Logistics Manager, Battery Energy Storage

Qcells USA Corp.; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 146,000 - 219,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is seeking an experienced Logistics Manager to lead transportation, warehousing, and trade compliance for BESS equipment. You will oversee sourcing, planning, and execution with a focus on safety, cost efficiency, and project readiness.

The role requires 7+ years in logistics, heavy cargo experience, and DOT hazmat training. Travel up to 15% may be needed as the business expands across North America.

Qualifications

• BS in supply chain, logistics, engineering, business or a related field.
• 7+ years of logistics or transportation management experience.
• 3+ years of heavy, oversize, or project cargo experience.
• Hazmat/dot training per 49 CFR and related regs or ability to obtain within 90 days.
• Experience with multiple transport modes: FTL/LTL, heavy haul, ocean, air.
• Import experience with brokers, HTS, and Incoterms 2020.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end logistics planning and execution for BESS platforms and related components.
• Develop project-specific logistics plans including inbound materials and delivery sequencing.
• Track milestones and mitigate delays with proactive recovery plans.
• Manage oversize/overweight moves including permits, escorts, and crane coordination.
• Coordinate delivery windows with project managers and EPC Contractors.
• Manage freight claims, cargo insurance, and damage resolution.
• Coordinate inbound/outbound with suppliers, contract manufacturers, freight forwarders, and project teams.
• Establish logistics requirements with suppliers, packaging, labeling, Incoterms, storage.
• Ensure battery shipments comply with DOT hazmat regs (49 CFR 172.704) and relevant IMDG/IATA rules.
• Maintain imports with customs brokers, HTS, duties, ISF filings, and country of origin docs.
• Maintain ERP/shipment records and implement TMS and visibility tools.
• Develop logistics budgets and provide cost input for proposals.
• Monitor KPIs like on-time delivery and freight costs; drive cost savings.

Skills

Logistics management

Transportation planning

Hazmat handling

Import/export

Carrier negotiation

3PL coordination

ERP SAP

TMS

Project coordination

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain, logistics, engineering, business, or related field

Tools

SAP

TMS

MS Excel

Job description

Description

We areseeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Logistics Manager to lead transportation, warehousing, and trade compliance for BESS equipment and associated components. This role manages the end-to-end logistics process, from carrier and 3PL sourcing through shipment planning, hazardous materials compliance, import clearance, storage, and delivery to project sites. The Logistics Manager will collaborate with supply chain, project management, engineering, and finance to ensure safe, timely, cost-effective, and compliant delivery of equipment.

The role may require up to 15% travel and is based in Santa Clara, CA.

Responsibilities

Transportation & Project Logistics

• Own end-to-end logistics planning and execution for BESS platforms, coordinating shipments from multiple suppliers through contract manufacturers and integration partners to customer project sites.
• Develop project-specific logistics plans covering inbound components, shipment consolidation where appropriate, integrated-system transportation, delivery sequencing, and site readiness.
• Track logistics milestones against supplier, integration, and project schedules; proactively identify constraints and implement recovery plans to mitigate delays.
• Manage oversize/overweight and heavy-­haul moves, including route surveys, permits, escorts, and crane and rigging coordination with site teams.
• Coordinate delivery windows with project managers and EPC contractors, confirming offloading and proof of delivery.
• Manage freight claims, cargo insurance, and damage resolution with carriers and suppliers.

Contract Manufacturer & Supplier Coordination

• Coordinate inbound material deliveries and outbound finished‑system shipments with suppliers, contract manufacturers, freight providers, and project teams.
• Establish logistics requirements and delivery schedules with suppliers and integration partners, including packaging, labeling, Incoterms, handling, and storage requirements.

Hazardous Materials & Trade Compliance

• Ensure battery shipments comply with US DOT hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR, Class 9), including batteries installed in containers (UN3536), and with IMDG and IATA requirements for ocean and air freight.
• Manage imports with customs brokers, including HTS classification, duties and tariffs, ISF filings, and country‑of‑origin documentation.
• Maintain shipping and origin records required to support domestic content and FEOC compliance for US projects.

Carrier, 3PL & Warehouse Management

• Source and contract carriers, freight forwarders, customs brokers, heavy‑haul providers, and 3PLs; lead RFQs and rate negotiations.
• Manage 3PL storage of battery equipment, including state‑of‑charge maintenance, recharging schedules, and fire code and insurance requirements.
• Monitor provider performance through scorecards and implement corrective actions.
• Establish spares and service parts logistics for systems in the field.

Product & Logistics Readiness

• Provide logistics and transportation input during product development, supplier qualification, and industrialization to identify shipping constraints and optimize packaging, handling, and delivered cost.
• Develop standardized logistics processes, cost models, and performance metrics that can scale across product generations and increasing project volumes.

Logistics Planning & Systems

• Develop logistics budgets aligned with project schedules and business needs, and provide logistics cost input for proposals.
• Maintain accurate shipment, goods receipt, and inventory records in ERP (SAP), and implement TMS and shipment visibility tools.

Reporting & Analytics

• Report on logistics KPIs, including on‑time delivery, freight cost per unit, damage and claims rate, and detention and demurrage.
• Analyze freight spend and shipping data to identify risks, cost savings, and improvement opportunities.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties and special projects assigned by Management.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in supply chain, logistics, engineering, business, or a related field required
• Minimum 7 years of experience in logistics or transportation management
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing heavy, oversize, or project cargo
• Required experience shipping batteries or other hazardous materials, with current DOT hazmat training (49 CFR 172.704) or the ability to obtain it within 90 days of hire
• Experience across transport modes: FTL/flatbed, LTL, heavy haul, ocean (container and break‑bulk), and air
• Import experience with customs brokers, HTS classification, and Incoterms 2020
• Experience contracting and managing carriers, freight forwarders, and 3PLs
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast pace, professional, team environment with minimal supervision
• Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately and in support of project schedules and other deadlines
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Computer literacy with an advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Able to identify, investigate and solve problems that arise in a timely manner

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred experience in BESS, Solar, batteries, or utility equipment (transformers, switchgear)
• IATA DGR or IMDG certification, US Customs Broker license, or ASCM CLTD certification preferred
• Familiarity with domestic content, FEOC, and tariff requirements for US clean energy projects preferred
• TWIC card, or the ability to obtain one, preferred
• SAP experience preferred; TMS experience a plus

Compensation

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is:

• Zone 1 (Bay Area, NYC): $146,200 – $219,200
• Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY, DC): $134,000 – $201,000
• Zone 3 (All others): $121,800 – $182,700

The applicable salary range is based on the employee’s primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business-related factors.

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct‑to‑homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world‑class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

Thispositionrequirestheabilitytoperformtheessentialfunctionsoftheposition,withorwithoutreasonableaccommodation.Periodictravelandsitevisitsmayberequired.

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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