Qcells EPC
Description
Title: 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), 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.
Qcells is a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea, operating under the umbrella of Hanwha Group.
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. Responsibilities include driving the purchase process for major substation equipment/materials from RFP to purchase order/contract execution, identifying new vendors, maintaining a database of current suppliers, and managing pre‑qualification and monitoring supplier performance. The role reports to the Director of Procurement. The position is hybrid, based in Irvine, CA, with required travel up to 20%. Remote work is possible for candidates in CST, MST, or PST time zones or near Irvine or Houston, TX.
Essential Job Function & 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.
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 and mentor 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 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 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.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Management.
Regular attendance in accordance with the company’s attendance policy and supervisory assignment is an essential job duty requirement for this position.
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., >50 MW) 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.
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 of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook.
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 for Position The anticipated starting pay range of this position, located in Irvine, CA, is $125,000 - $155,000 base salary per year. Additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, depending on the level and position offered.
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. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. 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. Contact us to request accommodations at hr‑usa@qcells.com.
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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), 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.
Qcells is a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea, operating under the umbrella of Hanwha Group.
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. Responsibilities include driving the purchase process for major substation equipment/materials from RFP to purchase order/contract execution, identifying new vendors, maintaining a database of current suppliers, and managing pre‑qualification and monitoring supplier performance. The role reports to the Director of Procurement. The position is hybrid, based in Irvine, CA, with required travel up to 20%. Remote work is possible for candidates in CST, MST, or PST time zones or near Irvine or Houston, TX.
Essential Job Function & 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.
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 and mentor 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 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 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.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Management.
Regular attendance in accordance with the company’s attendance policy and supervisory assignment is an essential job duty requirement for this position.
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., >50 MW) 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.
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 of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook.
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 for Position The anticipated starting pay range of this position, located in Irvine, CA, is $125,000 - $155,000 base salary per year. Additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, depending on the level and position offered.
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. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. 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. Contact us to request accommodations at hr‑usa@qcells.com.
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