AESC is looking to add a Senior Direct Buyer - Direct to our team in Murfreesboro, TN.

• Full-Time
• Hybrid

About AESC US LLC 

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for zero-emission electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in Japan in 2007 and headquartered in Yokohama, AESC has been building manufacturing capabilities around the world in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan and China to serve key markets and leading customers locally for over 14 years. Today, AESC has become the partner of choice for the world’s leading OEMs and energy storage providers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its advanced technology powers over one million electric vehicles and provides more than 15GWh of installed capacity for battery energy systems in over 60 countries. 

AESC is expanding its footprint in the United States with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC's Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational since 2012, produces batteries for Nissan. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply Mercedes-Benz with high-performance battery cell modules. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply technology-leading battery cells for new electric models produced in BMW Group's Spartanburg plant. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making its investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities. 

About the Role

As a Senior direct buyer at AESC, you will play a key role in supporting the localization of direct materials and components required for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. You will be responsible for sourcing and purchasing materials that meet cost, quality, and delivery targets, collaborating with the AESC Purchasing team to develop strategies and build strong supplier relationships. This role requires technical expertise in direct material sourcing, an understanding of market trends, and strong negotiation skills to ensure optimal procurement performance for AESC's gigafactories.

What You Will Do 

• Gather market intelligence to analyze current spend, identify major categories, and develop an optimal Direct Strategy Plan for key commodities such as cathode, anode, separator, foils, and electrolyte within the NA region.
• Lead the sourcing and purchasing of materials in alignment with cost, quality, and delivery targets.
• Collaborate with the Global Purchasing team to identify global and local sourcing strategies, developing strong supplier relationships and ensuring supply chain alignment.
• Lead strategic procurement activities, including RFI/RFQ tenders, negotiations, and supplier selection for both existing and new direct suppliers.
• Support the Purchasing Manager in commercial contracting activities, focusing on localization with suppliers from the UK and EU.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and assess opportunities to improve cost, efficiency, and supply chain reliability.
• Research and evaluate opportunities for cost reduction and continuous improvement in the supply chain, driving operational efficiency.
• Support supply chain logistics to ensure that AESC’s production is not impacted by delays or disruptions, maximizing supply logistics improvements.
• Provide support to the Purchasing Manager in CAPEX and construction tenders, when required.

What We Offer 

Welcome to AESC, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission. 

We offer: 

• Comprehensive compensation packages including a competitive salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match 
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement

Application Process 

Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application allows us to learn more about you and find potential fits within our team. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, though times may vary with submission volume. If you don't receive an immediate response, it doesn't reflect on your candidacy; we'll keep your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we improve our application process.

Equal Employment Opportunity 

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future. 

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.

Work Environment

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.

What You Need

• 3+ years of proven purchasing experience, preferably within a lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment or a related high-tech industry.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to take responsibility for procurement activities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills to build relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate trends, deliver proactive solutions, and drive improvements in purchasing processes.
• A commercially and operationally astute professional who is financially aware and can manage complex supplier contracts.
• A strong understanding of purchasing best practices within the supply chain, with a proven track record of meeting targets in competitive industries.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, work under tight deadlines, and manage complex negotiations.
• Industrial awareness, with the ability to investigate new supply markets and assess supplier capabilities to support cost reduction and supply rationalization initiatives.
• Full driving license.
• This role may require occasional travel to supplier locations and AESC's gigafactory sites to manage procurement activities and supplier relationships.
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

What is “Nice to Have”?

• Strong consideration for candidates with degrees in Procurement, Operations Management, or Logistics.
• MBA is desirable but not required, with a focus on procurement, supply chain, or operations.