Qcells EPC
Senior Procurement Manager - High Voltage
Qcells EPC, Irvine, California, United States, 92713
Senior Procurement Manager - High Voltage
Join to apply for the Senior Procurement Manager - High Voltage role at Qcells EPC.
Description
Title: Senior Procurement Manager
Department: Procurement – High Voltage
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: Director of Procurement
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time
Work Status: Hybrid
Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA) is headquartered in Irvine, CA and 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 Procurement Manager 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, relays, services, 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 Procurement Manager is responsible for driving the purchase process for major substation equipment/materials (capacitor banks, high voltage circuit breakers, surge arrestors, relays, transformers, switchgear, etc.) from RFP to purchase order/contract execution, identifying new vendors and emerging technologies, maintaining a database of current suppliers, and managing the pre‑qualification and monitoring supplier performance. Manage relationships with key suppliers that support the overall strategic objectives of the organization and ensure reliable support and supply of materials to projects. Responsible for overall coordination, development, and management of supplier strategy for assigned commodities. May be assigned other tasks as needed. This position reports to the Director of Procurement, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is Hybrid based out of Irvine, CA and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm CST, MST or PST working hours required. This position is expected to travel up to 20%. This position can be remote with a preference for candidates in CST, MST or PST time zones or based near the Irvine, CA or Houston, TX office.
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
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimize the procurement of materials and/or services;
Manage relationships with key suppliers in alignment with the Company's overall strategic goals;
Manage the RFx process, including, but not limited to the following:
Prepare RFIs & RFPs to qualified suppliers, including working with other functional groups to gather all required documents and data
Determine and maintain bid schedules by project schedules
Coordinate responses to bidder questions
Review, compare, and evaluate supplier proposals with historical and market pricing to determine cost‑competitive pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings
Lead commercial negotiations for High‑Voltage Equipment Supply Agreements, project‑specific orders, change orders, etc., with key suppliers in accordance with company policies and guidelines – coordinating with the team and the Director of Procurement (HV) to ensure collaboration and alignment with portfolio strategy and goals
Integrate a strong knowledge of Utility Scale Renewable complexities into RFP/contracting strategies (e.g., safe‑harbor needs, domestic content requirements, IRA benefits timing, etc.) – collaborating with cross‑functional team and Director to define exact strategy, but responsible for understanding and implementing
Manage change order process for suppliers and other related contract management processes + mentoring Procurement Specialists in the process
Ensure prime contract flow downs are incorporated into subcontract documents as needed or applicable to the scope of work/supply;
Monitor supplier compliance with contract terms and project requirements;
Support Project Management Team as needed with contract information and input to resolve supplier issues, such as under‑performance or scope gaps;
Evaluate vendor performance and develop improvement processes based on lessons learned;
Support Project Management Team as needed with urgent procurement needs;
Maintain accurate and complete purchasing records in accordance with record retention procedures;
Track and analyze market data and provide updates to leadership teams;
Identify, qualify & onboard new vendors; and
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
Lead development and execution of category strategies with minimal oversight, including 3–5 year sourcing plans based on demand forecasting.
Negotiate high‑value and/or complex commercial terms independently, including framework agreements or long‑term partnerships.
Provide thought leadership in optimizing procurement processes and systems; drive strategic initiatives across the SCM organization.
Act as a mentor and escalation point for junior staff within the HV procurement team; provide coaching and workload support.
Represent SCM in cross‑functional leadership forums; present category updates, market conditions, and sourcing risks to executive leadership.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree required
Minimum 5 – 7 years of experience in Contract Management and/or Procurement
Minimum 3 – 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
Experience leading capital equipment purchasing, contract management, and change order management, preferably in Solar or Renewable Energy
Preferred experience implementing strategic sourcing initiatives (e.g., not just responding to tactical business needs)
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
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, manage junior employees, and effectively manage up
Experience in conducting supplier reviews and evaluations, and maintaining good business relationships
Computer literacy with advanced knowledge on Microsoft Office, including but not limited to, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. – capabilities should allow Microsoft Office tools to be an asset to performance and ability to execute the work and communicate to the team.
Strong understanding of construction management software systems (Procore, etc.) and SAP, or proven ability to learn new software systems quickly
Able to identify, investigate, and solve problems that arise in a timely manner
Physical Demands
Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting 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 the 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 20% 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
The anticipated starting pay range of this position, which is to be located in Irvine, CA is $150,000 - $175,000 base salary per year.
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.
It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.
