Subcontract Specialist -Subcontractor Qualification and Relations

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. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance.

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.

The Subcontracts Specialist – Qualification and Relations is responsible for conducting the subcontractor qualification process, building business relationships with prospective and approved QCells Subcontractors, and collaborating with all functions to ensure all scopes of work can be performed. This position reports to the Senior Subcontracts Manager, Subcontracts Director, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is hybrid and may require travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Administer the Subcontractor Qualification process with limited direction, including:
  • Source new subcontractors and initiate the Qualification Process
  • Follow up with non-responsive subcontractors
  • Receive, review, and submit NDAs for countersignature
  • Maintain all qualification documents in accordance with approved filing procedure and naming conventions
  • Review and score Subcontractors in accordance with the Qualification Evaluation process
  • Maintain positive and frequent communication with Subcontractors providing status updates and business opportunities
  • Update and keep current the Subcontractor Resource Base
  • Work with QCells licensing to ensure Subcontractor licensing is accurately captured, reviewed, and documented
  • Perform reviews of Subcontractor redlines to NDAs with support from Subcontracts Manager/Director and QCells legal as needed
  • Monitor and manage existing NDAs to ensure all are valid and reissue if expired
  • Perform Subcontractor management activities to add newly qualified Subcontractors into company ERP system
  • Maintain accurate and complete records in accordance with record retention procedures
  • Timely communication with project teams or other disciplines on a Subcontractor’s qualification progress upon request
  • Expedite priority qualifications as needed
  • Prepare and complete, including routing for signatures, deviation forms as needed
  • Arrange and chair introduction meetings with Subcontractors and project teams as needed
  • Attend and represent SCM Subcontracts at conferences or events with Subcontractors as required
• Work with Construction, Engineering, Safety, Environmental, and others to ensure that adequate subcontractor resources are available to perform all needed scopes.
• Engage with subcontractors on a semi-annual basis.
• Maintain the Subcontracts Zippering Plan/Database.
• Update and maintain the Subcontracts Tiering Database.
• Review and modify the existing process as needed.
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management.

Requirements

• Understanding of different scopes of work required to construct a utility-scale solar project.
• Knowledge of basic financial status of a company and how to read a balance sheet.
• Ability to work on own in a fast-paced, professional, team environment with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Understand schedule deadlines and drive action items toward completion in accordance with required dates/deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Confidence and ability to interact with people at all levels of the organization.
• Understanding of construction management software systems (Procore preferred) and SAP basic knowledge + Microsoft Office suite.
• Able to identify, investigate, and solve problems that might arise with order and in a timely manner.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in Construction Contracts/Subcontracts Management.
• General knowledge of supply chain management and procurement, as well as construction principles and processes.
• SAP Experience preferred.
• SmartSheet navigation.
• Business Development experience.
• Procore 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 30% 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 a hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department.

Schedule

Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 7:00am to 4:00pm, 8:00am to 5:00pm, or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time.

Pay

The salary range for this position in Irvine, CA is compliant with the California Pay Transparency Act. Actual compensation is influenced by internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the 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, in addition to medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.