OPEX Buyer

AESC is looking to add an Operation Expenditure (OPEX) Buyer to our team in Murfreesboro, TN.

• Full-Time
• On-site

AESC is a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance batteries for zero-emission electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Founded in Japan in 2007 and headquartered in Yokohama, AESC has been building manufacturing capabilities around the world in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Japan and China to serve key markets and leading customers locally for over 14 years. Today, AESC has become the partner of choice for the world's leading OEMs and energy storage providers in North America, Europe, and Asia. Its advanced technology powers over one million electric vehicles and provides more than 15GWh of installed capacity for battery energy systems in over 60 countries.

AESC is expanding its footprint in the United States with gigafactories in Kentucky, South Carolina, and Tennessee to meet the growing demand for EV and BESS batteries and strengthen its presence in the North American market. AESC's Tennessee gigafactory in Smyrna, which has been operational and supplying electric vehicle batteries for the Nissan LEAF since 2012, was retooled in 2025 and now produces batteries for Energy Storage Systems. The South Carolina gigafactory in Florence will supply next generation cells for BMW starting in 2026. The Kentucky gigafactory in Bowling Green will supply high-performance batteries and components for other OEMs. AESC is committed to our local communities where it is making investments, creating jobs, and supporting local charities.

Our mission is to solve the challenges for a sustainable future. Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

As a part of dynamic procurement team, the OPEX buyer will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing indirect goods and services necessary to support the organization's operational functions. Your role will contribute to cost savings, supplier relationship management, and efficient procurement processes.

• Identify and source suppliers/vendors for a wide range of indirect goods and services, including but not limited to logistics, IT services, packaging, and professional services.
• Evaluate supplier capabilities, pricing, and terms to ensure alignment with the organization's requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, facilitating effective communication and collaboration.
• Negotiate favorable terms, pricing, and conditions with suppliers to achieve cost savings and value-added benefits.
• Prepare and issue purchase orders accurately, ensuring they reflect the negotiated terms and meet internal requirements.
• Monitor order status, delivery schedules, and resolve any discrepancies or issues that may arise.
• Review supplier contracts and agreements to ensure accuracy and alignment with negotiated terms.
• Collaborate with legal teams to address any contractual issues and ensure adherence to company policies.
• Stay informed about market trends, industry developments, and emerging technologies related to indirect goods and services.
• Analyze supplier performance data and market conditions to make informed procurement decisions.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of procurement processes, suggesting efficiency enhancements and best practices.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to streamline workflows and optimize procurement procedures.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, supplier interactions, and contract details.
• Generate regular reports on procurement metrics, supplier performance, and cost savings achievements.

Welcome to AESC, supporting our state-of-the-art Gigafactories, where you'll have the opportunity to tackle the world's most fascinating challenges alongside exceptionally talented individuals who are driven to make a difference. At AESC, we offer a comprehensive compensation package. In addition, we provide a range of valuable benefits, such as 401K, and health insurance. We strive to ensure that our employees are well taken care of, enabling them to focus on their work and contribute to our collective mission of changing the world.

• An inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters and encourages professional and personal development.
• Highly automated, clean, safe, and temperature-controlled production environment
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401K with company match
• Life Insurance (Company paid and additional voluntary life available)
• Paid Vacation and 14 Paid Holidays
• Short term and long-term disability coverage (Company Paid)
• Tuition reimbursement #LI-IC1

What You Need

* Bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, or a related field is preferred.

* 5+ years of proven experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably with a focus on indirect goods and services such as logistics, IT services, packaging, and other professional services.

* Proficiency in using procurement software such as SAP, and Microsoft Office Suite.

* Strong negotiation skills with the ability to secure favorable terms and pricing from suppliers. Familiarity with contract management and compliance principles.

* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with internal stakeholders and external vendors.

* Analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making abilities, strong organizational skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

#LI-IC1

Even if you don't meet every requirement listed, if you believe this role suits you well, we encourage you to apply. Your application gives us the opportunity to learn more about you and explore potential fits within our team.

Following the submission of your application, we are committed to providing timely responses to all applicants, though response times may vary depending on the volume of submissions. If you do not receive an immediate response, please rest assured that this in no way reflects on the quality of your candidacy. Your application will be retained in our files, and we may reach out to you for future roles that align with your skills and interests. As our organization experiences rapid growth, we appreciate your patience in this process. We are actively working each day to enhance our application procedures to ensure a smoother and more efficient experience for all applicants. Thank you for your understanding and enthusiasm for joining our dynamic team.

At AESC, we are committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all individuals. We participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S Join us in our passion to design, manufacture, and sell high-performance products, contributing to a sustainable and zero-carbon emission future.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read, write, speak, hear; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach and lift with hands and arms frequently throughout the day.
• Required to occasionally lift, push, pull and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally required to lift, push, pull and/or move up to 35 pounds.