Sr. Purchase Engineer – Solar

Ellume Technologies; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Ellume is driving the future of clean power with a focus on renewable energy, IPP, EPC, and technology. We seek a procurement professional to manage vendor relationships, develop cost-saving sourcing strategies, and ensure timely delivery of solar equipment for diverse projects.

The role requires 4-6 years of experience in solar procurement, strong GST/HSN knowledge, and proficiency with ERP systems and MS Excel for cost analyses and tender support.

Qualifications

• BE/B.Tech in Electrical, Mechanical, or Electronics; MBA is an added advantage.
• 4-6 years of purchase/procurement experience in solar EPC or related industries.
• Experience procuring solar modules, inverters, BOS items, and related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate and develop vendors for solar modules and related components.
• Build and maintain approved vendor lists with capability and performance data.
• Conduct vendor pre-qualification with engineering and QA/QC teams.
• Prepare tenders, RFQs, and commercial comparisons with detailed cost Breakdowns.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery, and payment terms to meet target costs.
• Coordinate with procurement, estimation, and site teams for timely deliveries.
• Track orders, expediting and resolve issues with suppliers and logistics.

Skills

Vendor management

Negotiation

Cost analysis

Excel advanced

ERP proficiency

Education

BE/B.Tech in Electrical/Mechanical/Electronics

MBA in Supply Chain or related

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Zoho / Tally

Job description

At Ellume, we are pioneering the future of clean power. We operate across three verticals- Renewable Energy, Independent Power Production (IPP), Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC), and Technology- committed to driving innovation across the renewable sector.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and develop vendors for solar modules, inverters, module mounting structures, cables, transformers, switchgear, HT/LT panels, SCADA, and BOS items, as well as civil and electrical subcontracting services.
• Build and maintain an approved vendor list with capability, capacity, financial standing, past performance, and certification records for each registered supplier.
• Conduct vendor pre-qualification - technical capability assessment, factory visits, quality system review, and reference checks - with the Engineering and QA/QC teams.
• Track market movements in module, cell, polysilicon, copper, aluminium, and steel prices, and report cost trends, lead-time shifts, and supply risks affecting projects.
• Maintain a rate library and benchmark database of item-wise landed costs to support tendering, budgeting, and estimation.
• Prepare and float enquiries and RFQs against approved technical specifications, drawings, and BOQs released by the Engineering and Design team.
• Compile technical and commercial comparative statements covering basic price, taxes and duties, freight, insurance, packing, payment terms, delivery schedule, and warranty terms.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and commercial conditions to achieve target costs without compromising specification, quality, or schedule.
• Support Business Development and Estimation with firm and budgetary vendor quotations during EPC tenders and IPP project development.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives through alternate sourcing, value engineering, order consolidation, and volume-based rate contracts.
• Prepare, release, and administer purchase and work orders with accurate technical scope, commercial terms, delivery milestones, Incoterms, HSN codes, and applicable GST rates.
• Assist in drafting supply agreements, rate contracts, and framework agreements; manage amendments and change orders arising from design revisions or site requirements.
• Track advance payments, bank guarantees, letters of credit, retention amounts, and warranty obligations against each order with the Finance team.
• Expedite open orders, maintain a live order tracker, and escalation schedule slippages that threaten project milestones.
• Coordinate inbound logistics, road permits, e-way bills, and delivery sequencing aligned with the site erection programme, and support import procurement with freight forwarders and CHAs.
• Monitor material availability, stock levels, and consumption at project stores, and coordinate GRN, short supply, damage, rejection, and warranty claim cases with Site and Stores.
• Verify compliance with ALMM listing, BIS certification, IEC/IS standards, and domestic content requirements, and ensure receipt of complete vendor documentation including FAT certificates and O&M manuals.
• Coordinate third-party and pre-dispatch inspections with QA/QC and nominated agencies, and maintain audit-ready procurement records.
• Prepare periodic procurement reports on order status, committed cost versus budget, savings achieved, pending deliveries, and open risks; maintain accurate ERP item, vendor, and order masters.
• Guide and support junior purchase engineers and executives in day-to-day sourcing, documentation, and follow-up.

Requirements

• B.E. / B.Tech in Electrical, Mechanical, or Electronics Engineering, or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification in Supply Chain Management or an MBA is an added advantage.
• 4-6 years of purchase or procurement experience, preferably with a solar EPC, renewable energy developer, or electrical equipment manufacturer.
• Hands-on experience procuring solar modules, inverters, module mounting structures, cables, transformers, switchgear, and BOS items for utility-scale, distributed, or rooftop solar projects.
• Working knowledge of BOQ interpretation, technical specifications, single line diagrams, and engineering drawings sufficient to float accurate enquiries and evaluate offers technically.
• Sound understanding of GST and HSN classification, Incoterms, customs duty structure for imported solar equipment, freight and insurance costing, and standard payment and warranty terms.
• Familiarity with ALMM, DCR, BIS, and relevant IEC/IS standards for solar equipment.
• Proficiency in ERP or procurement software (SAP, Oracle, Zoho, Tally, or equivalent) and advanced MS Excel for comparatives, cost analysis, and tracking.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and vendor relationship management skills, with the ability to hold commercial positions while maintaining long-term supplier relationships.
• Strong organisational and follow-up discipline across multiple projects and parallel order pipelines against firm deadlines.
• High integrity, transparency, and adherence to procurement ethics and confidentiality requirements.
• Willing to travel to project sites, vendor works, and inspection locations as required.