Purchasing and Procurement Manager

About Blue Current Blue Current (the “Company”) is the industry leader in the development of silicon solid state batteries. Free of flammable liquid electrolytes, Blue Current’s fully dry, inherently safe batteries significantly reduce risks to human and environmental health while providing a higher-performance alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Blue Current’s silicon-based platform is highly adaptable, enabling a cost-effective solution for both the mobility and stationary storage markets. Blue Current’s team works out of its state-of-the-art headquarters and pilot line facility in Hayward, California. To learn more about Blue Current, Inc., visit http://bluecurrent.com. Position Summary The Purchasing and Procurement Manager is the motor which keeps the Company’s engine running smoothly, fueling the business and supporting the teams in their journey to reach their strategic goals. You will own the full scope of purchasing and procurement responsibilities — from small to large purchases, building out procurement processes, protocols and best practices, and supporting the team’s needs while protecting budget and spend. This is a highly visible, essential, fully-onsite role that touches every team in the company and manages relationships with external vendors and suppliers. Specific areas of ownership will include: systems, procurement operations, commodity management interfaces, materials, logistics, contract management, supplier management and contract administration. Key goals will include: cost control, supply continuity, timeliness and flexibility, vendor management, and cross-functional collaboration with Research & Development, Cell Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Facilities and Operations, and Finance. You are someone who takes genuine ownership of your domain, stays a step ahead of what the team needs, and brings a professional presence to every interaction. You value process, organization, and achieving best outcomes for the Company and a high-growth and dynamic environment. You are able to communicate across teams and levels and to weigh priorities in alignment with corporate strategy. Essential Functions & Responsibilities Purchasing Operations Manage day-to-day purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and supplier communications for office supplies, facilities needs, and technical and operational materials across departments. Ensure timely procurement of materials required for R&D, pilot builds, and production. Monitor supplier delivery performance and proactively address shortages or delays. Maintain purchasing records, contracts, and supplier documentation. Collaborate with inventory planning to optimize stock levels and working capital. Strategic Sourcing Source and qualify suppliers for direct materials, components, equipment, and services. Conduct competitive bidding, RFQ, RFP, and supplier selection processes. Negotiate pricing, lead times, payment terms, and contractual agreements. Develop sourcing strategies to reduce costs and mitigate supply chain risk. Identify alternate suppliers and dual-source opportunities. Ensure alignment with budget and strategic goals. Supplier Management Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships. Monitor supplier performance metrics including quality, cost, timely complete delivery, and responsiveness. Conduct supplier reviews and support corrective action initiatives. Coordinate supplier onboarding and qualification activities and credit applications. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner closely with divisions to support new product introduction (NPI) programs and efficiencies. Prepare for manufacturing activities to ensure uninterrupted production operations. Collaborate with teams on supplier quality issues and qualification requirements. Coordinate with Finance regarding reporting, budgets, forecasts, payment terms, and accruals. Process Improvement Develop and improve procurement policies, controls, and procedures. Support purchasing system en…