Qcells EPC
Senior Procurement Specialist - High Voltage
Qcells EPC, Irvine, California, United States, 92713
Senior Procurement Specialist - High Voltage
Title: Senior Procurement Specialist
Department: Procurement – High Voltage
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: Procurement Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time
Work Status: Hybrid
Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility‑scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility‑scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi‑billion‑dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high‑performance, superior‑quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.
Summary Qcells is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to support the sourcing, contracting, and execution of procurement activities related to high‑voltage (HV) electrical substations and equipment. This role will own one or more major procurement categories such as transformers, breakers, or full substation EPC. The individual will work closely with engineering, project management, construction, legal, and finance to ensure cost‑effective, timely, and risk‑mitigated procurement. The Senior Procurement Specialist is responsible for conducting the purchasing and/or contracting process for assigned major equipment scopes (capacitor banks, high voltage circuit breakers, surge arrestors, transformers switchgear, etc.) from RFP to purchase order/contract execution, identifying new vendors and emerging technologies, maintaining a vendor database, supporting the pre‑qualification process and monitoring vendor performance. Works closely with key vendors to support the organization’s overall strategic objectives and ensure reliable material support and supply for projects.
Works closely with key vendors to support the organization's overall strategic objectives and ensure reliable material support and supply for projects. Delivers the successful operational procurement of assigned projects – ensuring all projects are fully supported by SCM and achieved target COD (Commercial Operations Date). The position is located in Irvine, CA and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. The position is expected to travel up to 15%.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities
Interact with key vendors in support of the company's overall strategic goals
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to issue necessary contracts for high‑voltage capital equipment (GSUs, circuit breakers, etc.), and other items as needed
Perform vendor onboarding processes (including NDA and pre‑qualification)
Issue RFx’s, including:
Preparation of RFIs & RFPs to qualified vendors, including working with other functional groups to gather all required documents and data
Determine and maintain bid schedules in accordance with project schedules
Coordinate responses to bidder questions
Review, compare, and evaluate vendor proposals with historical and market pricing to determine cost‑competitive pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings
Coordinate with high‑voltage procurement team to ensure collaboration and alignment with portfolio strategy and goals
Support commercial negotiations for Master Services Agreements, project‑specific agreements, etc., for key vendors in accordance with company policies and guidelines
Integrate a working knowledge of utility‑scale renewable complexities into RFP/contracting strategies (e.g., safe‑harbor needs, domestic content requirements, IRA benefits timing, etc.) – collaborate with manager and director to define exact strategy, but is responsible for understanding and implementing
Support the change order processes for vendors and other related contract management processes
Perform the handover process to the project team, ensuring key contract terms, timelines, due dates, etc. are appropriately communicated
Support project management team as needed with contract information and input to resolve vendor disputes and/or issues, such as under‑performance or scope gaps
Coordinate with internal and external logistics providers to manage the movement of assets between projects and/or warehouse facilities
Monitor vendor performance evaluation process and help create improvement processes based on lessons learned
Maintain accurate and complete contracting records in accordance with record retention procedures
Track and analyze market data and provide updates to leadership teams
Identify, qualify & onboard new vendors
Independently lead medium-to‑large RFPs, contracting processes, and commercial negotiations with minimal oversight from management
Own procurement workstreams for major scopes within large or complex projects, including cross‑functional coordination and alignment with key internal stakeholders
Identify and lead process improvement initiatives across tools, workflows, or documentation, and mentor more junior team members on procurement best practices
Provide in‑depth market intelligence and supplier strategy recommendations to category managers and procurement leadership, including vendor diversification and risk mitigation strategies
Represent procurement in project kickoff or issue resolution meetings and lead direct vendor engagement for performance issues or escalations
Contribute to strategic category planning efforts, savings pipeline tracking, and continuous improvement of sourcing playbooks and cost models
Serve as an internal SME (subject matter expert) for at least one procurement process or system (e.g., SharePoint file management, contract version control, bid template standardization)
Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position
Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by management
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree required
Minimum 3–4 years of experience in contract management and/or procurement
Preferred experience in utility‑scale solar/renewable energy (e.g., >50MW) and/or construction field projects at a project size of over $30M in procurement of equipment/material
Experience in capital equipment purchasing, contract management, and change order management
Ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced, professional, team environment with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately and in support of project schedules and other deadlines – not just following steps, but actively thinking of how to improve current state
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Confident communicator with the ability to interact with people at all levels of the organization – proven ability to work cross‑functionally and effectively manage up
Experience in conducting supplier reviews and evaluations, and maintaining good business relationships
Computer literacy with professional knowledge of Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
Understanding of construction management software systems (Procore) and SAP, or proven ability to learn new software systems quickly
Able to identify, investigate, and solve problems that arise in a timely manner
Minimum 5–6 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management – a demonstrated ability to lead sourcing efforts independently and contribute to strategic initiatives
Minimum 4 years of experience in utility‑scale solar/renewable energy (e.g., >50MW) and/or construction field projects at a project size of over $30M in procurement of equipment/material
Physical Demands
Stationary position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sits up to 8 hours in a day
Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
Carry weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
Travel: up to 15% as needed
Work Environment
Regular professional, office business setting
Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)
Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department
Salary Range for Position The anticipated starting pay range of this position, which is to be located in Irvine, CA is $105,000 - $130,000 base salary per year.
