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General information

Job Title
EU Direct Commodity Buyer
Ref #
20001394
Employment Type
Permanent
Department
Purchasing
Position level
Specialist
Date
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
AESC Office Location
Douai, Hauts-de-France, France

Description & Requirements

Job Description

We are looking for a passionate purchasing talent to join us in our mission to contribute to a more sustainable world. By joining us, you will be a key player in establishing and contributing to the European battery Ecosystem.

The work environment is fast-paced and very international. We are looking for individuals who can see the big picture but also dive into details and get things done. 

In this role, you will be working with different direct commodities but mainly focused on the production equipment.

The candidate can be based at any of our legal entities in Europe: France(Douai) or the UK (Sunderland) but it is preferable in the UK - Sunderland


Department: AESC Direct Purchasing Europe

Location: Europe (EU/UK) 

Job Position: EU Direct Commodity Buyer

Contract Type: Permanent & Full-time


Outline and Responsibilities: 

  • EU Commodity Buyer responsibilities will consist of managing direct material commodities within Electrode, Cell, Module and Pack categories covering all European sites e.g. UK, France, Spain, etc.
  • Gain market intelligence and become an expert in your chosen commodity, working with global purchase and design teams to develop an optimal Direct Strategy Plan for the EU/UK.
  • Have a technical understanding of the supply roadmap identifying key commodities and suppliers within the UK/EU region [(e.g. cell ASSY lines, vendor tooling, etc.)] considering key supply risk factors (e.g. REACH, capacity, RVC, etc.).
  • Build and maintain strong connections with Global Purchasing to identify strategies and to develop suppliers both globally and locally in EU/UK.
  • Lead strategic tenders (RFI-RFQ), develop strong negotiation plans, identify suppliers, and finalize contracting (Nomination – MPA).  
  • Influence both internal functions, and external suppliers to drive YoY cost reductions, and act strategically to secure future cost optimization. 
  • Support EU Direct Senior Purchasing Manager on commercial contracting specifically focused on localisation with EU/UK suppliers for new and existing sourcing projects.  
  • Research and evaluate areas of opportunity and reduce costs where possible within the end-end supply chain for current BOM and new BOM activities.
  • Develop ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, aid business performance, and work towards a strategy of continuous improvement.
  • Assess and evaluate suppliers to undertake performance reviews driving improvement activities.
  • Support project purchasing and supply chain teams across the EU/UK to ensure AESC maximises supply logistics improvements and avoid production delays.

 

Background and Experience Required:

  • Proven purchasing experience within a lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment is desirable.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a vision for success, the ability to take responsibility, and develop strong/efficient negotiation plans.
  • Excellent communication skills (English) are essential to this role to build relationships with global functions (purchase, design, SQD) and suppliers in Asia.
  • Effective analytical skills to evaluate commodity market trends and report to EU/UK leadership.
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines and have a good sense of priorities.
  • Strong industrial awareness by investigating new supply markets to assess existing and new supplier capabilities to further strengthen cost reductions and supply rationalization.
  • Have an inquisitive and open attitude to exploring new ideas and a willingness for continuous improvement.
  • Language fluent in English is essential (C1 level).

 

Additional:

  • Degree University qualification is essential.
  • Membership in the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS or CIPS) is essential or working towards as minimum level 3 (or equivalent certification).
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Power BI, SAP.
  • Travel will be required within the EU and Asia. 
  • Full driving licence.

 

#LI-SD1

Requirements / Required skills
  • Ariba
  • Contract Negotiation
  • Cost Reduction
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Negotiation
  • Procurement
  • Procurement Contracts
  • Purchasing Negotiation
  • Request For Information
  • Supplier Negotiation
Qualifications
  • Degree University qualification is essential. 
  • Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is desirable.
  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Power BI, SAP
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a vision for success, the ability to take responsibility, and develop strong/efficient negotiation plans.
  • Excellent communication skills (English) are essential to this role to build relationships with global functions (purchase, design, SQD) and suppliers in Asia.        
  • Effective analytical skills to evaluate commodity market trends and report to EU/UK leadership
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines and have a good sense of priorities
  • strong industrial awareness by investigating new supply markets to assess existing and new supplier capabilities to further strengthen cost reductions and supply rationalization.