Senior Supplier Management Specialist

Our Story and Why We're Growing

We are proud to announce the launch of Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory, PowerCo, in St. Thomas. This is more than just a job – it’s a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainable energy. Join us as we ramp up operations and help build a world-class company.

At PowerCo, we believe in fostering an environment where ambition meets collaboration, and where flexibility and creativity thrive.  You'll be part of a diverse, talented team that is shaping the future of battery production. You’ll have the chance to advance your career while working alongside passionate colleagues who share a vision of making a lasting impact on the world.

Are you ready to be part of something exciting? Power up your career with us!

About the Role

This position reports directly to the Senior Manager,  Battery Components and Supplier Management and is responsible for independently coordinating the supplier management process. This involves working closely and pro-actively with internal and external clients, global procurement teams, and various business units such as R&D and quality assurance to ensure timely and efficient start-up of purchased parts, aligning with deadlines and capacity requirements. Additionally, the role includes on-site support and management of plant and tool production at supplier locations, as well as overseeing toolmaking and factory preparation for both greenfield and brownfield projects, both domestically in Canada and internationally. The role plays a major key-factor to make sure that component suppliers deliver parts on time and with right capacity on project milestones, and to avoid delays.

This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site at our St. Thomas location.

Key Responsibilities

•    Lead and influence component design during the concept phase to ensure alignment with project requirements and procurement interests.
•     Ensure supplier industrialization plans are realistic and aligned with PowerCo milestones to avoid delays that could jeopardize SOP and customer delivery.
•    Drive the review and validation of QTR (Quality Technical and Requirements) documents to ensure accuracy and feasibility.
•    Conduct early-phase technical evaluations of supplier capabilities during tenders, analyzing manufacturing processes, industrialization concepts, and installed capacities to guide supplier selection and ensure technical readiness — recognizing that poor evaluations can critically impact project timelines.
•    Manage the assessment of schedule feasibility and actively participate in commitment meetings to ensure project timelines are realistic  and aligns with aligns with production and SOP milestones.
•     Oversee the tracking and verification of component development, including on-site reviews of eco-inserts and the management of documentation to ensure completeness and accuracy.
•    Independently track and manage key components relevant to purchased parts management, ensuring timely delivery of initial samples.
•    Manage up to 5 suppliers simultaneously, ensuring each supplier meets key delivery and readiness milestones.
•    Monitor and control the timely completion of tools, products, and factory capacities (PCA1/PCA2) by requesting and tracking necessary documents and providing intensive on-site support at supplier locations.
•    Act as a technical specialist for on-site support at suppliers of battery cell components, resolving technical issues and maintaining alignment with development timelines.
•    Maintain clear and regular communication with Procurement, operations, and other departments, providing updates on project status, risks, and mitigation measures.
•    Manage operational activities with suppliers, sub-suppliers, and set suppliers at the production site, ensuring adherence to quality and performance standards to support a stable production launch
•    Provide continuous updates to Procurement and relevant departments on activities, measures, and results, ensuring clear and timely communication.
•    Lead the coordination and tracking of sampling processes for critical parts, ensuring all deadlines are met for pre-series and SOP phases.
•    Influence and advise internal and external stakeholders — including senior leaders and suppliers — to drive alignment on procurement activities and ensure smooth transitions into series production.
•    Ensures end-to-end readiness with a clear link to successful product launches and market delivery
•    Oversee and support special measures such as cost investigations, tool relocations, and scrapping campaign driving outcomes that align with operational and financial targets.
•    Proactively identify, assess, and prioritize risks related to component development, supplier readiness, and project timelines; implement effective mitigation strategies and escalate issues as needed.
•    Manage Supplier related project activities from initiation through to SOP, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder expectations are effectively coordinated and met
•    Take ownership of  special tasks that leverage your unique qualifications and expertise to drive high-impact outcomes across the organization.
•    Other duties as assigned.

What you bring to the Team

•    Master`s  degree in engineering, chemistry, mining, physics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and/or equivalent relevant work experience.
•    10-15 years of relevant experience especially with SAP Procurement
•    Proven experience in supplier management and project tracking, specifically in the battery or manufacturing industry.
•    Technical expertise in battery cell pre-materials and primary materials for battery cell production
•    Experienced in IATF and/or VDA
•    Strong understanding of lean production principles, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and Continuous Improvement Processes (CIP).
•    Excellent project management skills with a track record of meeting timelines and deliverables.
•    Experience in evaluating suppliers for tenders and managing procurement interfaces.
•    Proficient in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data analysis and reporting.
•    Strong financial acumen and analytical skills to support decision-making.
•    High initiative, negotiation skills, and assertiveness in team environments.
•    Proven experience in evaluating suppliers' eligibility for tenders related to new projects.
•    Strong analytical skills for assessing planned manufacturing processes, industrialization concepts, and project schedules.
•    German or Spanish language skills would be an asset.
•    Certification as a VDA 6.3 auditor is preferred.
•    Experience with start-ups and/or mergers and acquisitions strongly desired
•    Proven track record in verifying and accepting installed production capacities.
•    Ability to map technical interfaces in procurement for cross-departmental collaboration.
•    Flexibility and willingness to travel

Power Perks

•    Attractive Remuneration: We offer a competitive and attractive remuneration that reflect your skills, experience, and contributions.
•    Vacation Allowance: We offer our employees competitive paid time off. Plus, you don’t need to take any vacation days from December 24 to December 31.
•    Opportunities for development
•    Relocation Support
•    Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
•    Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package with extended health care, dental, vision and mental health support.
•    Pension and Retirement Savings: We contribute the equivalent of 5% to a Registered Pension Plan and matching contribution to a retirement savings plan.
•    And much more!

*This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

We believe that the best results are created in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Therefore, all qualified applications will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, religion, gender (identity), sexual orientation, national origin or disability.

PowerCo Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.