experience working in one or more of the following; or 15+ years of experience working in one or more of the following:
• Engineering
• Purchasing
• Contract negotiation
• Material or production planning
• Operations or supply chain management
• Material cost control
• Master production scheduling
• Capital equipment sourcing

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience with MRP or enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, as well as, managing bill of materials, work orders, and purchase orders
• Experience with forecasting, demand planning, and lead time analysis
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated and able to respond quickly to a fast-moving and ever-changing environments
• Capability to prioritize multiple on-going projects
• Strong track record for achieving results; must be able to reference wins and quantify impact
• Strong skills in data analysis using Excel, SQL, and PowerBI
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes and machines including mills, lathes, waterjet, laser cutters, sheet metal fabrication, etc.
• Familiar with common material finishes and coatings, including paint, powder coat, anodize, heat treatment, etc.
• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) certification, Six Sigma certification, or similar certifications
• Effective written and verbal communications skills, with strong ability to communicate to all levels of internal personnel
• Demonstrated ability to work in ambiguous situations and across organizational boundaries
• History of self-learning & application of newly learned tools & techniques
• Ability to learn quickly and prioritize appropriately to meet customer and company needs

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when needed to meet critical deadlines
• Ability to travel and communicate outside of work hours
• Ability to travel: up to 20-50% of work week
• Must be able to work onsite in Redmond, WA. Remote work not considered.