Senior Buyer BESS

Job Overview

AESC is looking to add a Senior Buyer, Direct Purchasing-BESS to our team in Murfreesboro, TN. The role reports to the Sr. Manager, Direct Purchasing and is part of the Product Procurement Team. The Senior Buyer will lead strategic sourcing and procurement for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Electric Vehicle (EV) battery technologies.

• Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for EV and BESS battery components (electrode, cell, module, pack, DC/AC).
• Execute RFQ/RFP processes, cost breakdown analysis, and supplier selection using tools like SAP Ariba.
• Analyze spending data, develop category strategies, and drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) decisions.
• Negotiate master purchasing agreements, pricing, delivery terms, and warranties with local and global suppliers.
• Lead commercial relationship management, including business reviews, contract enforcement, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation.
• Drive expansion of U.S. local supplier pool.
• Serve as primary escalation point for supplier issues related to cost, quality, and delivery.
• Translate technical drawings, BOMs, and specs into sourcing requirements.
• Partner with Engineering and R&D to influence design‑for‑cost and manufacturability decisions.
• Support NPI and prototype builds with timely sourcing of advanced and emerging battery technologies.
• Track and report procurement metrics such as cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing risk.
• Contribute to continuous improvement programs focused on lead time reduction, working capital improvement, and supply chain sustainability.
• Ensure compliance with international trade, ESG, and industry‑specific standards (IATF
  16949, ISO
  14001, RoHS, etc.).

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field. Master’s Degree or MBA preferred.
• 5–7 years of experience in direct purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain within battery, automotive, energy, or electronics manufacturing.
• Strong understanding of BESS and EV battery value chains, including raw materials (cathode, anode, electrolyte), cell/module/pack technologies, and supporting DC/AC systems.
• Proven success in complex contract negotiation, cost modeling, and supplier development.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specs, and manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with Tier 1 & 2 contract manufacturing models and localization strategies.
• Experience evaluating and implementing global and regional processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of global compliance regulations, trade agreements, and sustainability standards (IRA, EU Battery Passport, etc.).
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Net Suite) and analytics tools; experience with Ariba or similar e‑sourcing tools is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence at multiple levels.
• Self‑starter, highly organized, with strong problem‑solving skills and business acumen.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 30 %).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the creation of presentations and high‑quality deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast‑paced, rapidly growing collaborative environment.
• Aptitude for analyzing industry trends and competitor actions related to BESS and EV acceleration.
• Understands and follows IATF
  16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards (training will be provided for those unfamiliar).

• Inclusive and diverse work environment fostering professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature‑controlled production environment.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Life Insurance (company‑paid) and additional voluntary life options.
• Paid Vacation and 14 paid holidays.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage (company‑paid).
• Tuition reimbursement.

Even if you do not meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application helps us evaluate future opportunities. Our hiring team will review your submission and, if suitable, contact you for next steps. We appreciate…