Procurement Manager

Overview

We are looking for a Procurement Manager to join our team in De Soto, Kansas, where we are building the world’s largest lithium‑ion battery factory. This role focuses on category management and strategic sourcing for indirect materials and services, excluding battery cells. The manager will drive cost, quality, delivery and innovation, negotiate complex agreements, manage supplier performance and advance sustainability and compliance initiatives.

Functional Leadership & Operations

• Lead category management and strategic sourcing initiatives to optimize cost, quality and supply continuity.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies, including RFx processes, supplier selection and contract negotiations.
• Manage supplier performance through governance processes, scorecards and continuous improvement actions.
• Oversee procurement analytics, including spend analysis, cost modeling and financial evaluations.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, procedures and best practices.

Strategic Alignment & Continuous Improvement

• Align procurement strategies with business objectives to deliver total value beyond cost savings.
• Identify and implement process improvements, demand‑management strategies and cost‑optimization initiatives.
• Leverage market intelligence, supplier innovation and industry trends to inform sourcing decisions.
• Develop data‑driven business cases to support strategic initiatives.

Team Development & Knowledge Sharing

• Foster a high‑performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous learning.
• Promote knowledge sharing of category strategies, market insights and best practices.
• Support development of procurement tools, capabilities and methodologies.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner with stakeholders across engineering, operations and finance to align sourcing strategies.
• Influence decision‑making through data‑driven insights and strategic recommendations.
• Build strong internal and external relationships to drive supplier performance and innovation.

Quality, Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, contracts and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and mitigate supply‑chain risks, including supplier performance and market volatility.
• Support safety and environmental initiatives, including adherence to PPE requirements as applicable.
• Drive supplier quality, service reliability and risk‑management practices.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect leadership for the procurement team, including strategic direction, performance expectations, accountability and alignment with organizational goals.
• Responsible for talent planning, performance management, coaching, development and succession planning.

Travel Requirement

• Travel as needed to support supplier engagement, sourcing initiatives and business operations.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

• Wear PPE, including a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator; a respirator fit test may be required based on functional area.

Note:

This description is not exhaustive and is intended to reflect the general nature and level of the job.

Education, Certifications and Licenses

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Finance, Engineering, Operations or related field (or substitute experience).
• Master’s Degree (MBA, Supply Chain, Operations or Engineering) – Preferred.
• Professional certifications (CPSM, CSCP, CPIM or equivalent) – Preferred.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) – Preferred.
• Contract management or commercial negotiation certifications – Preferred.

Essential Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive procurement leadership experience.
• Proven experience in category management, strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management.
• Strong analytical and financial modeling capabilities.
• Demonstrated success driving cost savings and value‑generating initiatives.
• Knowledge of Lean Six Sigma or continuous improvement principles.
• Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross‑functional…