Director II, Supply Chain - Strategic Sourcing

About CS Power Systems and Canadian Solar

CS Power Systems is committed to changing lives by providing clean, solar electricity globally. As part of Canadian Solar, a leading global solar technology manufacturer since 2001, we specialize in producing high-quality solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions. Our dedication to sustainability inspires innovation that supports a greener future. Canadian Solar operates various divisions including CS Power Systems, CSPowerTech, e-STORAGE, Recurrent Energy, MSS, and CSI Solar, all focused on achieving clean energy impact and supporting their people’s success.

Canadian Solar is a fully integrated solar manufacturer delivering premium products worldwide, with an experienced team dedicated to customer-focused solar solutions.

Position Overview

The Director II, Supply Chain, based at multiple manufacturing sites with frequent travel required, will oversee U.S. strategic sourcing and supplier localization across solar PV and energy storage manufacturing units. Reporting directly to the President of Manufacturing & Operations, this role will establish a robust domestic supplier base, develop sourcing governance and processes, enhance cost competitiveness, and lead a local sourcing team across divisions. The ideal candidate will have significant solar and/or energy storage sourcing knowledge, strong commercial insight, cross-cultural leadership skills, and experience in managing sourcing operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute supplier localization strategies to expand U.S. manufacturing and meet local content goals.
• Scout, assess, cultivate, and onboard local suppliers to support production growth and new products.
• Maintain a diverse supplier pipeline for improved supply reliability, pricing, and responsiveness.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, quality assurance, finance, and business leadership to align procurement with production and strategic objectives.
• Develop and refine procurement policies, procedures, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and sourcing governance to build a scalable sourcing organization.
• Implement supplier qualification protocols, RFQ/RFP processes, contract reviews, and performance management systems.
• Create sourcing tools, reporting structures, and KPIs to enhance oversight and accountability.
• Conduct negotiations on pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, contracts, and service standards.
• Lead cost reduction initiatives through supplier development, competitive bidding, cost analyses, benchmarking, and contract improvement.
• Work with finance and operations to produce cost models, aid budget plans, and boost margins and productivity.
• Monitor supplier market trends, raw material prices, and risk factors to anticipate procurement challenges.
• Assemble and manage a high-performing sourcing team across multiple U.S. sites, defining roles and responsibilities.
• Mentor and develop sourcing professionals fostering ownership, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with U.S. regulations, trade laws, and internal company policies.
• Coordinate with legal, compliance, and quality teams regarding supplier contracts and risk management.
• Establish supplier performance evaluation metrics including quality, delivery, cost, service, capacity, and compliance tracking.
• Identify and manage supply chain risks arising from supplier concentration, capacity limits, quality concerns, and market or geopolitical events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related fields; a Master’s degree is advantageous.
• Over 15 years of expanding experience in sourcing, strategic procurement, and supply chain roles, with extensive experience in global sourcing and supplier development.
• Essential experience in solar PV sourcing; preferred background in energy storage or battery manufacturing.
• Proven success in creating and implementing sourcing strategies, supplier networks, and localization in manufacturing contexts.
• Skilled in developing procurement processes, SOPs, and governance frameworks to build scalable sourcing systems.
• Expertise in commercial negotiations and understanding supplier contracts, cost models, and total cost of ownership.
• Experience managing procurement across multiple manufacturing sites and product lines.
• Knowledge of U.S. local sourcing policies, procurement compliance, and manufacturing supply chain requirements.
• Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills with the ability to align sourcing with business outcomes.
• Demonstrated leadership in building and leading effective sourcing teams.
• Successful collaboration with both U.S. and Asia-based stakeholders, balancing local and global supply chain needs.