Fluence (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. Our solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of successful implementations across nearly 50 markets, we are transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit fluenceenergy.com.
Job Description:
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Category Manager – Contract Manufacturing to lead sourcing and supplier strategies for our growing portfolio of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) products. This is a highly visible role for a senior procurement professional who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and enjoys solving complex supply chain challenges on a global scale.
As Category Manager – Contract Manufacturing, you will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for contract manufacturing partners supporting Fluence's integrated energy storage and power systems. You will own supplier commercialization, contract negotiations, cost optimization initiatives, and supply risk management while working closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Finance, and Program teams.
This role is ideal for a strategic procurement leader with strong contract manufacturing experience who can balance commercial, operational, and technical requirements while driving business results in a rapidly evolving industry.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Category Strategy & Supplier Relationships
- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for contract manufacturing categories including electrical integration, system assemblies, metals fabrication, and enclosures.
- Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers while supporting dual-source and regionalization strategies.
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships to ensure cost competitiveness, quality performance, scalability, and supply continuity.
- Conduct supplier business reviews and performance management activities.
Drive Commercial Excellence
- Lead negotiations for pricing, payment terms, capacity reservations, tooling investments, and risk-sharing agreements.
- Own commercial contracts including Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), Statements of Work (SOWs), Long-Term Agreements (LTAs), and pricing negotiations.
- Support commercial resolution of obsolescence, End-of-Life (EOL), and Last-Time-Buy scenarios.
- Deliver measurable value through commercial leadership and supplier management.
Partner Across the Business
- Act as the primary procurement interface for Engineering, Operations, Quality, Program Management, and Finance.
- Support New Product Introductions (NPI), product transitions, manufacturing transfers, and supplier ramp-up activities.
- Align sourcing decisions with production plans, demand forecasts, and program milestones.
Deliver Cost Savings & Value Creation
- Lead cost reduction initiatives through should-cost analysis, design-for-manufacturing collaboration, and volume leverage opportunities.
- Identify and drive value capture, cost avoidance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Track and communicate sourcing performance and cost-saving results.
Manage Risk & Ensure Supply Continuity
- Proactively identify supplier, capacity, operational, and geopolitical risks.
- Develop mitigation strategies and contingency plans to maintain uninterrupted supply.
- Lead cross-functional issue resolution and recovery efforts during supply disruptions or quality events.
- Make timely decisions and drive outcomes during rapidly changing business conditions.
Ensure Compliance & Governance
- Ensure suppliers meet Fluence standards for quality, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and domestic content requirements where applicable.
- Partner with Legal, Finance, and Compliance teams to ensure contractual integrity and audit readiness.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
- 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, category management, or supply chain leadership.
- Proven experience managing contract manufacturers, fabrication suppliers, or complex manufacturing supply chains.
- Strong track record leading complex commercial and contractual negotiations.
- Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Program teams.
- Experience supporting manufacturing transfers, supplier onboarding, and New Product Introductions (NPI).
- Strong analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
Highly Desired Experience
- Have significant experience working within contract manufacturing environments.
- Thrive in fast-paced, high-growth organizations where priorities and business needs can shift quickly.
- Demonstrate exceptional adaptability and resilience when navigating daily operational challenges.
- Are comfortable making decisions and driving results in situations involving ambiguity and evolving priorities.
- Have a proven ability to solve complex supply chain issues while balancing commercial, technical, and operational considerations.
- Can effectively influence stakeholders at all levels, including executive leadership and external supplier partners.
- Bring experience from industries such as energy storage, renewables, power electronics, industrial equipment, electronics manufacturing, automotive, or other complex manufacturing environments.
Success in This Role
You will be successful if you are:
- A strategic thinker who can also execute with urgency.
- Comfortable operating in a dynamic environment with competing priorities.
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple critical initiatives simultaneously.
- A confident negotiator and relationship builder.
- Driven by continuous improvement and delivering measurable business value.
- Passionate about building resilient supply chains that support the clean energy transition.
Travel & Work Environment
- Hybrid or remote working environment.
- Approximately 40% travel, primarily to supplier and manufacturing locations.
- Ability to collaborate effectively across global teams and time zones.
Our Culture
At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.
Unleash Voices
We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.
Customer Fluent
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We’re committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.
Infinite Impact
We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game-changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.
All In
We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.
Equal Opportunity Employer
At Fluence, we believe great teams are built on a collaborative and connected culture. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.
Work Authorization
To join our team, you’ll need to be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout your employment, without the need for employer sponsorship. Please note that Fluence does not sponsor work visas for this position.