Director, Procurement

Remote roles:
This is a fully remote role for candidates who are based outside of the New York Metropolitan area. For those located in the area, we encourage you to consider our hybrid work arrangement (1-2 days a week in our NYC office). That said, we value flexibility and if you have a different preference, please do not let that deter you from applying – let’s talk about it!

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States or Canada. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of any employment-based visas at this time.

Energy storage is the key to unlocking a future where our world is powered by renewable resources. At Convergent Energy and Power, our mission is to make the electrical grid cleaner, more reliable, and less expensive by leveraging state-of-the-art energy storage and distributed generation technologies.

The Director, Procurement is responsible for developing estimating and procurement strategies and leading commercial negotiations for Energy Storage and Storage + Solar PV goods and services in support of Convergent’s development, engineering, construction, and international operations activities.

This is a people management role that oversees a category team in the procurement organization.

What You’ll Do

Procurement Strategy and Contract Negotiation (30%)

o   Manage the EPC and services category procurement, lead commercial negotiations in support of project and organization objectives.

o   Work with internal and external counsel to develop and manage equipment supply and vendor agreements to ensure that terms and conditions are in line with market expectations and align with all applicable project agreements.

o   Manage RFPs to determine best-fit suppliers for construction services based on company objectives.

o   Analyze bids and qualify suppliers based on quality, cost, and contractual term criteria. Provide recommendations to senior management on supplier strategy.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (30%)

o   Collaborate with pre-construction, engineering, project management, asset management and business development teams to analyze procurement options and to assist in making equipment supply recommendations that best position Convergent’s pipeline of projects.

People Management (20%)

o   Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with direct report(s) and follow Convergent’s performance review cycle, setting clear goals, evaluating outcomes, and addressing performance issues promptly and effectively.

o   Work with People Operations to handle personnel matters with professionalism, including onboarding, growth, training, hiring, resolving conflicts and making informed recommendations on corrective actions, and staff transitions when necessary.

o   Foster a positive team culture that embodies Convergent’s values.

Post-Execution Contract and Supplier Management (10%)

o   Facilitate management of contracts post-execution to ensure all obligations are administered and fulfilled on time, on budget, and per project requirements; ensure effective transition and handoff of contract activities to project management team.

o   Maintain existing relationships with key equipment suppliers, manufacturers, integrators, emerging technology companies, etc., and endeavor to evaluate, establish, and cultivate new relationships with strategic partners.

Market Expansion and Compliance (10%)

o   Develop procurement / supply chain initiatives in new markets and areas of operation in line with compliance, safety, and regulatory requirements, including qualifying and auditing suppliers in collaboration with technical and compliance teams.

o   Analyze market trends and government/regulatory conditions and assess their impact on future activities to provide strategy recommendations to leadership.

o   Attend tradeshows to make new relationships with potential vendors.

o   Continue to build and enhance internal and third-party supported estimating capabilities for all solar and storage projects.

o   Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Finance, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline.

o   8 - 12 years of purchasing experience in the energy industry (e.g., solar, wind, BESS, traditional generation, etc.)

o   Relevant experience managing EPC or construction contracts, field experience or direct project management of large energy infrastructure projects is a strong plus.

o   Proficient in standard estimating, accounting, and construction management software and tools.

o   Must have a high level of experience with EPC contracts, Supply Purchase Agreements, and accounting practices.

o   Must be proficient in Solar and Energy storage equipment and suppliers.

o   Strong negotiation skills are essential.

o   Strategic procurement and purchasing experience.

o   Top-tier commercial negotiation skills, financial acumen and an understanding of the legal aspects of procurement.

o   Comfort with ambiguity, complexity and a willingness to learn.

o   Superior oral and written communication skills.

o   Excellent organizational, interpersonal, time management, and problem-solving skills

o   Relationship management both internally and externally to ethically drive to corporate success

o   Maintain a global and enterprise-wide critical thinking outlook to formulate recommendations and reach complex decisions that deliver results.

o   Risk Management experience.

o   Established experience managing teams or divisions in procurement, estimating, strategic sourcing, or a related field.

o   Alignment with Convergent’s mission and values: Continuous Improvement, Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Ethical Governance, Safety, Sustainability, Collaboration, Ownership, Resilience, and a strong interest in the Clean Energy Transition.

o   20% travel expected for company events, supplier relations, negotiations, and as needed.

We're dedicated to fostering a welcoming and inclusive culture that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all our clean energy professionals. We embrace and learn from our diverse backgrounds, encouraging open dialogue and growth. Through resources like our active Employee Resource Groups, DEI Working Group, and comprehensive training and workshops, we're continuing to build a supportive community that celebrates the convergence of our identities.

Our priority is to ensure that every team member feels valued and supported to have a healthy balance between work life and personal life. We believe a full life outside of the office makes for a happier, healthier team. We support that by offering robust benefits such as but not limited to, the following:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Vacation, Sick, and Volunteer days
• 401K with an employer safe harbor match
• Special Vendor Discounts on programs for:
• Identity theft and fraud prevention

Base Salary Range: $140,000-155,000; Salary Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience.

We encourage people from minority or marginalized groups to apply. If you don’t meet 100% of the above qualifications, but see yourself contributing, please submit an application.

Convergent is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements in the country where we operate. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected]