Procurement 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

For the initial ramp-up phase of our North American operations we are looking for a highly organized and detail-oriented Procurement Specialist Construction & Infrastructure who thrives in fast-paced and fast-changing environments. Reporting to the Senior Manager, Procurement, as part of the ramp-up team, you will work closely with the local Head of Purchasing and PowerCo SE team members at Headquarters in Germany as well as colleagues from the Volkswagen Group Canada in Ajax to help establish the Procurement division of the new company.

This role is temporarily hybrid but will transition to fully onsite at our St. Thomas, ON location based on construction progress and the needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities

•    Purchasing of all construction and infrastructure services for the initial establishment of the company
•    Independent sourcing, negotiation and completion of single orders as well as frame contracts
•    Presentation of purchasing strategies and results in PowerCo and global Volkswagen sourcing committees
•    Acting as a liaison between VW Group Canada (VGCA), PowerCo SE (Germany) and the newly-established Canadian battery entity, learning all existing Purchasing programs and processes in order to act as a subject matter expert between all three parties
•    Serving as a coach and mentor to new hires, accompanying them through the ramp-up phase
•    Administration and optimization of contracts and amendments in alignment with internal and external stakeholders
•    Establishment and management of strategic suppliers
•    Following up on purchasing issues and/or discrepancies as needed to ensure full resolution for internal customers
•    Reporting regularly on all purchasing activities to the local Head of Purchasing as well as to the PowerCo SE Purchasing HQ in Germany
•    Working closely with management and employees to improve work relationships, build morale, and increase productivity and retention
•    Performing other related duties as assigned or as they might pertain to the position

What you bring to the Team

•    Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Industrial Engineering or related fields and/or equivalent relevant work experience
•    3+ years professional experience in Purchasing and construction and infrastructure Contract Management
•    Highly developed communication and negotiation skills in written and oral form
•    Experience communicating with vendors and working cross-functionally with all internal and external teams
•    Experience with identifying cost savings and process improvement opportunities
•    Comfortability preparing, drafting and issuing purchase orders, as well as reviewing and acting on requisitions, contract documents and supplier records from assigned workflow queues
•    Affinity for numbers and measurable results
•    Occasional travel within Ontario, as well as internationally (~20%)
•    Ability to maintain flexible work hours to account for time zone differences with Europe, when necessary
•    Overtime may be required to meet ramp-up deadlines
•    Previous knowledge of SAP procurement and Enterprise Management System (EMS)system
•    Previous knowledge of Volkswagen purchasing systems
•    Knowledge of German language is considered an asset
•    CIPS/CPSM/CSCP/CSCM/CSCMP is considered an asset
•    Experience with start-ups and/or mergers and acquisitions strongly desired

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.