Advanced Procurement Specialist

As an Advanced Procurement Specialist at Fluence, your primary responsibilities will include performing Long-Lead-Time analysis of Bill-of-Materials during the design phase, identifying and managing Single-Source and Sole-Source components, and collaborating closely with Category Managers to craft sourcing strategies. You’ll also conduct Risk-Buy analyses to ensure timely product launches and create cost-reduction opportunities for products in mass production. Your strong fundamentals in Electrical and Electronics Engineering will guide you in resolving critical technical problems, enhancing the overall product launch process.

To be considered for the Advanced Procurement Specialist role at Fluence, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Engineering with at least 8 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 6 years of experience, preferably in Electrical or Electronics Engineering. Strong technical fundamentals in electrical systems and exposure to the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) industry are advantageous. Proven ability to effectively resolve technical challenges and coordinate discussions between design experts and suppliers is essential.

Fluence fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment where your ideas and experiences are valued. As an Advanced Procurement Specialist, you will enjoy a hybrid work model, spending part of the week in the office and part working remotely. The culture is built on creativity, trust, and fun, encouraging you to engage openly with colleagues and contribute to meaningful projects that significantly impact the energy landscape.

Fluence invests in the professional development of its employees by providing opportunities for continuous learning and growth. As an Advanced Procurement Specialist, you'll be encouraged to participate in training programs, attend industry seminars, and collaborate on cross-functional projects, enhancing your skills and expanding your professional network. The culture at Fluence is conducive to innovation and personal growth, empowering you to take initiative in your career.

Success as an Advanced Procurement Specialist at Fluence requires a blend of technical and interpersonal skills. Strong analytical abilities are crucial for performing risk analysis and evaluating components. You should be adept at communication and collaboration, as you’ll regularly coordinate with various teams, including engineering and suppliers. Effective problem-solving skills, especially in critical technical situations, along with a keen understanding of electrical and electronics engineering principles, will also enhance your effectiveness in this role.

In answering, focus on specific projects where you've conducted Long-Lead-Time analysis. Highlight how you identified critical components early in the design phase and what methodologies you used to ensure timely procurement, as well as any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.

Discuss the importance of maintaining open communication with vendors and establishing clear performance metrics. Share examples of how you've previously handled disputes or quality issues, emphasizing your ability to preserve strong collaborative relationships while ensuring that standards are met.

Provide a specific example showcasing your technical background. Detail the challenge, the steps you took to address it, and the outcome. Highlight your ability to liaise effectively between suppliers and engineering teams to find a solution.

Share your approach to gathering market intelligence and supplier information. Discuss the tools and resources you leverage to analyze trends, pricing, and potential sources, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions in procurement.

Explain how you stay informed about the company's strategic objectives. Discuss aligning your sourcing strategies with these goals and how you actively seek feedback from cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and support.

Emphasize the unique challenges such as rapid technological changes, resource availability, and market fluctuations. Demonstrate your understanding of these challenges and discuss strategies you believe would mitigate their impact on procurement.

Provide a concrete example where you applied specific methods or negotiations to achieve cost savings. Highlight how you analyzed costs, engaged with suppliers, and utilized benchmarking to inform your strategy.

Discuss your collaboration skills and how you engage different teams during a project. Share how you ensure effective communication, seek input from varied perspectives, and facilitate a cooperative environment to achieve project goals.

Explain the key metrics you track, such as cost savings, lead times, and supplier performance. Discuss how these metrics guide your decision-making process and how you report their outcomes to your team.

Articulate your passion for the renewable energy sector and your admiration for Fluence’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. Share how your skills and values align with Fluence’s mission and how you see yourself contributing to the team.