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Full-Time

Professional Services

Category Manager, Indirect Procurement

Confirmed live in the last 24 hours

Fluence

Fluence

1,001-5,000 employees

Provides energy storage technology and solutions

Energy

Senior

Arlington, VA, USA

Hybrid position requiring 2-3 days in office.

Category
Procurement & Sourcing
Supply Chain Management
Operations & Logistics
Required Skills
NetSuite
SAP Products
Coupa
Data Analysis
Requirements
  • Four-year undergraduate degree (BA or BS) required; MBA and/or procurement or supply chain certification preferred.
  • Minimum of twelve years of business/industry experience with at least ten years in supply chain procurement.
  • Solid process, systems and project management orientation.
  • Broad background in all aspects of supply chain management with the ability to think strategically.
  • Business savvy with strong internal and external negotiating skills. Must be able to critically review and negotiate Indirect contracts and possess a solid understanding of standard contract terms and terminology within the IT category and other Indirect categories.
  • Strong team orientation.
  • Excellent communication (i.e. verbal and written) and presentation skills.
  • Dynamic and creative with energy and vision to drive positive change throughout all organizational levels.
  • Capable of managing and prioritizing multiple tasks.
  • Positive “can do” attitude combined with customer orientation and focus.
  • Analytical and data-driven approach to problem-solving.
  • Proficient with the Microsoft Office® suite and SAP, NetSuite and Coupa.
Responsibilities
  • Support the creation of a framework and roadmap to develop, simplify, standardize, and formalize Fluence’s sourcing and procurement processes and systems across all regions.
  • Build and implement processes consistent with the framework and roadmap, ensuring ongoing compliance.
  • Collaborate with the Indirect Buyer team to seek out cost reduction opportunities from the Purchase Requisition (PR) to Purchase Order (PO) process.
  • Contribute to transitioning transactional activities into automation of the Center of Excellence (COE) to improve overall efficiency and service quality.
  • Respond to user issues and questions related to policies and processes, including the Procure-to-Pay process for all Indirect Categories.
  • Lead a variety of strategic procurement Professional Services categories.
  • Review, propose, or create new category strategy plans for each Indirect category to improve clarity, drive cost savings, and heighten compliance.
  • Network with industry professionals to identify best practices and benchmark performance to optimize processes and systems.
  • Systematically gather and maintain industry and market intelligence for designated categories.
  • Implement favorable supply agreements to protect and provide a competitive advantage to Fluence.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with existing and potential suppliers to create a Preferred Supplier list for cost-effectiveness and quality.
  • Consolidate the supplier base to optimize procurement processes, enhance cost-efficiency, and negotiate favorable terms.
  • Negotiate and establish competitive rates within software and hardware Indirect Categories with strong ability to red line contracts prior to working with the legal department.
  • Manage the contract lifecycle, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, working closely with the legal department.
  • Manage contracts up to $1M in annual spend across all Indirect categories.
  • Continuously monitor and analyze cost data to identify opportunities for savings and efficiency improvements.
  • Meet and/or exceed annual cost savings goals assigned each year.
  • Implement KPIs and performance metrics to assess and improve vendor performance in line with business objectives.
  • Stay updated on industry trends, market conditions, and best practices within the Professional Services category for data-driven decisions.
  • Identify and mitigate potential risks in the procurement process, including compliance and quality issues.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align procurement strategies with business objectives and project requirements.
  • Foster a team environment that develops strong business and professional relationships with key internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Support the development of the Annual Operating Plan and Strategic Plan, managing to meet or exceed expectations.
  • Generate and present regular reports and performance metrics to management on productivity savings, efficiency projects, and project targets.

Fluence Energy provides energy storage technology and digital applications specifically designed for renewable energy. Their products include systems that store electricity generated from renewable sources, which can be tailored to meet the needs of various clients, such as utilities, developers, and commercial businesses. Fluence's solutions are comprehensive, offering all the necessary equipment and services to implement energy storage effectively. What sets Fluence apart from its competitors is its focus on optimizing energy storage for demanding industrial applications and its partnership with Siemens and AES, which enhances its credibility and resources. The company's goal is to facilitate the transition to renewable energy by providing efficient and reliable energy storage solutions.

Company Stage

Series C

Total Funding

$250M

Headquarters

null, Virginia

Founded

2018

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

24%

2 year growth

47%
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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • The multiyear agreement with Excelsior Energy Capital to develop 2.2 GWh of battery storage projects in the U.S. starting in 2025 indicates strong future growth prospects.
  • Fluence's new digital hub in Bengaluru enhances its capabilities in energy storage optimization, potentially leading to more efficient and reliable energy solutions.
  • The $2.9 billion increase in Fluence's pipeline from Q1 to Q2 demonstrates robust demand and a strong market position.

What critics are saying

  • Ongoing investigations into potential securities fraud could damage Fluence's reputation and lead to financial penalties.
  • The competitive landscape in energy storage is intense, requiring continuous innovation and investment to maintain market share.

What makes Fluence unique

  • Fluence's shift to domestic manufacturing in Utah from Vietnam positions it as a key player in the U.S. energy storage market, aligning with national interests in supply chain security.
  • The company's focus on energy storage and optimization software, exemplified by its new Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics Center in Bengaluru, sets it apart from competitors who may not offer such comprehensive digital solutions.
  • Fluence's ability to secure significant partnerships, such as with Excelsior Energy Capital and SSE Renewables, highlights its strong market presence and reliability in large-scale energy projects.

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