Commodity Manager II (Global Sourcing) at First Solar Inc in Perrysburg, Ohio

Job Description:

First Solar is leading the world’s sustainable energy future. We are an exciting work environment in one of the most important industries of the 21st century. First Solar is a leader in the development and manufacturing of thin film solar modules used in grid-connected solar power plants. Our cost-advantaged solar technology boasts the smallest carbon footprint, lowest life cycle water use, and fastest energy payback in the industry. We are delivering solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges including climate change, energy security, water scarcity, and the unsustainable growing consumption of natural resources. At First Solar, you will feel valued, appreciated and challenged, working side-by-side with some of the top minds in the industry. You will be regularly updated on the company’s goals, progress and achievements. First Solar maintains a culture where all associates work together to lead the world’s sustainable energy future. We believe in employee engagement, collaboration, well-being and productivity for all generations and emerging work styles.We’re changing the world. Now, let us start with yours. First Solar is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. First Solar’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or any other basis protected by application country, federal, state or local laws; the company prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories.

 

Basic Job Functions:

Lead procurement cross-functional teams for Tier 2 categories resulting in procurement decisions delivering the highest quality, reliability, and value to meet First Solar requirements.  Develop strong business relationships and strategic alliances supporting First Solar’s growth plan.

 

Education and Experience: 

• BS/BA degree plus 5 or more years of experience in a related technical or business field or 8 years experience in a related technical or business field


• Strong knowledge of operational purchasing processes & concepts.


• ISM and APICS Certification preferred.

 

Required Skills:

• Decision Making:
  
  
  
  • Participates with executives to establish strategic plans and objectives.
  
  
  • Select, evaluate, and develop category plan objectives in areas of technology, quality, cost, flexibility, and service.
  
  
  • Execute projects consistent with achieving overall supply management organizational goals.
  
  
  • Implement sourcing decisions based on team consensus to weighted scorecard.
  
  

• Problem Solving:


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  • Assess, define and resolve complex supply chain and procurement issues without supervision.
  
  
  • Apply root cause analysis and derive corrective actions, and assess adequacy of the analyses and plans proposed by suppliers managed.
  
  
  • Apply appropriate competitive cost benchmarks, financial analysis and risk management techniques to solve issues.
  
  
  • Able to influence internal customers and executive to achieve mutually beneficial solutions.
  
  

           Project Management:

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  • Understands and demonstrates advanced project management skills.
  
  
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects at the same time, and to close projects on time.
  
  
  • Effectively manages relationships and peer deliverables to successful project completion.
  
  

           Interaction: 

• 
  
  
  
  • Highly effective communicator, including oral, written and presentation preparation
  
  
  • Interacts primarily with peers, senior managers and executives within First Solar.
  
  
  •  Interaction requires the ability to influence others, frequently associates with higher position, to achieve organiziational goals. 
  
  
  • Often acts as team leader of cross-functional group for ad-hoc or standing projects.
  
  
  • Routine interaction with directors, VPs or “C”  level executives of suppliers managed.
  
  
  • Builds deep industry relationships and category subject matter expertise.
  
  


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            Negotiation: 

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  • Performs market and cost analysis.
  
  
  • Issues RFIs/RFQs/RFPs.
  
  
  • Develops and executes negotiation plan.
  
  
  • Conducts negotiation within approved negotiation parameters and authority.
  
  
  • Documents commercial terms and drafts contract agreements and amendments.
  
  

 

Job Complexity

• Receives assignments in the form of objectives, with goals by which to meet those goals.


• Works on issues of broad scope and complexity where analysis of situation or data is complicated by limited data to support decisions or unique circumstances for which methods are not established.


• Follows processes and operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions, and ensures non-standard process/policies receive appropriate review and approval. 


• Develops and administers project plan schedules and performance requirements.


• Exercises broad judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action.


• Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve objectives will add costs and may impact the short-term goals of the organization.

 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Act as global supply management leader for assigned categories.  


• Develop and implement a global sourcing with specific negotiation strategies to achieve cost, supply assurance and risk mitigation objectives.  


• Lead commercial negotiations with managed supply partners.


• Coordinate aggregation of all sites demand for supplier forecasting and leveraging for cost reduction.


• Proactively manage supplier base ensuring supply with no adverse impact on factory ramp plans.


• Utilize formal benchmarking methods to determine best in class processes and drive improvement.


• Develop and implement cost-reduction programs through the use of Cost- of-Ownership (COO) analysis, cost build-up analysis and supplier competition.


• Measure and track supply performance within spend category.


• Implement inventory optimization programs to optimize inventory turns, inventory investment and service level performance.


• Effectively communicate with appropriate management levels both internally and externally. 


• Lead cross functional team and manage supply chain to goals for quality, technology, cost, flexibility and service.


• Demonstrate project management skills in leading cross functional teams. 


• Conduct business dealings with the highest level of integrity and regard for legal and environmental issues.

 

Please note: potential candidates will meet the education and experience requirements provided on the above job description and excel in completing the listed responsibilities for this role.   All candidates receiving an offer of employment must successfully complete a background check, pre-employment drug screen, and any other test that may be required for the role.

                                                                                                                     

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: First Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

 

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