Legal Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at‑will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.
Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at‑will employment opportunity.
You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.
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Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility‑scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility‑scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi‑billion‑dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high‑performance, superior‑quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.
Summary Qcells is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to support the sourcing, contracting, and execution of procurement activities related to high‑voltage (HV) electrical substations and equipment. This role will own one or more major procurement categories such as transformers, breakers, or full substation EPC. The individual will work closely with engineering, project management, construction, legal, and finance to ensure cost‑effective, timely, and risk‑mitigated procurement. The Senior Procurement Specialist is responsible for conducting the purchasing and/or contracting process for assigned major equipment scopes (capacitor banks, high voltage circuit breakers, surge arrestors, transformers switchgear, etc.) from RFP to purchase order/contract execution, identifying new vendors and emerging technologies, maintaining a vendor database, supporting the pre‑qualification process and monitoring vendor performance. Works closely with key vendors to support the organization’s overall strategic objectives and ensure reliable material support and supply for projects.
Works closely with key vendors to support the organization's overall strategic objectives and ensure reliable material support and supply for projects. Delivers the successful operational procurement of assigned projects – ensuring all projects are fully supported by SCM and achieved target COD (Commercial Operations Date). The position is located in Irvine, CA and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. The position is expected to travel up to 15%.
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities
Interact with key vendors in support of the company's overall strategic goals
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to issue necessary contracts for high‑voltage capital equipment (GSUs, circuit breakers, etc.), and other items as needed
Perform vendor onboarding processes (including NDA and pre‑qualification)
Issue RFx’s, including:
Preparation of RFIs & RFPs to qualified vendors, including working with other functional groups to gather all required documents and data
Determine and maintain bid schedules in accordance with project schedules
Coordinate responses to bidder questions
Review, compare, and evaluate vendor proposals with historical and market pricing to determine cost‑competitive pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings
Coordinate with high‑voltage procurement team to ensure collaboration and alignment with portfolio strategy and goals
Support commercial negotiations for Master Services Agreements, project‑specific agreements, etc., for key vendors in accordance with company policies and guidelines
Integrate a working knowledge of utility‑scale renewable complexities into RFP/contracting strategies (e.g., safe‑harbor needs, domestic content requirements, IRA benefits timing, etc.) – collaborate with manager and director to define exact strategy, but is responsible for understanding and implementing
Support the change order processes for vendors and other related contract management processes
Perform the handover process to the project team, ensuring key contract terms, timelines, due dates, etc. are appropriately communicated
Support project management team as needed with contract information and input to resolve vendor disputes and/or issues, such as under‑performance or scope gaps
Coordinate with internal and external logistics providers to manage the movement of assets between projects and/or warehouse facilities
Monitor vendor performance evaluation process and help create improvement processes based on lessons learned
Maintain accurate and complete contracting records in accordance with record retention procedures
Track and analyze market data and provide updates to leadership teams
Identify, qualify & onboard new vendors
Independently lead medium-to‑large RFPs, contracting processes, and commercial negotiations with minimal oversight from management
Own procurement workstreams for major scopes within large or complex projects, including cross‑functional coordination and alignment with key internal stakeholders
Identify and lead process improvement initiatives across tools, workflows, or documentation, and mentor more junior team members on procurement best practices
Provide in‑depth market intelligence and supplier strategy recommendations to category managers and procurement leadership, including vendor diversification and risk mitigation strategies
Represent procurement in project kickoff or issue resolution meetings and lead direct vendor engagement for performance issues or escalations
Contribute to strategic category planning efforts, savings pipeline tracking, and continuous improvement of sourcing playbooks and cost models
Serve as an internal SME (subject matter expert) for at least one procurement process or system (e.g., SharePoint file management, contract version control, bid template standardization)
Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position
Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by management
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree required
Minimum 3–4 years of experience in contract management and/or procurement
Preferred experience in utility‑scale solar/renewable energy (e.g., >50MW) and/or construction field projects at a project size of over $30M in procurement of equipment/material
Experience in capital equipment purchasing, contract management, and change order management
Ability to work autonomously in a fast‑paced, professional, team environment with minimal supervision
Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately and in support of project schedules and other deadlines – not just following steps, but actively thinking of how to improve current state
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Confident communicator with the ability to interact with people at all levels of the organization – proven ability to work cross‑functionally and effectively manage up
Experience in conducting supplier reviews and evaluations, and maintaining good business relationships
Computer literacy with professional knowledge of Microsoft Office including, but not limited to, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
Understanding of construction management software systems (Procore) and SAP, or proven ability to learn new software systems quickly
Able to identify, investigate, and solve problems that arise in a timely manner
Minimum 5–6 years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management – a demonstrated ability to lead sourcing efforts independently and contribute to strategic initiatives
Minimum 4 years of experience in utility‑scale solar/renewable energy (e.g., >50MW) and/or construction field projects at a project size of over $30M in procurement of equipment/material
Physical Demands
Stationary position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sits up to 8 hours in a day
Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
Carry weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
Travel: up to 15% as needed
Work Environment
Regular professional, office business setting
Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)
Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department
Salary Range for Position The anticipated starting pay range of this position, which is to be located in Irvine, CA is $105,000 - $130,000 base salary per year.
Legal Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at‑will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.
Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at‑will employment opportunity.
You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr