Director, Indirect Procurement

PowerCo; St. Thomas; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

PowerCo, a leader in sustainable energy, is launching a new facility in St. Thomas and seeking a Head of Procurement. This pivotal role requires strategic sourcing management, leadership over procurement teams, and a commitment to cost efficiency while embracing innovation. Join a diverse team and shape the future of battery production in North America.

Benefits

Flexible, collaborative team environment

Development opportunities

Relocation support

Participation in company events

Competitive benefits and compensation

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience required.
• 2+ years of leadership experience preferred.
• Fluency in German is a plus but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the strategic direction of Indirect Procurement.
• Establish sourcing strategies to enhance cost performance.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers at Top Management level.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Supplier Management

Communication

Analytical Skills

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Job description

With Whom You Will CELLebrate

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!

This is a flex hybrid model, requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office.

How You Will CELLebrate

This role reports directly to the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) and entails overseeing the strategic direction and leadership of PowerCo Indirect Procurement – specifically focusing on the "Category" to enhance cost performance. The responsibilities include defining sourcing strategies that align with operational needs across the North American Region (NAR), specifically the Canadian market, as well as global alignment with other entities within the Group. Additionally, the role involves interviewing, hiring, directing, and supervising procurement staff, while also formulating strategies and policies pertinent to the procurement of relevant categories.

Responsibilities

NAR Procurement Strategy – 50%

• Help to establish and implement annual and 5-year business plans within “Category” to achieve service cost reduction targets at a regional level, including supplier negotiations and optimization of purchased services.
• Identify opportunities to optimize costs and ensure supply security and innovation at the regional level through volume bundling scale effects as well as regional category understanding and leverage for responsible “Category.”
• Represent all NAR Procurement – “Category” in all regional, brand and group steering committees.
• Responsible to lead the Pre NAR Sourcing Committee and approve all NAR spend and contracts across all brands & entities.
• Establish measures to meet project cost and investment targets and achieve timing requirements.
• Ensure quality, compliance, and competitiveness of all NAR “Category” sourcing activities before moving to the NAR Sourcing Committee for approval. Drive the supplier nomination process, establish measures to meet project cost and investment targets, and achieve timing requirements.
• Steer the overall supplier relations strategy within “Category” to drive access to innovations and new technology concepts, and to foster partnerships in the Region.

Organizational Development - 40%

• Select personnel for their own area of responsibility.
• Conduct technical and organizational briefings for employees.
• Assign tasks and authorities to appropriate personnel and set priorities.
• Motivate, inform, advise, and support employees.
• Assess, coach, and develop employee performance and work behavior.
• Address complaints.
• Set and communicate strategic direction and KPIs for Procurement “Category” in NAR.

Supplier Relations – 10%

• Engage with Top Management of core Volkswagen suppliers to gain support and ensure transparency of business objectives.
• Negotiate directly with suppliers at the Top Management level.
• Participate in activities such as F.A.S.T., Supplier Association Events, and Government relations meetings.
• Monitor compliance with guidelines and regulations, including work regulations, occupational safety, and management instructions.
• Handle social issues of employees.
• Ensure fair and non-discriminatory remuneration.
• Manage hiring, dismissals, internal relocations, and transfers.
• Plan strategic headcount deployment and control personnel deployment in terms of processes.
• Participate in workplace design.
• Define and approve personnel deployment in special situations.
• Lead buyers from all VW entities within NAR to drive procurement strategies.

What You Need For Our CELLebration

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field or equivalent work experience.
• 10+ years of relevant experience.
• 2+ years of leadership experience.

What Else Can You Bring

• Creativity and latitude to drive innovation and efficiency.
• Ability to manage multiple activities and stakeholders under high pressure.
• Leadership skills to motivate cross-functional teams.
• Effective communication at all organizational levels.
• Knowledge of North American and Global supplier base.
• Experience in leading international projects and teams.
• Business planning and execution skills for cost reduction and supply security.
• Flexibility and professionalism in critical situations.
• Analytical, strategic, and conceptual thinking.
• Proven success in procurement leadership.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a positive attitude.
• German language skills are a plus but not required.

What To Look Forward To

• Flexible, collaborative team environment.
• Development opportunities.
• Relocation support.
• Participation in company events supporting the community.
• Competitive benefits and compensation.
• Hybrid work model (remote and on-site).

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates; only those under consideration will be contacted.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities during the application process. If you require accommodations, please inform us in advance.