Asahi Kasei is a long-trusted supplier of lithium-ion battery separators - polymer-based microporous membranes that are a key component of the lithium batteries used to power electric vehicles, renewable energy storage systems, and more. We are currently seeking applications to fill the following job opening at Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada, where we are in the process of constructing a new lithium battery separator manufacturing facility to support increasing North American demand.
Company:Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada Corporation
Job Description:We are seeking a
Procurement Specialist to be a part of a new plant start-up based in Port Colborne, Ontario. This position will be responsible for responsible for coordinating and the execution of purchasing activities, managing site spend categories to ensure best total cost for goods and services that are procured. This position is a new role for AKBSCA.
Reporting RelationshipsThis position directly reports to the Procurement Leader.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers for Indirect and MRO Categories.
- Lead the end-to-end RFx processes for supplier evaluation and selection.
- Responsible for vendor onboarding including NDA, COI, and safety protocol.
- Convert purchase requisitions into purchase orders in Dynamic 365 system.
- Track order status and follow up on delayed deliveries.
- Handle indirect procurement categories such as uniforms, snow removal, safety equipment, janitorial services, office supplies, and other facility-related services.
- Develop, maintain, and automate procurement reports using Excel and POWER BI to analyze spend trends, supplier performance, contract compliance, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Monitor spending trends, supplier scorecards, and leverage purchasing synergies to optimize costs and mitigate risks.
- Collaborate extensively with Maintenance Manager and Production Manager to understand and anticipate procurement needs.
- Contribute to defining strategic objectives and tactics within the entire supply chain scope.
- Drive supplier development initiatives focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, delivery performance, and innovation.
- Focus on reducing risk and dependency exposure by developing alternative suppliers, and wherever possible, establishing dual sourcing.
- Vendor site visits as needed for project follow-up, support, review, best practice sharing, etc.
- Adhere to ethical principles and standards of purchasing.
- Ensure department and purchasing practices comply with all applicable safety, regulatory, and quality system requirements.
- Support continuous improvement of procurement processes.
Key Skills and Abilities: - Must possess excellent communication skills (oral and written) for internal and external customer/vendor interaction.
- Must possess strong negotiating skills.
- Individual initiative, analytical skills, and a healthy sense of urgency are required.
QualificationsEducation Background:- Bachelor's degree required in business, supply chain or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge & Experience:
- 3+ years experience in relevant area is required.
- Manufacturing/Supply Chain experience is preferred.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office - Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook; POWER BI proficiency is required.
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamic 365 is desirable.
- Professional certifications in supply chain or procurement will be an asset, i.e. CSCP.
Expected Compensation:- Salary based position with a range of $75,000.00 to $90,000.00 based on education and experience.
Travel: - Must hold a valid Passport and be willing to travel up to 5% internationally for training and visiting other company locations, predominately the United States of America and Japan.
Schedule: - Full-time 100% in-person position.
- Typical work hours are Monday to Friday, with flexibility to address urgent issues as needed 24/7. Attendance at meetings and trainings on off shifts may also be required periodically.
Working EnvironmentThis position will be based in a temporary office on the construction site until the permanent office is built in 202. The final work environment will be at a 24/7 manufacturing operation. This position is in support of manufacturing and requires working in a production environment around chemicals. The manufacturing facility will be a state of the art in terms of automation and being temperature and humidity controlled. This will be a clean and comfortable environment due to the nature of the products being produced.