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.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Qcells EPC by 2x.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries Renewable Energy, Semiconductor Manufacturing
You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Description
Title: Senior Procurement Manager
Department: Procurement – High Voltage
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: Director of Procurement
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time
Work Status: Hybrid
Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA) is headquartered in Irvine, CA and 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 Procurement Manager 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, relays, services, 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 Procurement Manager is responsible for driving the purchase process for major substation equipment/materials (capacitor banks, high voltage circuit breakers, surge arrestors, relays, transformers, switchgear, etc.) from RFP to purchase order/contract execution, identifying new vendors and emerging technologies, maintaining a database of current suppliers, and managing the pre‑qualification and monitoring supplier performance. Manage relationships with key suppliers that support the overall strategic objectives of the organization and ensure reliable support and supply of materials to projects. Responsible for overall coordination, development, and management of supplier strategy for assigned commodities. May be assigned other tasks as needed. This position reports to the Director of Procurement, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is Hybrid based out of Irvine, CA and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm CST, MST or PST working hours required. This position is expected to travel up to 20%. This position can be remote with a preference for candidates in CST, MST or PST time zones or based near the Irvine, CA or Houston, TX office.
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
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimize the procurement of materials and/or services;
Manage relationships with key suppliers in alignment with the Company's overall strategic goals;
Manage the RFx process, including, but not limited to the following:
Prepare RFIs & RFPs to qualified suppliers, including working with other functional groups to gather all required documents and data
Determine and maintain bid schedules by project schedules
Coordinate responses to bidder questions
Review, compare, and evaluate supplier proposals with historical and market pricing to determine cost‑competitive pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings
Lead commercial negotiations for High‑Voltage Equipment Supply Agreements, project‑specific orders, change orders, etc., with key suppliers in accordance with company policies and guidelines – coordinating with the team and the Director of Procurement (HV) to ensure collaboration and alignment with portfolio strategy and goals
Integrate a strong knowledge of Utility Scale Renewable complexities into RFP/contracting strategies (e.g., safe‑harbor needs, domestic content requirements, IRA benefits timing, etc.) – collaborating with cross‑functional team and Director to define exact strategy, but responsible for understanding and implementing
Manage change order process for suppliers and other related contract management processes + mentoring Procurement Specialists in the process
Ensure prime contract flow downs are incorporated into subcontract documents as needed or applicable to the scope of work/supply;
Monitor supplier compliance with contract terms and project requirements;
Support Project Management Team as needed with contract information and input to resolve supplier issues, such as under‑performance or scope gaps;
Evaluate vendor performance and develop improvement processes based on lessons learned;
Support Project Management Team as needed with urgent procurement needs;
Maintain accurate and complete purchasing records in accordance with record retention procedures;
Track and analyze market data and provide updates to leadership teams;
Identify, qualify & onboard new vendors; and
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
Lead development and execution of category strategies with minimal oversight, including 3–5 year sourcing plans based on demand forecasting.
Negotiate high‑value and/or complex commercial terms independently, including framework agreements or long‑term partnerships.
Provide thought leadership in optimizing procurement processes and systems; drive strategic initiatives across the SCM organization.
Act as a mentor and escalation point for junior staff within the HV procurement team; provide coaching and workload support.
Represent SCM in cross‑functional leadership forums; present category updates, market conditions, and sourcing risks to executive leadership.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree required
Minimum 5 – 7 years of experience in Contract Management and/or Procurement
Minimum 3 – 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
Experience leading capital equipment purchasing, contract management, and change order management, preferably in Solar or Renewable Energy
Preferred experience implementing strategic sourcing initiatives (e.g., not just responding to tactical business needs)
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
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, manage junior employees, and effectively manage up
Experience in conducting supplier reviews and evaluations, and maintaining good business relationships
Computer literacy with advanced knowledge on Microsoft Office, including but not limited to, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. – capabilities should allow Microsoft Office tools to be an asset to performance and ability to execute the work and communicate to the team.
Strong understanding of construction management software systems (Procore, etc.) and SAP, or proven ability to learn new software systems quickly
Able to identify, investigate, and solve problems that arise in a timely manner
Physical Demands
Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting 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 the 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 20% 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
The anticipated starting pay range of this position, which is to be located in Irvine, CA is $150,000 - $175,000 base salary per year.
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.
It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.
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.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Qcells EPC by 2x.
Seniority Level Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Purchasing and Supply Chain
Industries Renewable Energy, Semiconductor Manufacturing
You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.
#J-18808-Ljbffr