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Sr. Buyer-Direct Purchasing

AESC Group
life insurance, vision insurance, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, 401(k)
United States, Tennessee, Murfreesboro
1500 Medical Center Parkway (Show on map)
Sep 26, 2025

Description & Requirements
Job Description

AESC is looking to add a Senior Buyer, Direct Purchasing- BESS to our team in Murfreesboro, TN.

  • Full-Time
  • On-site
About AESC US LLC

AESC is an exciting, newly created global organization committed to solving the challenges of a sustainable future and becoming the leading supplier of full-value-chain battery solutions. Our lithium-ion batteries can be found in nearly one million electric vehicles worldwide and have a stellar safety record of zero-critical issues. AESC US is leading the way in battery technology. We design and manufacture EV battery technology for various electric vehicles and equipment. We are working hard towards unlocking the full potential of sustainable energy and climate change mitigation. We will continue to build upon our successes and expand into new markets and industries, producing innovative and competitive products and technologies that advance the goal of a zero-carbon emission future. AESC is headquartered in Japan and has battery manufacturing locations in Japan, UK, China, and the U.S.

AESC Mission

Our mission is to solve the challenges for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

About the Role We are seeking a highly driven and technically proficient Senior Buyer - Direct Purchasing to lead sourcing and procurement for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Electric Vehicle (EV) battery technologies, including battery electrode materials, cells, modules, packs, and DC/AC systems.

Reporting directly to the Sr. Manager, Direct Purchasing, in the Purchasing department. The selected candidate will be part of the Product Procurement Team. The Sr. Buyer, Direct Purchasing, will be responsible for providing support for strategic Procurement activities, including spend analysis, detailed savings initiatives, and the strategic sourcing process development and execution across commodities. Responsibilities include data analysis, project support, and supplier localization strategy execution.

This cross-functional role collaborates with engineering, operations, finance, quality, compliance, and leadership to secure critical direct materials for battery, energy storage, and electric vehicle programs. It supports New Product Introduction (NPI) and mass production by developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, analyzing cost structures, and driving continuous improvement to enhance product development, cost optimization, supplier performance, and supply chain resilience across global teams.

What You Will Do
  • Lead strategic sourcing initiatives for EV and BESS battery components (electrode, cell, module, pack, DC/AC).
  • Execute RFQ/RFP processes, cost breakdown analysis, and supplier selection using tools like SAP Ariba.
  • Analyze spending data, develop category strategies, and drive Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) decisions.
  • Negotiate master purchasing agreement, pricing, delivery terms, and warranties with local and global suppliers.
  • Lead commercial relationship management including business reviews, contract enforcement, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation.
  • Drive expansion of U.S. local supplier pool
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for supplier issues related to cost, quality, and delivery.
  • Translate technical drawings, BOMs, and specs into sourcing requirements.
  • Partner with Engineering and R&D to influence design-for-cost and manufacturability decisions.
  • Support NPI and prototype builds with timely sourcing of advanced and emerging battery technologies.
  • Track and report on key procurement metrics such as cost savings, supplier performance, and sourcing risk.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement programs focused on lead time reduction, working capital improvement, and supply chain sustainability.
  • Ensure compliance with international trade, ESG, and industry-specific standards (IATF16949, ISO14001, RoHS, etc.).
What You Need
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field. Master's Degree or MBA preferred.
  • 5 - 7 years of experience in direct purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain within battery, automotive, energy, or electronics manufacturing.
  • Strong understanding of BESS and EV battery value chains, including raw materials (e.g., cathode, anode, electrolyte), cell/module/pack technologies, and supporting DC/AC systems.
  • Proven success in complex contract negotiation, cost modeling, and supplier development.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specs, and manufacturing processes.
  • Familiarity with Tier 1 & 2 contract manufacturing models and localization strategies.
  • Lead and support in evaluating and implementation of Global and Regional Processes and Procedures
  • Understanding of global compliance regulations, trade agreements, and sustainability standards (IRA, EU Battery Passport, etc.).
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and analytics tools; experience with Ariba or similar e-sourcing tools is a plus.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence at multiple levels.
  • Self-starter, highly organized, with strong problem-solving skills and business acumen.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 30%).
  • Feels comfortable managing large, complex data sets and can leverage analytical skills to drive and influence business decisions.
  • Demonstrates effective problem-solving and project management skills and strives for continuous improvement.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in creating presentations and other high-quality deliverables.
  • Desire and proven ability to work in a fast paced, "rapid growth", and collaborative environment.
  • Aptitude to analyze industry trends and competitor actions and have a general curiosity and passion for BESS and EV acceleration.
  • Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
What We Offer

