Buyer, Indirect Procurement

PowerCo; St. Thomas; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PowerCo is seeking a Procurement Specialist, Indirect, to support the ramp-up of its operations in St. Thomas, Ontario. This role involves purchasing, supplier onboarding, and contract management in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience in purchasing, along with strong negotiation skills. Join a diverse team committed to shaping the future of sustainable energy and enjoy competitive remuneration and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Paid vacation

Development opportunities

Relocation support

Participation in community events

Health, dental, vision benefits

Pension contributions and retirement savings matching

Flexible hybrid work structure

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in Purchasing and Contract Management.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Experience with vendor communication and cross-functional teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Purchasing general goods and services for the establishment of the company.
• Supplier onboarding activities in relevant purchasing systems.
• Independent sourcing, negotiation, and completion of orders and contracts.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Vendor communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Cost savings identification

Process improvements

Ability to work under stress

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance

Tools

SAP procurement systems

Job description

Our Story and Why We're Growing

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive. You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

About The Role

For the initial ramp-up phase of our North American operations, we are looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Procurement Specialist, Indirect, who thrives in fast-paced and changing environments. As part of the ramp-up team, you will be temporarily reporting to the Senior Manager, Procurement, and work closely with the local Head of Procurement, PowerCo SE team members at Headquarters in Germany, and colleagues from Volkswagen Group Canada in Ajax to help establish the Procurement division of the new company.

This exciting opportunity is based in St. Thomas, Ontario, and is hybrid, requiring 2 days in the office during initial ramp-up, with in-person attendance required once the site is fully operational.

Key Responsibilities

1. Purchasing general goods and services for the initial establishment of the company
2. Supplier onboarding activities in relevant purchasing systems
3. (Frame) contract migration in relevant purchasing systems
4. Independent sourcing, negotiation, and completion of single orders and frame contracts
5. Presenting purchasing strategies and results to PowerCo SE (Germany) and global Volkswagen sourcing committees
6. Acting as a liaison between VW Group Canada, PowerCo SE, and the Canadian battery entity, learning existing purchasing programs and processes to serve as a subject matter expert
7. Coaching and mentoring new hires during the ramp-up phase
8. Administering and optimizing contracts and amendments with stakeholders
9. Establishing and managing strategic suppliers
10. Following up on purchasing issues to ensure resolution
11. Reporting on purchasing activities to local and global management
12. Collaborating to improve work relationships, morale, productivity, and retention
13. Performing other related duties as assigned

What You Bring To The Team

1. Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, or related fields and/or relevant work experience
2. 3+ years of professional experience in Purchasing and Contract Management
3. Strong communication and negotiation skills
4. Experience with vendor communication and cross-functional teamwork
5. Experience identifying cost savings and process improvements
6. Comfort with preparing, drafting, issuing purchase orders, and reviewing requisitions and contracts
7. Ability to work under stress in a fast-paced environment
8. Occasional travel within Ontario and internationally (~10%)

Desired Skills

1. Knowledge of SAP procurement systems
2. Familiarity with Volkswagen purchasing systems
3. German language skills (asset)
4. Certifications such as CIPS, CPSM, CSCP, CSCMP (asset)
5. Experience with startups or mergers and acquisitions (strongly desired)

Power Perks

1. Competitive remuneration reflecting your skills and experience
2. Paid vacation, with no days off from December 24-31
3. Development opportunities
4. Relocation support
5. Participation in company events supporting community
6. Benefits including health, dental, vision, mental health support
7. Pension contributions and retirement savings matching
8. Flexible hybrid work structure, subject to policy

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities during the application process.