Procurement Strategy Manager

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!

Reporting to the Chief Procurement Officer, you will play a pivotal role in the initial ramp-up phase of our North American operations, as we are looking for a passionate Procurement Strategy Manager who wants to CELLebrate in fast-paced and fast-changing environments. As part of the ramp-up team, you will work closely with local PowerCo SE team members, our PowerCo SE team members at Headquarters in Germany as well as colleagues from the Volkswagen Group Canada in Ajax, ON. 

This role is located in St. Thomas ON, and is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days required in office.

• Oversee and guide the operational purchasing activities, ensuring effective collaboration between buyers and business units across the North American region (NAR) to meet procurement objectives.
• Direct and manage purchasing initiatives, benchmarking practices and performance with global VW Group Purchasing colleagues to drive consistency and continuous improvement across regions.
• Ensure the maintenance and ongoing updates of the project tracking system, providing accessible and streamlined access for all buyers to track and manage procurement progress.
• Proactively address and resolve purchasing-related issues, coordinating with various functional teams within VWGoA, VWdMx, and VGCA to ensure alignment and smooth operations.
• Lead the coordination of purchasing activities across multiple regions, identifying and gathering best practices locally, regionally, and globally, and facilitating knowledge sharing to drive efficiency.
• Organize, oversee, and facilitate training sessions for buyers, focusing on procurement processes, systems, and industry best practices to ensure team development and operational excellence.
• Actively participate in audits, providing detailed documentation of procedures and making recommendations for continuous improvement in purchasing operations.
• Support the development and execution of strategic initiatives aimed at achieving synergies across the North American region, enhancing procurement efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• Lead special strategic purchasing projects and cost reduction initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and the successful achievement of targeted outcomes.
• Partner with sourcing analysts to provide operational expertise and support throughout the sourcing process, ensuring the alignment of procurement strategies with broader business objectives.
• the creation and presentation of training materials for various teams, ensuring clarity and consistency in procurement process training.
• Drive forecasting efforts for collaboration projects within NAR, ensuring timely procurement planning and resource allocation to meet business needs.
• and maintain strong relationships with business units and procurement partners to identify and implement cost-effective procurement solutions that drive value across the organization.
• Lead the analysis of supply base information, focusing on pricing, capacity, and quality to inform supplier evaluations and strategic decision-making.
• Manage and oversee the supplier registration process, ensuring efficiency and compliance with organizational and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all sourcing activities are accurately documented through the VW Group global purchasing system, “GLOBE,” maintaining consistency and transparency in procurement operations.
• Supervise and optimize the electronic approval process for workflows, ensuring timely and efficient approval of project-related documents and minimizing delays in the procurement cycle.
• Analyze team workload and project demands, identifying potential bottlenecks and proactively proposing solutions to improve efficiency and meet deadlines.

•    Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Economics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant work
•    7 + years of experience in business strategy, consulting, procurement, or a related role with a demonstrated track record of effectively driving cost reductions and achieving operational objectives.

• 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.