Senior Supplier Manager

PowerCo; St. Thomas; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Join PowerCo in St. Thomas as a key player in raw material supply security for Volkswagen’s new battery factory. This hybrid role combines strategic procurement expertise with advanced knowledge of materials for high voltage batteries, offering the chance to make a significant impact in sustainable energy. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in mining and stakeholder management, contributing to a team dedicated to innovation and transformation in energy production.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration based on skills and experience.

Paid vacation with no days required from December 24-31.

Development opportunities.

Relocation support.

Participation in community events.

Benefits including health, dental, vision, mental health support.

Retirement plan contributions and matching.

Hybrid work flexibility, subject to company policy.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in mining and/or metals refining.
• Strong knowledge of raw materials like Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese.
• Experience in Business Development or Strategic Procurement.

Responsibilities

• Support industrialization and localization efforts for critical battery materials.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis through market intelligence.
• Evaluate proposals through commercial viability assessments.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder Management

Communication

Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering

Master’s degree in mining, metallurgy, or chemistry

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

This role is responsible for achieving raw material supply security for Volkswagen’s cell factory in St. Thomas. Reporting to the Director, Raw & Active Materials, this position requires expert knowledge of raw materials for high voltage batteries and upstream battery production processes. The individual will support Volkswagen’s vertical integration strategy in Canada and North America.

This is a flex hybrid work structure, allowing employees to work both remotely and on-site at our St. Thomas location.

Key Responsibilities

1. Participate in global and domestic investment qualification processes by conducting detailed market scans to identify potential investment or cooperation targets for battery raw materials (Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Graphite).
2. Support industrialization and localization efforts for critical battery materials, overseeing supplier readiness and capacity planning.
3. Develop strategic roadmaps delivering financial, operational, and sustainability benefits.
4. Conduct qualitative and quantitative analysis through data gathering, market intelligence, and financial modeling to support sourcing, evaluation, and cost optimization.
5. Evaluate proposals, including investment pitches, joint ventures, and supplier development, through commercial viability assessments and feasibility reviews to inform executive decisions.
6. Collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, sustainability, and legal teams to ensure specifications, compliance, and traceability.
7. Support negotiations with local suppliers.
8. Identify and mitigate risks related to investments, partnerships, and market volatility to ensure a sustainable supply chain.
9. Engage with senior leadership and external stakeholders, including government and industry partners, to advocate for the company and monitor market trends.
10. Stay informed on market trends, emerging technologies, and regulations to capitalize on new opportunities.
11. Ensure suppliers meet ESG and Canadian regulatory standards, including local content and Indigenous engagement obligations.
12. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in the raw materials industry to foster collaboration and long-term partnerships.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring To The Team

1. Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field; or equivalent work experience.
2. Master’s degree in mining, metallurgy, or chemistry is an asset.
3. 10+ years in mining and/or metals refining.
4. Strong knowledge of raw materials like Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese, and upstream battery processes.
5. Experience in Business Development or Strategic Procurement.
6. Proven negotiation and relationship management skills.
7. Collaborative, driven, and passionate about transformation.
8. Influencing, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
9. Ability to work in fast-paced, process-driven environments.
10. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
11. Self-starter with good time management and organization skills.
12. Willingness to work across time zones and travel (~20-30%).
13. Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Skills

• German language skills are a plus but not required.

Power Perks

• Competitive remuneration based on skills and experience.
• Paid vacation, with no days required from December 24-31.
• Development opportunities.
• Relocation support.
• Participation in community events.
• Benefits including health, dental, vision, mental health support.
• Retirement plan contributions and matching.
• Hybrid work flexibility, subject to company policy.

We appreciate all applications; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.