Indirect Purchasing Analyst – PECNA

Industry: Supply Chain

Company: Panasonic

Overview

The Indirect Purchasing Analyst is responsible for procuring goods and services for Panasonic Energy Corporation of America (PECNA). This position ensures that all procurement activities are aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives. The analyst will be tasked with developing, planning, implementing, and maintaining advanced purchasing strategies across various indirect categories, including manufacturing equipment, spare parts, and facilities.
Responsibilities

Summary: We are proud to announce the establishment of a state-of-the-art Li-ion battery factory, set amidst the beautiful Kansas City Metro. This groundbreaking green-field factory will serve as a pioneering hub for innovation in sustainable energy solutions.

If you are passionate about contributing to a sustainable future and being part of a dynamic team shaping the electric vehicle revolution, this opportunity is tailor-made for you. We are seeking dedicated individuals to join us as full-time, on-site team members at our new, state-of-the-art factory located in the thriving city of DeSoto, Kansas.

Position Summary: The Indirect Purchasing Analyst is responsible for procuring goods and services for Panasonic Energy Corporation of America (PECNA). This position ensures that all procurement activities are aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives. The analyst will be tasked with developing, planning, implementing, and maintaining advanced purchasing strategies across various indirect categories, including manufacturing equipment, spare parts, and facilities. Furthermore, the analyst may liaise between the PECNA organization and corporate procurement category teams based in Newark, NJ, and Osaka, Japan.

Essential Duties:

• Provide expert guidance and support for all relevant purchasing categories to optimize procurement.
• Facilitate the development of category strategies through a comprehensive analysis of expenditure data, supply market dynamics, category intelligence, and organizational requirements.
• Leverage the volume of the PECNA division in conjunction with other PEXNA businesses to secure optimal value for all stakeholders through collaboration with corporate procurement category leaders.
• Find opportunities for profit enhancement beyond purchasing functions. This includes demand management, process optimization, insourcing versus outsourcing decisions, and innovation initiatives.
• Proactively create value transcending cost considerations by emphasizing growth, innovation, and effective risk management.
• Regularly conduct a thorough analysis of the market to identify leading practices and monitor fluctuations in demand and supply. This should include observations of supply consolidation and technological advancements.
• Monitor inventory levels and evaluate purchasing requirements to ensure the maintenance of optimal stock levels for spare parts.
• Collect insights and expertise from stakeholders, subject matter experts, and market intelligence to ensure that solutions effectively meet business needs.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities and facilitate the identification of prospective new suppliers.
• Adherence to all company policies and procedures when executing procurement activities.
• Engage collaboratively with internal business stakeholders to identify and understand their procurement requirements, ensuring prompt and quality support.
• Engage with internal stakeholders to formulate and implement comprehensive transition plans to integrate new suppliers.
• Ensure that savings are realized promptly, enabling PECNA to achieve the expected benefits.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and actively work to enhance the adoption of PECNA within the organization.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements:

• To ensure the health and safety in the workplace and for the protection of our employees’, wearing PPE is a possibility and includes equipment such as a full Tyvek suit, safety shoes, gloves, safety glasses, face mask, and a full hazmat suit that includes a respirator.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Qualifications: Requirements – Required and/or Preferred

Education

• Required: A Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Management, Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field.
• Preferred: MBA in Supply Chain Management or related field

Essential Qualifications

• Two to Five years of relevant purchasing experience, demonstrating a track record of success in progressively complex roles.
• Possesses extensive experience in developing comprehensive end-to-end procurement strategies and a proven track record in leading sustainable and high impact purchasing initiatives.
• Experience in category management strategies, specifically in opportunity diagnostics, purchasing processes, and supplier management. With demonstrable impact on business performance and ability to deliver tangible outcomes.
• Demonstrated proficiency in stakeholder engagement, evidenced by a consistent ability to manage relationships across the organization to attain strategic objectives.
• Grasps contract terms and implementing strategies to enhance value while effectively managing risks.
• Demonstrated proficiency in analytical thinking, financial acumen, problem-solving capabilities, and project management skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in project management, encompassing the effective coordination of stakeholder timelines.
• Proficient knowledge and experience in utilizing ERP systems, specifically SAP S/4HANA OR SAP Ariba.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in Excel and analytics.
• Initiative-taking with an entrepreneurial mindset; initiative-taking and innovative.
• Experience working effectively in complex global organizations and with offshore providers.
• Ability to lead and influence change in the face of complexity and ambiguity.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, goal-oriented, dynamic organization with time-sensitive deadlines.
• The capacity to effectively engage with and establish credibility among internal stakeholders at all levels and with external third parties is essential.
• Alignment to Panasonic’s seven (7) core principles (contribution to society, fairness and honesty, cooperation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability, gratitude)

Preferred Qualifications:

• ⁠Proficiency in translating between English and Japanese, addressing inquiries from internal staff, external entities, and individuals, and effectively conveying messages, posing queries, and presenting information to leaders in both languages.

Preferred License(s): None

Preferred Certification(s):

• Certified Management in Supply Management

Physical Demands

Physical Activities: Percentage of time (equaling 100%) during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 60%
• Walk: 20%
• Stand: 10%
• Lift: 10%

Required Lifting and Carrying: Not required (0%), Occasional (1-33%), Frequent (34-66%, Continuous (67-100%)

For this position, the required frequency is:

• Up to 10 lbs.: Occasional

• Up to 20 lbs.: Occasional
• Up to 35 lbs.: Occasional
• Team-lift only (over 35 lbs.): Not required

About Us: At the heart of this visionary project, Panasonic is committed to manufacturing innovative cylindrical lithium-ion cells that will power the future of electric mobility. These cells will be meticulously crafted to meet the growing demands of the automotive industry, supporting various electric vehicle manufacturers in their quest for eco-friendly transportation solutions.

This role presents a unique chance to be at the forefront of innovation, working within a forward-thinking organization that is committed to environmental responsibility and the advancement of green technology. Be a part of our mission to power the future and make a difference in the world of electric mobility with Panasonic!

Supplemental Information: Pre-employment drug testing is required. Due to the high volume of responses, we will only be able to respond to candidates of interest. All candidates must have valid authorization to work in the U.S. without restriction.

Panasonic is an Equal Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by law. All qualified individuals are required to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Thank you for your interest in Panasonic Energy Corporation of North America.
REQ-148009