Supplier Development Manager

AESC is looking to add a Supplier Development Manager to our team in Murfreesboro, TN.

• Full-Time
• On-site Murfreesboro, TN

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for zero-emission electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in Japan in 2007 and headquartered in Yokohama, AESC has been building manufacturing capabilities around the world in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan and China to serve key markets and leading customers locally for over 14 years. Today, AESC has become the partner of choice for the world's leading OEMs and energy storage providers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its advanced technology powers over one million electric vehicles and provides more than 15GWh of installed capacity for battery energy systems in over 60 countries.

AESC is expanding its footprint in the United States with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC's Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational since 2012, produces batteries for Nissan. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply Mercedes-Benz with high-performance battery cell modules. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply technology-leading battery cells for new electric models produced in BMW Group's Spartanburg plant. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making its investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities.

Reporting to the Product Procurement leader, as the Supplier Development Manager at AESC, you will play a key role in supporting the localization of direct materials and components required for the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries. Partner with suppliers and stakeholders to identify and strengthen our local Supply Chain, ensuring our requirements are met, with a strong mind set for Continuous improvement.

• Identify Key Automotive and Energy Storage supplier companies willing to participate in ongoing improvement programs capable of delivering sustainable and accelerating improvement in overall company performance.
• Lead Procurement Supplier Onboarding, participating in Cross-Functional Onsite Audits, evaluations and development to build a robust local supply chain.
• Liaise with multiple internal and external stakeholders, escalating technical issues as needed, and influencing good results for the company.
• Conduct regular Supplier Performance Evaluations, ensuring reliability of Supply Chain, monitoring and accelerating improvement activities where necessary with related Regional / Global functions.
• Collaborate with the Regional and Global Purchasing team to identify sourcing strategies for US business, developing strong supplier relationships and ensuring supply chain alignment.
• Identify performance improvement tools (Lean Manufacturing concepts) that are most appropriate for a given Supplier or Commodity and apply it in the design and implementation of process commercial improvements.
• Train and coach Suppliers to improve aspects of their business performance, assisting Buyers with financially troubled suppliers through cost/impact analysis.
• Support Cost benchmarking analysis, across suppliers and platforms during and post sourcing activities to identify gaps, opportunities and risks within supplier quoted processes and manufacturing capability.
• Other duties as assigned.

Welcome to AESC, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission.

We offer:

• Comprehensive compensation packages including a competitive salary and a rewarding bonus program.
• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement

Even if you don't meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. Your application allows us to learn more about you and find potential fits within our team. We strive to respond to all applicants promptly, though times may vary with submission volume. If you don't receive an immediate response, it doesn't reflect on your candidacy; we'll keep your application for future opportunities. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we improve our application process.

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.

Hiring is contingent upon successful completion of drug screen and background check. AESC US LLC is a drug-free workplace.

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 7-10 years if proven purchasing experience, preferably within a lithium-ion battery manufacturing environment or a related high-tech industry.
• Strong knowledge of production processes commonly practiced in the Automotive industry with the ability to identify and implement continuous improvement, following "Lean Manufacturing" principles.
• Manufacturing expertise within specific production methods (molding, stamping, etc.) per commodity characteristics.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to take responsibility for procurement activities and deliver results in a fast-paced team environment.
• Excellent communication skills to build relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including Executive level and Cross-functional leadership.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate trends, deliver proactive solutions, and drive improvements in purchasing processes.
• A strong understanding of purchasing best practices within the supply chain, with a proven track record of meeting targets in competitive industries.
• Strong focus on customer and delivering results.
• Industrial awareness, with the ability to investigate new supply markets and assess supplier capabilities to support cost reduction and supply rationalization initiatives.
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949, ISO14001, and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• This role may require occasional travel to supplier locations and AESC's gigafactory sites to manage procurement activities and supplier relationships.
• Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
• Understands and follows all standards of ISO14001 environmental standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)

Occasional domestic and international travel required.