Procurement Specialist

Do you want to make a positive impact? Are you interested in helping us achieve our vision of a highly efficient grid that powers a cleaner planet? Do you want to work in a collaborative environment surrounded by colleagues who are creative, focused and mission-driven? If so, read on to see if this might be the job you have been dreaming about.

We are in the energy transition business. At Smart Wires, we reimagine the grid with innovative technology and analytics that provide a digital, controllable and optimized power system. This will enable renewable energy adoption and consumer electrification at the pace and scale required for a net zero world.

With commitment to accelerating the energy transition, we are determined to achieve our mission to advance the delivery of affordable, clean electricity around the world. Come join our team!

Smart Wires is currently looking for a Procurement Specialist based in Durham, NC, to support our Procurement and Supply Chain team.

The Position

As a Procurement Specialist at Smart Wires Inc, you will play a vital role in developing and managing procurement processes to create value by ensuring the efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods and services. Reporting to the Director, Procurement and Supply Chain, this role collaborates with a cross-functional team of manufacturing, purchasing, engineering, finance, quality and other key colleagues to develop sourcing strategies, drive sourcing initiatives, plan/procure materials and develop preferred supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify and deliver their procurement needs
• Develop and implement category strategies to create value for the organization in areas including risk management and cost reduction
• Ensure all category sourcing activities are aligned to a common set of objectives
• Procure materials for assigned categories using Oracle NetSuite ERP to optimize inventory levels and ensure reliable supply
• Conduct market research to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their products and/or services
• Monitor supplier performance and proactively manage supplier relationships to build strategic partnerships
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements and lead projects to deliver value
• Maintain accurate and updated procurement-related master data records in Oracle NetSuite ERP including inventory balances, item records and supplier information
• Build analytical tools and reports to provide actionable insights for team members
• Create and refine process documentation to establish standard work in the department
• Other roles and responsibilities as dictated by business needs

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, supply chain management, or a related field
• 5+ years of procurement/sourcing experience; prior experience supporting manufacturing is required
• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, processes, and best practices
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Proficiency in using procurement software and tools
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions
• Hands-on manufacturing and/or supply chain experience is highly desirable
• Ability to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment and not be hindered by ambiguity or multiple competing priorities
• Comfortable working in an organization operating in a state of change /transformation
• Knowledge of the electrical/electronic manufacturing industry is preferred, but not required
• Functional experience with NetSuite ERP or other similar ERP system is preferred
• CPSM or equivalent certification is preferred

Location

• This role is located at the Smart Wires HQ, in Durham, North Carolina.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel may be required to visit the manufacturing facility (in St. Petersburg, FL) and supplier sites if needed.

Benefits

At Smart Wires, we strive to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that focuses on our employee's total wellbeing, and our benefits offerings reflect that commitment to our people.

We offer:

• Competitive compensation packages.
• Unlimited Annual Leave (Yes, we encourage employees to make full use of this benefit).
• Company-wide wellness break to recharge.
• Eighteen weeks of paid parental leave to support you and your family.
• Flexible workspace policy/ Hybrid workplace.

Benefits/perks may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the country where you work.

The Company

Smart Wires is a global power technology company advancing the delivery of affordable, clean electricity worldwide. With our innovative technology and advanced analytics, we maximize the grid’s capacity. This means more renewables, at a lower cost and with less disruption to communities and the environment. Smart Wires is headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, with a global workforce spread across four continents. Our team collaborates with our customers to achieve their strategic objectives and help them face an uncertain energy future with flexible, high-impact solutions.

The Culture

We are passionate about creating a culture that empowers our team to create positive change for everyone., and achieve their full potential, based on our core values:

• Making an impact - We are passionate and ambitious about a better future for everyone. We are laser-focused on creating a meaningful, positive impact with real change for our customers, our industry, electricity consumers, and the planet.
• Collaboration to drive success - We collaborate with each other, and our stakeholders, because we know even better outcomes come from great teamwork. We have humility which allows us to listen, learn and improve. We value diverse perspectives and seek high impact results.
• Accountability - We take responsibility for our actions and behaviors, and for the outcomes we deliver. Acting with integrity and authenticity – and maintaining clear, open communication – ensures we are always improving, and delivering safe, high-quality solutions. We do what we say we will do.
• Tenacious courage - We are clear on our path. We have always pioneered new ideas that challenge the status quo, even when it’s not popular. We have tenacity, grit and determination. We push the boundaries of what’s thought to be possible – so we can leave the world a better place than we found it.

Smart Wires is committed to diversity in our organization and building an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences. We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Smart Wires complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination and we especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of any skin color, LGBTQ people, veterans, and people with disabilities.