Procurement Strategy Manager

Join Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America

Do you want to join a team that's changing the world? Do you have a strong background as a Procurement Strategy Manager? Then we're looking for you! Put your skills to meaningful use, gain unique experience, and work with world-class team members with diverse backgrounds and expertise who share the same vision. Join the Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America (PECNA) team today!

Essential Duties

• Assess supplier capabilities, develop sourcing strategy, and provide sourcing category expertise for battery raw materials for lithium-ion cell production
• Collaborate with Procurement, Supplier Quality, Material Development to qualify new suppliers
• Support industrialization and localization efforts for battery materials and supplier readiness
• Lead contract negotiations and complex supplier agreements
• Function as the procurement liaison between US and Japan teams
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders in the battery raw materials industry, enhance collaboration and secure long-term strategic partnerships
• Evaluate, identify and mitigate supply risks related to investment, supplier partnerships, and ensure a sustainable supply chain
• Monitor supplier performance and continuous improvement using data-driven KPIs, supplier metrics, and score cards through supplier qualification and development processes
• Analyze and report on battery material market trends and technical innovations, leverage industry insights and analytics to drive sourcing decisions

Note: this is an individual contributor position.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees', wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.

Qualifications

Bachelor's in Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field required, Masters degree preferred. Minimum of 10 years of Procurement Strategy, Global Sourcing, Battery Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mining, Metal Refining, Metallurgy, Electrochemical Engineering or related area and/or equivalent relevant work experience. Strong Knowledge and experience in the battery raw materials. Experience in Supplier Development and/or Strategic Procurement. Proven ability working in a highly process driven & fast turnaround environment. A high level of written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Highly driven self-starter with proficient time management, planning and organization skills. High degree of flexibility, willingness to work across different time zones and conduct business travel to potential suppliers. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Japanese language skills would be an asset but are not required.

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to: Sit: 40% Walk: 30% Stand: 20% Lift: 10% Required Lifting and Carrying: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%) For this position the required frequency is: Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not Required

Benefits & Perks

Panasonic Energy prioritizes total well-being and offers comprehensive benefits options to support physical, emotional, financial, social, and environmental health: Health Benefits Offering medical, dental, vision, prescription plans, plus Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options. Voluntary Benefits Life, accident, critical illness, disability, legal, identity theft, and pet insurance. Panasonic Retirement Savings & Investment Plan (PRSIP) 401(k) plan with company matching contributions and immediate vesting. Paid Time-Off Benefits Vacation, holidays, personal days, sick leave, volunteer, and parental & caregiver leave. Educational Assistance Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses after six months of service. Health Management and Wellbeing Programs Lifestyle Spending Account, EAP, virtual health management, chronic condition, neurodiversity, tobacco cessation, substance abuse support, and life stage and fertility resources. Available to eligible employees starting the first day of the month following your start date. Eligibility for each benefit may vary based on employment status, location, and length of service. Employee Recognition Program - High5 employee recognition and awards platform, quarterly and annual employee recognition Annual Bonus Program - Opportunity for an annual performance-based bonus. On-site Food Options: Several on-site cafes, plentiful snack and beverage kitchens, revolving on-site vendor visits and employee events Free Shuttle: Rides to and from work!

Where You'll Be

For our onsite roles, Panasonic Energy is committed to fostering an ideal working environment that goes beyond the conventional. We understand the significance of moments that matter in your onsite experience, and we prioritize creating a workspace that not only promotes productivity but also ensures a fulfilling and positive work atmosphere.

Who We Are

At Panasonic Energy, you'll do work that matters as we are dedicated to transforming the world through the acceleration of sustainable energy. By producing safe, high-quality lithium-ion batteries, you become part of a team that plays a crucial role in creating technologies that move us. Our journey began in 2017, and now, as the world's largest lithium-ion battery factory, we are expanding operations to De Soto, Kansas, providing you with the opportunity to experience career growth in more ways than one. As an innovative thinker, you'll thrive here, as we continually push the boundaries of lithium-ion battery technology and production capabilities to enhance efficiency and performance in EVs. Being part of Panasonic Energy means positively contributing to society, aligning with our commitment to building a better world through sustainable energy solutions. We care about what you care about, fostering an environment where your contributions make a meaningful impact on the future of energy and transportation. Join us and be part of a team that values your work, encourages innovation, and actively contributes to a positive societal impact. In addition to an environment that is as innovative as our products, we offer competitive salaries and benefits.

We Take Opportunity Seriously

At Panasonic Energy, we are committed to a workplace that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. Fairness and Honesty have been part of our core values for more than 100 years and we are proud of our diverse culture as an equal opportunity employer. We understand that your career search may look different than others and embrace the professional, personal, educational, and volunteer opportunities through which people gain experience. If you are actively looking or starting to explore new opportunities, submit your application!

Supplemental Information: Pre-employment drug testing is required. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.