Senior Supplier Manager

PowerCo; St. Thomas; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading battery production company in Ontario seeks an experienced professional for raw materials supply management at their St. Thomas facility. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in mining and metals refining, along with strong knowledge of battery raw materials. This role offers a hybrid work structure and competitive benefits. Join us to influence the future of sustainable energy.

Benefits

Competitive remuneration

Paid vacation

Development opportunities

Relocation support

Comprehensive benefits including health and dental

Pension contributions

Hybrid work flexibility

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in mining and/or metals refining.
• Strong knowledge of battery raw materials.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market scans for securing battery raw materials.
• Evaluate proposals through commercial assessments.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for compliance and specifications.
• Support negotiations with local suppliers.

Skills

Knowledge of raw materials

Supplier relationship management

Stakeholder management

Business development

Strategic procurement

Excellent communication skills

Time management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field

Master’s degree in mining or metallurgy

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 the successful implementation of Volkswagen’s vertical integration strategy in Canada and North America.

This position offers a flex hybrid work structure, allowing remote and on-site work at our St. Thomas location.

Key Responsibilities

• Participate in global and domestic investment qualification and execution by conducting market scans to identify potential investment or cooperation targets for securing battery raw materials (Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Graphite).
• Support industrialization and localization efforts for critical battery materials, overseeing supplier readiness and capacity planning.
• Develop strategic roadmaps to deliver financial, operational, and sustainability benefits.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, including market intelligence and financial modeling, to support sourcing, supplier evaluation, and cost optimization.
• Evaluate strategic proposals, including investment pitches, joint ventures, and supplier development programs, through commercial viability assessments and technical reviews.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, operations, sustainability, and legal teams to ensure compliance, specifications, and traceability.
• Support negotiations with local suppliers.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to investments, supplier partnerships, and market volatility to ensure a sustainable supply chain.
• Engage with senior leadership and external stakeholders, including government agencies and industry players, to advocate for the company and monitor market trends.
• Stay informed on market trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes to capitalize on new opportunities.
• Ensure suppliers meet ESG standards and Canadian regulatory requirements, including local content and Indigenous engagement.
• Build and maintain relationships with key local stakeholders in the battery raw materials industry.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Mining Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field; or equivalent relevant experience.
• Master’s degree in mining, metallurgy, or chemistry is an asset.
• 10+ years of professional experience in mining and/or metals refining.
• Strong knowledge of raw materials such as Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt, Manganese, and upstream battery processes.
• Experience in Business Development and Strategic Procurement.
• Experience managing tenders and negotiations.
• Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and drive performance.
• Collaborative approach, with strong influence and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, process-driven environment.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated with good time management and organizational skills.
• Willingness to work across time zones and travel (~20-30%).
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Desired Skills

• German language skills are an asset but not required.

Power Perks

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

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our hiring practices and provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities.