Manager, Supplier Development

Our Story and Why We're Growing

About the Role

For the initial ramp-up phase of our North American operations we are looking for a Supplier Development Manager to drive supplier performance, innovation, and strategic partnerships within our procurement function. This role will focus on identifying, evaluating, and developing key suppliers to align with our business objectives, ensuring cost efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

This position reports directly to the Senior Manager Indirect Procurement – Construction Services and is responsible for independently leading the supplier management process.

This individual must be highly organized and detail-oriented, thrives in fast-paced and fast-changing environments, working closely with the local Senior Manager Indirect Procurement, Construction 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 is a flex hybrid model requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office, subject to change based on the needs and nature of this project.

Key Responsibilities

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure alignment with company goals.
• Act as the primary point of contact for strategic suppliers, fostering collaboration and strong partnerships.
• Lead supplier business reviews, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation.
• Participate in negotiations and manage supplier agreements to optimize value, performance, and service levels.

Strategic Procurement & Risk Management:

• Collaborate with internal teams to align supplier capabilities with business needs and strategic objectives.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking to identify opportunities for supplier optimization.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies, ensuring supply chain resilience and continuity.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contractual agreements, and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Partner with internal stakeholders (Operations, Finance, Legal, etc.) to ensure supplier performance meets business needs.
• Act as a bridge between suppliers and internal teams to enhance collaboration and resolve any operational challenges.
• Support Indirect Procurement group in strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations.

Supplier Performance & Development:

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess supplier performance and compliance.
• Identify areas for supplier development and implement improvement plans in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Work closely with suppliers to drive process improvements, cost reductions, and innovation.
• Ensure suppliers adhere to quality, sustainability, and ethical sourcing standards.

Strategic Procurement Engagement:

• 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 Business, or in Supply Management or Procurement.
• 5 + years of experience in supplier relationship management, procurement, or strategic sourcing.
• Proven experience in supplier management and project tracking, specifically in the Services and manufacturing industry.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices, risk management, and sustainability principles.
• Effective contract management, and analytical skills.
• Strong understanding of Experience in supplier performance management and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving abilities.
• 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.
• Presentation of work results and project status reports in committees.
• Proven experience in evaluating suppliers' eligibility for tenders related to new projects.
• Proficiency in procurement software and data analysis tools.
• Previous knowledge of SAP procurement and Enterprise Management System (EMS)system.
• 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.
• 30 % travel within greater Ontario as well as internationally.

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.