Direct Purchasing Specialist - Battery Commodity

Overview

This role is specifically designed to ensure the successful ramp up of the Battery and Powertrain Systems for the electrified Range Extender project, with a clear focus on overseeing the purchasing related project steering for these commodity scopes. 

What you’ll do

Become part of an iconic brand that is set to revolutionize the electric pick-up truck & rugged SUV marketplace by achieving the following:

• You will be responsible for establishing and executing Scout’s North America Battery and Powertrain Systems purchasing and supply strategy for all REEV (Range Extender Electric Vehicle) production in the region. 
• This role will be part of a cross matrixed team of buyers with direct responsibility for sourcing and securing supply for Battery and Powertrain System–related components for Scout’s REEV products in North America. 
• Lead all purchasing project steering activities for assigned components or systems (e.g., Battery System, Powertrain, REEV Components). 
• Own timing management, ensuring suppliers meet programming milestones (Pre-Series and Start of Production). 
• Coordinate purchasing deliverables within the overall program timeline. 
• Ensure alignment with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Program Management. 
• Maintain and continuously update project dashboards, milestone status, and risk overviews. 
• Work collaboratively in crossfunctional teams by participating in project readiness meetings to confirm readiness for Battery and Powertrain System launch. 
• Act as overall project lead for the Battery & Powertrain purchasing scopes, ensuring structured project steering, alignment of deliverables, and adherence to program milestones. 
• Manage timing, schedules, and milestone achievement across suppliers, engineering, quality, launch, and program management. 
• Drive launch readiness for supplier components, including manufacturing readiness, PPAP, rampup planning, and SOP maturity levels. 
• Lead cross functional evaluations of suppliers’ readiness for mass production together with Scout’s Quality, Engineering, and Logistics teams. 
• Identify commercial, timing, or supply chain risks early. 
• Proactively create mitigation plans and contingency strategies. 
• Prepare and deliver regular status reports for program reviews. 
• Communicate risks, decisions, and escalations clearly to leadership. 
• Act as the purchasing representative in all programs and launch meetings. 
• Ensure synchronization of all purchasing activities across workstreams. 

Location & Travel Expectations:

• This role will be based out of the Scout Motors location in Novi, Michigan.
• This role requires 4 days per week in the office, with regular in-person meetings and events. 
• Applicants should expect that the role will require the ability to convene with Scout colleagues in person and travel to participate in events on behalf of the company from time to time.

What you’ll bring 

We expect all Scout employees to have integrity, curiosity, resourcefulness, and strive to exhibit a positive attitude, as well as a growth mindset. You’ll be comfortable with change and flexible in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. You’ll take a collaborative approach to achieve ambitious goals. Here's what else you'll bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related financial field. 
• 3–8 years of experience in a manufacturing or automotive environment, preferably in a Project Buyer or Project Steering role. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• 2–4 years of experience in a purchasing environment, including responsibility for developing and executing procurement or commodity strategies. 
• General knowledge of manufacturing processes in Automotive required. 
• Experience on Battery modules/packs, electric drive components, power electronics, epowertrain manufacturing helpful. 
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently and operate in a fast-paced environment. 
• Experience managing vehicle launch activities are welcome  
• A reputation for developing and nurturing excellent stakeholder and supplier relationships. 
• Experience managing supplier performance. 
• Program management experience. 
• Demonstrated experience in vehicle launch management, including ramp up, readiness checks, supplier PPAP, APQP, and industrialization processes. 
• Proven experience in leading project schedules, milestone planning, and cross functional timing alignment. 
• Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization. 
• Proactivity, initiative, and the ability to work across multiple workstreams. 
• A passion for creating something new. 
• Ability to find creative solutions to complex problems. 
• A collaborative approach—working as a team to achieve ambitious goals. 
• Minimum of High School Diploma, GED or equivalent required for all roles at Scout Motors, Inc.

What you'll gain

The benefits of joining Scout include the chance to build products and a company from the ground up.  This is a chance to create something new and lasting – with an iconic brand at its foundation.  In addition, Scout provides competitive compensation and benefits to support your physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. Program specifics are detailed in company policies and employee benefit guides, select highlights:

• Competitive insurance including:
  • Medical, dental, vision and income protection plans
• 401(k) program with:
  • An employer match and immediate vesting
• Generous Paid Time Off including:
  • 20 days planned PTO, as accrued
  • 40 hours of unplanned PTO and 14 company or floating holidays, annually
  • Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave for biological and adoptive parents of all genders
  • Paid leave for circumstances related to bereavement, jury duty, voting time, or military leave

Pay Transparency

This is a full-time, exempt position eligible to receive a base salary and to participate in an annual performance bonus program. Final salary offered will be determined based on factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills and experience. The annual performance bonus program is preset and not candidate dependent.

Initial base salary range = $90,000.00 - $115,000.00

Internal leveling code: IC9