Senior Procurement Specialist

FuelCell Energy is a global leader in decarbonizing power and producing hydrogen through our proprietary fuel cell technology. Our mission is to enable a world powered by clean energy. As an innovator and manufacturer of fuel cell clean power platforms, FuelCell Energy has the only technology in the world capable of capturing carbon from an external source and producing power at the same time. In addition, we offer the only technology in the world capable of producing hydrogen, power and water simultaneously.

The pay for this position ranges from $95,000 - $110,000.

Overview

We are currently seeking a highly motivated Senior Procurement Specialist to join our team. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Procurement, this role is responsible for developing and executing assigned category / supply chain strategies as it pertains to the procurement of critical, complex, and/or high dollar equipment and components.

Responsibilities:

• Lead efforts to optimize the supply base, generate cost savings and support current and new product development initiatives by ensuring continuous, on time and uninterrupted flow of materials to Production, Field Service and R&D projects consistent with FCE policies.
• Responsible for Production, Project and Service procurement and supply management functions relating to, and in support of cost reduction and supply chain risk mitigation initiatives. Specific focus on sourcing and supplier development; including, but not limited to: Request For Quotation, bid analysis, supplier selection, commercial negotiations, and overall production schedule performance in accordance with technical, commercial, quality, safety, and schedule requirements
• Responsible for negotiating and/or implementing contracts with suppliers for price, quality, delivery, and service.  Will find innovative ways to reach common ground for a win/win relationship to develop a global supply base that creates and sustains a competitive advantage for FCE.  Identifies and actively pursues cost reduction opportunities, driving savings in line with overall business expectations, ensuring targets for cost reduction are met.
• Manages cost models for suppliers (price, volume, discounts, commodity cost forecasts and cost drivers, etc.).
• Maintain ownership of the whole procurement process from component acquisition, administration of contract, on time deliveries, quality through invoice payment and warranty terms. 
• Develop and maintain metrics for monitoring supply chain processes and take corrective actions and drive for continuous improvement all throughout the supply chain.  Responsible and accountable for developing and managing risk mitigation plans for assigned product categories. 
• Responsible for maintaining an effective Kanban system with suppliers to improve inventory turns, while maintaining 100% on time shipment to our customers. 
• Make sure suppliers have current approved and released Specs and Drawings revisions. 
• Participate in new product introduction as required; help identify and qualify new suppliers as needed.  Participate in Suppliers Audit as required.
• Interface with Manufacturing, Finance, Engineering, Quality, and shipping/receiving personnel on material issues, invoicing issues, production planning and other issues.  Function as a team member to share ideas, exchange and report information, and develop solutions to problems to assure on time delivery to our customers while continue to improve inventory turns.
• Maintain all purchasing data in ERP
• Uses their market knowledge to mitigate obsolescence risks; proactively seek information to predict, understand and analyze obsolescence risks and develop appropriate strategies.
• Perform additional tasks and/or special projects as requested.

Qualifications:

Education:  A Bachelor’s degree in business, Operation Management, Supply Chain or related discipline.  MBA preferred. 

Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a manufacturing MRP environment

Candidate Must Have / Be:

• Strong verbal and written communication, conflict resolution, analytical, organizational, project management and negotiation skills to influence external and internal suppliers and customers to minimize and eliminate all supply chain risks.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement, both strategically and operationally, with a strong understanding of procurement and strategic sourcing processes.
• A track record of success in qualifying alternate sources of supply and achieving cost reductions for complex engineered components and equipment. 
• Technical and commodity knowledge of: raw materials (i.e. ferrous and non-ferrous metals), various manufacturing processes (i.e. welding, brazing, machining, fabrication, and stamping), and electrical equipment (transformers and fans).
• Exceptional negotiation skills; experienced in developing win-win relationships with key suppliers.  Able to develop short, mid and long term strategies.  Treat suppliers as business partners.  Trust them but verify the trust using data.
• Able to lead Contract negotiations with suppliers on pricing, and Terms & Conditions which support business requirements, including clearly defined service expectations / goods specifications, performance measurement practices and shortfall remedies.
• Experienced in Lean tools of Kanban, Kaizen, PokYoke, etc.  Skill of Six Sigma is a strong plus.
• Able to multi-task and effectively manage all phases of a number of strategic sourcing programs concurrently.
• Demonstrable skills to interpret and analyze data in order to present business cases supporting sourcing recommendations.  Models a positive can-do attitude and is cooperative both within their function and company-wide.
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results by motivating and influencing others, moves organization toward accomplishment of objectives. 
• Be a self-starter & proactive.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software suite, including: Outlook, Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with an ERP system (Microsoft Dynamics AX, a plus).
• Six Sigma certification and CPSM is a plus.
• Able to support and adhere to policies, procedures, and operational guidelines related to established quality management system (ISO 9001:2015).

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

• General work is in an office environment utilizing a computer and other office equipment.
• Must be able to drive between CT offices to attend meetings as required for specific meetings
• Must be able to obtain a US Passport for Occasional International Travel
• Have the ability to travel domestically and internationally ~ 10%.
• Be able and willing to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as designated such as safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hats, respirator, and other PPE as required.

Equal Opportunity Employer

FuelCell Energy is an equal-opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and safe work environment for people of all backgrounds.

We offer a competitive compensation package as well as comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, company-paid life/disability insurance, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, and generous paid leave.

The successful candidate is required to complete a drug screen, criminal background check, and employment and education verification.

FuelCell Energy, Inc. is committed to ensuring that its application process provides an equal employment opportunity to all U.S. job seekers, including individuals with disabilities.  If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an application, please send an email with your resume to talentacquisition@fce.com or contact us by calling 860-496-2222. Please indicate the specifics of the assistance needed.

NOTE:   This dedicated phone line and email address are designed exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be acknowledged.  A response to your request may take up to two business days.

No agency submissions please. Resumes submitted to any FuelCell Energy employee without a current, signed and valid contract in place with the FuelCell Energy Recruiting team for this position will become the property of FuelCell Energy and no agency fees will be paid.

For more information about FuelCell Energy and our available openings, please visit our website: https://www.fuelcellenergy.com/careers

We thank all candidates for their interest in a career with FuelCell Energy.  However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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