General Purchasing Specialist - Manufacturing

Job Description

At CS Power Systems, we're on a mission to transform lives by delivering clean, solar-powered electricity to millions worldwide-and we're just getting started. As a cutting-edge division of Canadian Solar, a global leader founded in 2001, we stand at the forefront of manufacturing high-performance solar panels, inverters, and advanced energy storage solutions. In this fast-growing, high-impact industry, our deep commitment to sustainability drives everything we do, creating innovative technologies that power a brighter, greener future.

Across Canadian Solar's powerful ecosystem-including CS Power Systems, CSPowerTech, e-STORAGE, Recurrent Energy, MSS, and CSI Solar-we're deeply invested in our people's success. If you're passionate about renewable energy and want to "Make the Difference" by building a lasting positive impact on the planet and communities everywhere, join us at CS Power Systems-where your talent can help shape the clean energy revolution.

CS Powertech is a vertically-integrated manufacturer of ingots, wafers, cells, solar modules (panels) and custom-designed solar power applications. CS Powertech delivers solar power products of uncompromising quality to customers worldwide. CS Powertech's world class team of professionals works closely with our customers to provide them with solutions for all their solar needs. For more information on the company, please visit www.canadian-solar.com.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced General Purchasing Specialist to manage procurement of indirect materials for our Cell Business Unit in Indiana. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills to coordinate the procurement of indirect purchasing of MRO materials or services such as Equipment, Office Supplies, EHS Products and non-stock materials or products to support daily operation. This role requires strategic purchasing expertise, analytical capabilities, and meticulous attention to detail to ensure optimal inventory levels and timely material deliveries.

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement and Planning

• Execute efficient procurement for indirect materials (facility, equipment, IT, office, etc.) and services to fulfill production requirements.
• Responsible for end-to-end purchasing process including requisition review, vendor selection, and order placement.
• Process and track purchase requisitions through order fulfillment, ensuring proper approvals before order placement.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with corporate policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation and records.
• Participate in weekly planning and purchasing conference calls to align procurement with operational needs.

Supplier Management

• Conduct strategic purchasing activities to secure advantageous terms concerning pricing, quality, and delivery schedules.
• Collaborate with the logistics department, third-party logistics providers (3PL), suppliers, and freight forwarders to ensure on-time material arrival.
• Monitor, evaluate, and analyze supplier performance (quality, delivery, price bidding) and address issues proactively.
• Manage supplier relationships and escalate vendor issues to management when necessary.
• Support supplier qualification and onboarding processes as needed.

Inventory Optimization

• Apply inventory management principles to minimize excess stock while preventing shortages.
• Coordinate with Production and Planning teams to align procurement with manufacturing needs.
• Support implementation of Just-In-Time (JIT) and First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory practices.
• Assist in periodic inventory reconciliation activities.

Process Optimization and Compliance

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance Team procurement processes, compliance, and operational effectiveness.
• Identify and implement process improvements within purchasing operations.
• Support cost-reduction and inventory optimization strategies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, company policies, and audit requirements.
• Partner with Legal and Finance teams on contract reviews, risk management, and audit processes.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Production, and Quality Assurance departments to understand material and inventory requirements.
• Support inbound/outbound departments by tracking deliveries and ensuring timely arrival.
• Manage, maintain, and update MRO data, investigating abnormal material usage.
• Generate and analyze reports on purchasing activities, savings, and supplier performance.
• Leverage Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Just-In-Time (JIT), and First-In, First-Out (FIFO) inventory methodologies to optimize inventory turnover.

Risk Management

• Identify potential supply chain risks and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions.
• Continuously monitor and analyze market conditions and industry trends impacting procurement and supply chain strategies.
• Maintain accurate records for internal and external audits.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business, or related field.
• 1--3 years of purchasing experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, particularly SAP, SRM, OA.
• Working knowledge of inventory management principles and techniques.
• Experience with international procurement and understanding of Incoterms.
• Experience with spend analysis and cost reduction initiatives.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, etc.)
• Knowledge of MRP/MPS systems and production planning processes.
• Experience with supplier performance scorecards and KPI tracking.
• Familiarity with electronic procurement systems and catalog management
• Capability in purchase price variance (PPV) analysis and reporting.
• Experience negotiating pricing, payment terms, and service level agreements.
• Ability to perform TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) analysis for material selection Excellent organizational abilities and time management.
• Excellent communication skills in Bilingual (English and Mandarin).

Compensation and Benefits

Canadian Solar offers a competitive salary plus fully comprehensive benefits and performance bonus package based on an annual objective achievement. Our generous benefits package includes a 401(k) Retirement Plan, medical/life/disability program, PTO and sick days.

Canadian Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.