Purchasing Manager

At Canadian Solar, our vision is to make lives better by bringing electricity powered by the sun to millions of people worldwide. As a leading manufacturer of solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions, we've been an industry front-runner since our founding in 2001. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in all parts of our organization as we navigate the complexities of a booming industry.

Throughout Canadian Solar's subsidiaries, e-Storage, Recurrent Energy, MSS and CSI Solar Co., we invest in our employees' growth. Our training programs and promotional opportunities ensure we all can continue to learn. We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide various flexible work options to support our employees' well-being. Join our team to "Make the Difference" by creating a lasting positive impact on the world and the communities where we operate.

Canadian Solar Inc. is one of the world's largest solar modular producers. As a leading vertically integrated provider of ingots, wafers, solar cells, solar modules, solar power systems and specialized solar products, Canadian Solar delivers uncompromising value to its customers across the globe.

Position Title

Purchasing/Sourcing Manager

Department

Supply Chain Department

Reports To

General Manager

Location

Shelbyville, Kentucky

Description

We are seeking a skilled Purchasing Manager with a strong background in the energy storage industry to oversee and manage raw materials procurement. This role will be crucial in ensuring efficient and cost-effective supply chain operations, from the initial program kickoff through to product launch. The Purchasing Manager will be responsible for sourcing and managing relationships with suppliers of raw materials and equipment, ensuring that our operations are profitable and aligned with our industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with engineering, production, and quality assurance teams to understand material requirements and ensure that procurement strategies support production needs and product quality.
• Manages/Sources the new supplier development program and maintain current supplier commercial communication to assure the production needs and requirement.
• Utilize negotiation and accountability skills to build effective vendor relationships.
• Manages tracking for the new supplier program cost and timing, organize regular management reviews to ensure the program within budget and launching on time.
• Provides support to the Inside Sales department to follow up on deliveries; Provide tracking numbers and ETAs to ensure freight arrive on time to the correct location.
• Plan, coordinate and execute physical inventory counts.
• Provides support to the accounting team for any reconciliation needed during month end.
• Supports cost reduction and other business improvement initiatives.
• Adheres to efficiency processes to ensure compliance.
• Works to maintain and balance our Logistics transparency internally and externally.
• Maintains and fosters a harmonious working relationship interdepartmentally.
• Ensures that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the Canadian Solar Solution Code of Business Conduct.
• Creates request for quotation (RFQ); Meet with vendors and select vendors based on price, service and ability to meet production needs.
• Processes purchase requisitions from internal departments and ensure proper approvals have been given prior to placing items on order.
• Liaises with freight forwarder, domestic and international suppliers regularly to monitor the status of shipment and ensure materials arrive on time.
• Identifies and communicate issues arising from the supply of materials and services with both the vendor and internal material team.
• Monitors, evaluates, and analyzes vendor and supplier performance to ensure quality and delivery requirements are met.
• Manage supplier relationships and update management on any issues with vendors.
• Manages, maintains and updates Material Requirement Planning (MRP) data and investigate abnormal material usage.
• Monitors production schedules to assess future production needs; Balance available materials on order with ongoing production requirements.
• Participates in weekly planning and purchasing conference calls.
• Performs new material cost evaluation for management review.
• Takes on additional tasks when other departmental staff are absent.
• Ensures that all business activities are performed with the highest ethical standards and in compliance with the Canadian Solar Solution Code of Business Conduct.
• Supports ISO 9001 activities.
• Adheres to all environmental, health and safety rules and policies.
• Identifies potential risks in the supply chain and develop contingency plans to mitigate disruptions. Stay informed about market changes and supply chain dynamics that may impact procurement activities.
• Well aware of use of SAP (ERP system).

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Business Administration, Engineering or an acceptable combination of education and progressively responsible experience.
• MBA degree is desired.
• Direct work experience in an administrative capacity of purchasing, logistics and SQEs.
• Strong knowledge of general office procedures involving procurement, travel arrangements, budget management, and reports.
• Ability to write and format moderately complex correspondence, including memos and letters.
• Accuracy and attention to detail required.
• Excellent writing skills; Proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation is required.
• Superior time management and multitasking skills required.
• Ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong resourcefulness and flexibility.
• Strong communication skills with all levels of the organization.
• Strong customer service orientation, interpersonal skills, and telephone manners.
• Able to deal with people sensitively, tactfully, confidentially, diplomatically, and professionally at all times.
• Able to work efficiently as a part of a team as well as independently.
• Computer literacy, including effective working skills with MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), CNM, and e-mail required.

Note: The Company reserves the right to change the duties and responsibilities of this position at any time as its own discretion.

Note: Canadian Solar Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities by identifying, removing and preventing barriers to promote the rights of all persons and to create an inclusive and accessible working environment. Upon individual request, Canadian Solar will endeavor to remove any barrier to the hiring process to accommodate those candidates with disabilities.