.The Direct Materials Procurement Manager will oversee the procurement and contract management of direct materials used in our battery production. This role involves developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, ensuring compliance with company policies and legal requirements, and optimizing procurement processes to deliver high-quality materials efficiently.Key Responsibilities:- Strategic Sourcing and Contract Management:- Lead the end-to-end procurement process for direct materials, including sourcing, negotiating, and managing contracts with vendors and suppliers.- Develop and execute procurement strategies that align with Clarios' objectives, ensuring contracts meet company policies and legal requirements.- Negotiate favorable terms and conditions to secure the best value and quality for Clarios.- Supplier and Contract Performance:- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners. Act as the main point of contact for contract-related issues and provide expert advice and support.- Track and manage supplier performance and contract compliance, ensuring that all parties fulfill their contractual obligations.- Identify and mitigate contractual risks, and resolve issues to protect the company's interests and optimize value.- Documentation and Compliance:- Draft, review, and revise contracts and related documents using standard templates or creating new ones as needed, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and completeness.- Obtain necessary approvals and signatures for contracts and manage the contract execution process efficiently.- Maintain and update contract templates, tools, and databases, ensuring proper documentation and record-keeping.- Continuous Improvement:- Analyze contract performance and results, providing feedback and suggestions for improvement.- Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and regulatory changes, updating procurement strategies and contracts accordingly.Qualifications:- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field (Master's degree or relevant certifications such as Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) are advantageous).- Minimum of 6 years of experience in procurement, contract management, or a related field, ideally within the automotive or manufacturing sectors.- Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a proven track record of managing complex procurement and contract processes.- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish.- In-depth knowledge of contract law, procurement regulations, and industry best practices.- Familiarity with Direct Materials' quality approval processes, including Production Part Approval Process (PPAP), Part Submission Warrant (PSW), and other relevant quality standards.- Strong experience with ISO9000, ISO14000, and IATF quality management programs