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 the Project Purchasing Manager, you will serve as the primary liaison between the purchasing department and production teams, coordinating all procurement activities related to specific projects. Your role will involve developing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services to meet project goals.

What You Will Do

Develop and Execute Procurement Strategy: Collaborate with plant director and stakeholders to identify required materials, equipment, and services. Analyze project specifications to determine the most effective procurement approach.
Engage Early in Project Proposals: Participate in project kickoffs and regular meetings to define procurement scopes. Provide timely updates on procurement activities and align purchasing efforts with project timelines and objectives.
Utilize Procurement Resources: Work closely with commodity buyers to analyze scope and identify potential suppliers. Evaluate supplier capabilities, quality, pricing, and participate in negotiations of key terms and conditions.
Coordinate with Project Teams: Collaborate with project engineers, managers, and team members to ensure timely issuance of technical documents according to the execution plan.
Manage Project Purchasing Risks: Identify and monitor procurement and supply chain risks. Ensure that key purchasing activities adhere to contractual obligations, and proactively address any risks that may impact project milestones and costs.
Supplier Performance Management: Monitor supplier delivery status and performance. Conduct periodic evaluations to ensure compliance with project requirements and resolve any issues or disputes that arise during execution.
Identify Cost-Saving Opportunities: Continuously assess purchasing processes for potential cost savings and improvements. Implement strategies to streamline procurement and reduce project expenses.
Manage Supplier Claims: Address and resolve any claims or disputes from suppliers to maintain effective project flow.

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.

Qualifications

What You Need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain management, project management, construction, or a related field.
5-10 years of experience in project procurement or purchasing, preferably in construction or engineering.
Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in procurement software and tools.
Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Team-oriented, results-driven, and adaptable, with the capacity to drive cross-functional collaboration.
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”?

PMP Certification is preferred.

Travel

Occasional domestic travel required.