Purchasing and Procurement Manager

About Blue Current Blue Current (the “Company”) is the industry leader in the development of silicon solid state batteries. Free of flammable liquid electrolytes, Blue Current’s fully dry, inherently safe batteries significantly reduce risks to human and environmental health while providing a higher-performance alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Blue Current’s silicon-based platform is highly adaptable, enabling a cost-effective solution for both the mobility and stationary storage markets. Blue Current’s team works out of its state-of-the-art headquarters and pilot line facility in Hayward, California. To learn more about Blue Current, Inc., visit http://bluecurrent.com. Position Summary The Purchasing and Procurement Manager is the motor which keeps the Company’s engine running smoothly, fueling the business and supporting the teams in their journey to reach their strategic goals. You will own the full scope of purchasing and procurement responsibilities — from small to large purchases, building out procurement processes, protocols and best practices, and supporting the team’s needs while protecting budget and spend. This is a highly visible, essential, fully-onsite role that touches every team in the company and manages relationships with external vendors and suppliers. Specific areas of ownership will include: systems, procurement operations, commodity management interfaces, materials, logistics, contract management, supplier management and contract administration. Key goals will include: cost control, supply continuity, timeliness and flexibility, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration with Research & Development, Cell Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Facilities and Operations, and Finance. You are someone who takes genuine ownership of your domain, stays a step ahead of what the team needs, and brings a professional presence to every interaction. You value process, organization, and achieving best outcomes for the Company and a high-growth and dynamic environment. You are able to communicate across teams and levels and to weigh priorities in alignment with corporate strategy. Essential Functions & Responsibilities Purchasing Operations - Manage day-to-day purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and supplier communications for office supplies, facilities needs, and technical and operational materials across departments. - Ensure timely procurement of materials required for R&D, pilot builds, and production. - Monitor supplier delivery performance and proactively address shortages or delays. - Maintain purchasing records, contracts, and supplier documentation. Collaborate with inventory planning to optimize stock levels and working capital. Strategic Sourcing - Source and qualify suppliers for direct materials, components, equipment, and services. - Conduct competitive bidding, RFQ, RFP, and supplier selection processes. - Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contractual agreements. - Develop sourcing strategies to reduce costs and mitigate supply chain risk. - Identify alternate suppliers and dual-source opportunities. - Ensure alignment with budget and strategic goals. Supplier Management - Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships. - Monitor supplier performance metrics including quality, cost, timely complete delivery, and responsiveness. - Conduct supplier reviews and support corrective action initiatives. - Coordinate supplier onboarding and qualification activities and credit applications. Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner closely with divisions to support new product introduction (NPI) programs and efficiencies. - Prepare for manufacturing activities to ensure uninterrupted production operations. - Collaborate with teams on supplier quality issues and qualification requirements. - Coordinate with Finance regarding reporting, budgets, forecasts, payment terms, and accruals. Process Improvement - Develop and improve procurement policies, controls, and procedures. - Support purchasing system enhancements. - Establish KPI reporting for procurement performance. - Drive cost savings and process efficiency initiatives. Skills - Strong financial analysis skills - Process oriented; familiar with best practices - Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to interface with Senior Management - Strong problem solving skills - Understanding of risk management - Excellent negotiating skills Minimum Qualifications - 5+ years of experience in a purchasing and procurement focused role - Ability and desire to own and build highly-effective and efficient purchasing and procurement function and workflows - Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously in high growth environment. - Strong track record of contract negotiations and supporting budgeting processes and outcomes - Understanding of BOM structures, inventory management, and manufacturing processes. - Familiarity with supplier quality management principles. - Strong Excel and data analysis skills - Direct experience with utilizing and managing purchasing and procurement software platforms (Precoro a plus) - Excellent written and verbal communication skills — clear, professional, and appropriately concise. - Must be based in or able to reliably commute to Hayward, California — this role is fully onsite. Preferred Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred. - Experience in a manufacturing, startup, or high-growth environment where things move fast and processes are still being built. - Experience purchasing mechanical, electrical, and custom-engineered components and equipment. - Experience building Procurement systems from the ground up. - Exposure to multiple purchase orders and ERP systems. Core Values — Minimum Qualifications Safety & Security First For employees, customers, and intellectual property - Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe and secure work environment, including adherence to workplace safety protocols, data privacy standards, and confidentiality requirements. - Proven ability to identify and appropriately escalate potential risks to personnel, customers, or sensitive information. Trust & Respect Treat everyone with honesty, dignity, and sensitivity. Embrace different perspectives. Be humble. - Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and working styles. - Track record of maintaining professionalism, integrity, and discretion in all workplace interactions. Ownership & Accountability Take responsibility and action. Set goals and deliver. Don't wait for others. - Demonstrated ability to independently prioritize, execute, and follow through on responsibilities with minimal supervision. - Proven track record of setting measurable goals, meeting deadlines, and taking initiative to resolve challenges proactively. Technical Excellence Always strive for the best solution possible. - Demonstrated commitment to quality and continuous improvement in delivering work product, solutions, and outcomes within area of expertise. - Ability to evaluate options critically and apply sound judgment to identify the most effective and scalable solution. Learn & Be Curious Think outside the box. Always learning. - Demonstrated ability to quickly acquire new skills, tools, or domain knowledge in response to evolving business needs. - Proven track record of applying creative or unconventional thinking to solve problems. Be Resourceful Be hungry, frugal, and flexible. Use what you have. Find a way. - Demonstrated ability to deliver results in resource-constrained environments by maximizing existing tools, processes, and partnerships. - Proven ability to adapt and find effective solutions in ambiguous or rapidly changing situations. Delight Customers Build stronger relationships with internal and external customers. - Demonstrated commitment to understanding and exceeding the needs of internal and/or external customers. - Track record of building and maintaining strong, trust-based relationships that drive positive outcomes for all stakeholders. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions - Ability to sit for extended periods at a workstation and use a computer for up to 8 hours per day. - Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally. - Work is performed in a standard office environment - Regular business hours required; occasional evening or weekend work may be required during peak periods. Salary Range $92,000—$114,000 USD Equal Opportunity Employment Statement Blue Current is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. At-Will Employment & Disclaimer Employment at Blue Current is at-will. This means that either the employee or Blue Current may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason or no reason, with or without cause, and with or without advance notice, subject to applicable law. This job description does not create an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the at-will nature of the employment relationship. The duties, responsibilities, and qualifications described herein are subject to change at the Company's discretion and do not represent all tasks that may be required of this role. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.