Procurement & Subcontract Specialist

The Procurement & Subcontract Specialist at Fluence is tasked with creating and issuing Purchase Orders for both the Services and Execution teams. This role involves evaluating proposals for upcoming projects, resolving invoice discrepancies, sourcing and purchasing necessary equipment and materials, and managing supplier onboarding. Additionally, the specialist will negotiate terms with service providers and ensure timely delivery of materials throughout the procurement process.

To excel as a Procurement & Subcontract Specialist at Fluence, candidates should have at least 2 years of buyer experience or a related procurement role, along with a minimum of 1-2 years of SAP experience. Familiarity with supplier sourcing and negotiating terms and conditions is also important. An ideal candidate will possess strong time management skills and the ability to multitask effectively.

The Procurement & Subcontract Specialist plays a vital role in supporting project execution by working closely with the Field Services team. This includes fulfilling warranty and maintenance needs and ensuring the timely procurement of resources under Long-Term Service Agreements. The specialist ensures that all stakeholders are kept informed throughout the ordering and delivery process, enhancing overall project efficiency.

At Fluence, the work environment for a Procurement & Subcontract Specialist is dynamic and collaborative. The role allows for hybrid work, with three days in the office, fostering teamwork while also providing flexibility. The culture emphasizes openness, innovation, and the importance of customer satisfaction, making it an exciting place for professionals looking to make a lasting impact.

The hiring process for the Procurement & Subcontract Specialist at Fluence typically involves multiple stages, including an initial application review, followed by interviews that assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates can expect questions on procurement processes, negotiation skills, and teamwork-related scenarios to gauge their readiness for this impactful role.

When answering this question, highlight specific procurement roles you’ve held, the types of projects you worked on, and any relevant achievements. Discuss how your experience has prepared you for the specific challenges of the Procurement & Subcontract Specialist position at Fluence, including your familiarity with SAP and supplier sourcing.

In your response, emphasize your organization and time management skills. Provide examples of tools or strategies you utilize to effectively prioritize tasks. This gives your interviewers confidence in your ability to manage the demands of the Procurement & Subcontract Specialist role.

Share your negotiation tactics, focusing on how you prepare for negotiations, your understanding of terms and conditions, and how you strive to achieve win-win outcomes. This demonstrates your capability as a Procurement & Subcontract Specialist to establish strong relationships with suppliers.

Discuss the methods or software you use to track orders and ensure effective communication. Highlight the importance of keeping stakeholders updated and how transparency contributes to project success, aligning with Fluence's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Prepare a clear example that outlines the situation, the steps you took to resolve the discrepancy, and the resolution's impact on the project. This illustrates your problem-solving skills relevant to the Procurement & Subcontract Specialist position at Fluence.

Highlight your approach to supplier sourcing, including research methods, networking, and assessment criteria. Make connections to how this experience will help you identify quality partners for Fluence.

Share your strategies for managing stress and maximizing efficiency under pressure. Relate this to how you approach urgency in procurement tasks, which is essential for the Procurement & Subcontract Specialist position at Fluence.

Explain your understanding of how effective procurement contributes to customer satisfaction. Draw parallels to Fluence's mission and culture, emphasizing the importance of aligning procurement practices with broader company goals.

Discuss your experience with procurement-related software, emphasizing your proficiency in SAP, as well as any other tools you've used for order management or supplier relationship management that are pertinent to the role at Fluence.

Articulate your passion for the energy sector and how Fluence’s mission aligns with your values. Expressing genuine enthusiasm and a desire to contribute to innovative solutions will resonate well in the interview.