Professional Services - Category Manager – Indirect Procurement

OUR CULTURE AND VALUES

We are guided by our passion to transform the way we power our world. Achieving our goals requires creativity, diversity of ideas and backgrounds, and building trust to effect change and move with speed.

We are Leading

Fluence currently has thousands of MW of energy storage projects operated or awarded worldwide in addition to the thousands of MW of projects managed by our trading platform—and we are growing every day.

We are Responsible

Fluence is defined by its unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and integrity.

We are Agile

We achieve our goals and meet our customer’s needs by cultivating curiosity, adaptability, and self-reflection in our teams.

We are Fun

We value the diversity in thought and experience of our coworkers and customers. Through honest, forthcoming, and respectful communications we work to ensure that Fluence is an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. 

About the Position:

Location: Arlington VA (hybrid - 2-3 days in office)

The Professional Services Category Manager, Indirect Procurement is responsible for leading strategic procurement activities across various Professional Services categories. This role involves developing and implementing procurement strategies that support Fluence’s safety culture, core values, and business objectives while ensuring cost efficiency, compliance, and quality. The manager will work closely with internal teams and external suppliers to optimize procurement processes, drive cost savings, and maintain strong supplier relationships.

Procurement Process Management:

• 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.

Category Management and Strategy:

• 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.

Supplier Relationship and Contract Management:

• 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.

Cost Control and Vendor Performance:

• 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.

Market Analysis and Risk Management:

• 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.

Collaboration and Reporting:

• 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.

What an ideal candidate bring to Fluence:

• 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

Here are some of the benefits of joining our team:

· Collaborative and supportive work environment

· Opportunities for professional development and growth

· Chance to make a real difference in the world

Fluence IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER and fully subscribes to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity to ensure that all applicants and employees are considered for hire, promotion, and job status without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital or familial status.