Director, Purchasing

American Battery Solutions has a full-time opening for the Director, Purchasing in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Job Summary

The Director, Purchasing develops and leads the execution of the strategy for sourcing and supplier performance for direct and indirect commodities across the organization. Responsible for leadership of Purchasing team including the development and operations of all Purchasing functions.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and implements business process improvements enabling efficiency, cost strategies and results for internal and external stakeholders.
• Responsible for strategic sourcing of direct and indirect commodities.
• Manage and build relationships with supply base to include renewal of agreements and assist suppliers to develop continuous improvement plans and measures to monitor optimal business performance and results.
• Defines and drives performance for Purchasing KPIs, e.g., OTD, PPV, TCR, SCARS, supplier concerns, and supplier optimization.
• Collaborate with internal teams to manage supplier selection and evaluation that drives business decisions in alignment with Company objectives.
• Provide leadership and guidance to team of procurement professionals responsible for developing, communicating, and executing the sourcing strategy for direct and indirect materials required to satisfy business unit needs.
• Monitor market conditions to anticipate trends in pricing, capacity, and supply base consolidation and risk mitigation.
• Develop, lead, and execute purchasing strategies, serving as the subject matter expert on purchasing decisions.
• Determine quantity and timing of deliveries.
• Adhere to federal and state regulations.
• Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
• Predictable and reliable attendance.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Finance, or business-related field or equivalent experience.
• Master’s degree or equivalent years strategic procurement or supply chain experience.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of Procurement experience, including development of strategic plans and achievement of results in areas of cost and supplier optimization.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience leading a team of Purchasing and/or Supply Chain professionals.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with ERP systems, specifically PLEX preferred. Professional certifications or designations related to Purchasing or Supply Chain.
• Six Sigma or comparable improvement methodologies.
• Ability to communicate with cell suppliers, employees, and potential customers effectively and professionally.
• Excellent proven negotiation and influencing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to gather and analyze data and to work with figures.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple ongoing projects.
• Uncompromised ethical adherence to decisions and policies that are in the best interest of the company.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel up to 30% of the time or as determined by business need.

Key Competencies

• Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Priorities Focused: Understands and actively supports the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
• Influences Others: Has personal and organizational impact built on mutual trust, fairness, and honesty. Flexes their style to direct, collaborate, or empower, as the situation requires.
• Business Acumen: Being aware of and familiar with how business strategies and tactics work, and their effect on the customer; understanding issues that impact your business or organization; knowing the competition.
• Develops and Manages Employees: Actively develops knowledge, skills, and abilities of employees to leverage high performance.
• Delivers Results: Achievement-oriented, feeling a sense of urgency to reach goals on time, if not before.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish team goals and organizational objectives.
• Communications: Exchanges thoughts, feelings, and information effectively.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.
• Ability to adjust focus, especially due to concentration on a computer screen.
• May need to lift and carry up to 30 pounds and/or position the body to reach items on the floor/below knee level or reach overhead.
• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about in industrial environments, and on uneven terrain.
• Works in a temperature-controlled office environment, with occasional work in outdoor weather conditions, and in industrial environments.
• The noise level in the office environment is usually minimal.

Why Join Us

American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Benefits Overview

• Paid time off includes 4 weeks, 15 holidays, and parental leave.
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings.
• Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement.
• Voluntary benefits offerings.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Employee development and career growth opportunities.

About Us

American Battery Solutions Inc. (“ABS”) is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu’s 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business.

As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts.

The Location - Lake Orion

American Battery Solutions Headquarters and Innovation Center is located in the heart of South-East Michigan in Orion Township. Orion Township is a Pure Michigan Trail Town that has a long-standing dedication to enhancing trails and pathways in its community, which is home to the Polly Ann Trail, Paint Creek Trail, and Iron Belle Trail. The township boasts more than 50 miles of trails. Southeast Michigan also boasts some of the best eating around At ABS you’ll enjoy our twice-weekly Lunch Trucks, offering a wide range of options. Whether your interest is in furthering your education, enjoying one of the many regional sporting events, or enjoying the vast outdoors that Michigan has to offer, you’ll be at the center of it here

AMERICAN BATTERY SOLUTIONS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.