Job Details

Company Summary:

At Canadian Solar, we are dedicated to improving lives by providing solar-powered electricity to millions globally. Established in 2001, we are a premier manufacturer of solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of our operations as we thrive in this dynamic industry.

We believe in nurturing our employees' growth across our subsidiaries, including e-Storage, Recurrent Energy, MSS, and CSI Solar Co. Our investment in training and development ensures continuous learning opportunities. We prioritize work-life balance, offering flexible work arrangements to enhance employee well-being. Join us in making a positive impact globally and within our communities.

Location:

This is a hybrid position located in our Walnut Creek, CA office, requiring three days of office attendance per week.

Position Summary:

We are looking for an IT Vendor and Procurement Specialist to enhance our global IT operations. This pivotal role encompasses vendor management, IT procurement, contract governance, risk management, financial oversight, and project/program delivery. Your responsibilities will include optimizing vendor relationships and procurement processes, ensuring financial clarity, mitigating operational risks, and aiding in the successful execution of IT projects and services through collaboration with IT, finance, compliance, risk, and legal teams worldwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Vendor Relationship & Contract Management:
  • Oversee the lifecycle of IT vendor relationships, from selection and contract negotiation to onboarding and offboarding.
  • Track contract statuses, including renewals and compliance milestones, and proactively manage sourcing strategies.
  • Assist in contract negotiations to enhance pricing, SLAs, and terms.
  • Serve as the main contact for vendors and internal teams regarding contracts, performance, and billing.
  • Evaluate vendor performance regularly to ensure service quality and compliance.
  • Maintain a centralized repository of all IT vendor contracts for easy access and management.
• IT Procurement & Compliance:
  • Facilitate global IT procurement processes, ensuring adherence to corporate and regional policies.
• IT Financial Management & Analysis:
  • Collaborate with IT finance to manage operating and capital budgets, including purchase orders and invoice processes.
  • Perform financial analysis and reporting to align vendor spending with project budgets.
  • Support financial forecasting and cost optimization initiatives.
• PMO and Project Support:
  • Enhance PMO governance processes by ensuring vendor deliverables align with project objectives.
  • Work closely with project managers to guarantee timely and within-scope vendor contributions.
  • Contribute to PMO reporting that highlights key performance metrics and procurement challenges.
• IT Risk Management:
  • Identify and track IT operational and vendor-related risks.
  • Collaborate with cybersecurity and compliance teams to ensure vendor engagements meet necessary standards.
  • Maintain risk registers and communicate critical risks to leadership.
  • Assist in audits and assessments regarding vendor compliance and IT controls.
  • Promote adherence to risk management frameworks across IT operations.
• Process Governance and Documentation:
  • Standardize and document procurement and vendor engagement processes.
  • Ensure all relevant documentation is maintained and easy to access for global teams.
• Cross-functional Collaboration:
  • Engage with procurement, legal, and finance teams to ensure alignment of vendor contracts with strategic objectives.
  • Help business units understand vendor capabilities to prevent overlaps.
  • Act as a cultural and language bridge for working with international teams, especially those in China.

Required Qualifications:

• 7 - 10 years of experience in IT procurement, vendor management, or related fields.
• Deep knowledge of IT vendor lifecycle management and procurement strategies.
• Experience handling IT finances, including invoicing and budget management.
• Proven track record in supporting global IT operations in diverse environments.
• Proficiency in tools like SharePoint, ServiceNow, and Excel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with great attention to detail.
• Fluency in Mandarin Chinese and English (written and spoken).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in global IT settings, particularly involving China and North America.
• Knowledge of legal, risk, and compliance aspects related to IT contracts.
• PMP, CAPM, or similar project management certification is a plus.
• Experience with IT outsourcing and risk management.
• Certification in project management methodologies like Scrum or Six Sigma is advantageous.
• Experience in the manufacturing or energy sectors is beneficial.

Compensation & Benefits:

Canadian Solar offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package and performance bonus based on annual achievements. Our benefits include a 401(k) Retirement Plan, medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, generous PTO, and casual sick days.

The pay range for this position is $85,000 - $110,000 USD, representing the annual base salary only, exclusive of any bonuses or additional incentives. This range may be subject to change.

Canadian Solar Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, race, gender, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.