Welcome to AESC, supporting our state-of-the-art Gigafactories, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. At AESC, we offer a comprehensive compensation package. In addition, we provide a range of valuable benefits, such as 401K, and health insurance. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission of changing the world.

  • An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
  • Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401K with company match
  • Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
  • Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
  • Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
  • Tuition reimbursement
Application Process

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, if you believe this role suits you well, we encourage you to apply. Your application gives us the opportunity to learn more about you and explore potential fits within our team.

Following the submission of your application, we are committed to providing timely responses to all applicants, though response times may vary depending on the volume of submissions. If you do not receive an immediate response, please rest assured that this in no way reflects on the quality of your candidacy. Your application will be retained in our files, and we may reach out to you for future roles that align with your skills and interests. As our organization experiences rapid growth, we appreciate your patience in this process. We are actively working each day to enhance our application procedures to ensure smoother and more efficient experience for all applicants. Thank you for your understanding and enthusiasm for joining our dynamic team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
Work Environment

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.

Qualifications
What You Need
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain, Industrial Technology, or a related technical field. Master's Degree or MBA preferred.
  • 5 - 7 years of experience in direct purchasing, sourcing, or supply chain within battery, automotive, energy, or electronics manufacturing.
  • Strong understanding of BESS and EV battery value chains, including raw materials (e.g., cathode, anode, electrolyte), cell/module/pack technologies, and supporting DC/AC systems.
  • Proven success in complex contract negotiation, cost modeling, and supplier development.
  • Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specs, and manufacturing processes.
  • Familiarity with Tier 1 & 2 contract manufacturing models and localization strategies.
  • Lead and support in evaluating and implementation of Global and Regional Processes and Procedures
  • Understanding of global compliance regulations, trade agreements, and sustainability standards (IRA, EU Battery Passport, etc.).
  • Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and analytics tools; experience with Ariba or similar e-sourcing tools is a plus.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence at multiple levels.
  • Self-starter, highly organized, with strong problem-solving skills and business acumen.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally (up to 30%).
  • Feels comfortable managing large, complex data sets and can leverage analytical skills to drive and influence business decisions.
  • Demonstrates effective problem-solving and project management skills and strives for continuous improvement.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in creating presentations and other high-quality deliverables.
  • Desire and proven ability to work in a fast paced, "rapid growth", and collaborative environment.
  • Aptitude to analyze industry trends and competitor actions and have a general curiosity and passion for BESS and EV acceleration.
  • Understands and follows all standards of IATF16949 and VDA 6.3 quality standards. (training and awareness will be provided for those who are not familiar with these standards)
What We Offer

Welcome to AESC, supporting our state-of-the-art Gigafactories, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. At AESC, we offer a comprehensive compensation package. In addition, we provide a range of valuable benefits, such as 401K, and health insurance. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission of changing the world.

  • An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
  • Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
  • 401K with company match
  • Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
  • Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
  • Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
  • Tuition reimbursement
Application Process

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, if you believe this role suits you well, we encourage you to apply. Your application gives us the opportunity to learn more about you and explore potential fits within our team.

Following the submission of your application, we are committed to providing timely responses to all applicants, though response times may vary depending on the volume of submissions. If you do not receive an immediate response, please rest assured that this in no way reflects on the quality of your candidacy. Your application will be retained in our files, and we may reach out to you for future roles that align with your skills and interests. As our organization experiences rapid growth, we appreciate your patience in this process. We are actively working each day to enhance our application procedures to ensure smoother and more efficient experience for all applicants. Thank you for your understanding and enthusiasm for joining our dynamic team.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
Work Environment

Candidate must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately, and without causing significant safety threat to self or others. The statements made herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive and inclusive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of personnel so classified.

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