What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sourcing Specialist position at canadiansolar?
At CS Power Systems, we're on a mission to transform lives by delivering clean, solar-powered electricity to millions worldwide—and we're just getting started. As a cutting-edge division of Canadian Solar, a global leader founded in 2001, we stand at the forefront of manufacturing high-performance solar panels, inverters, and advanced energy storage solutions. In this fast-growing, high-impact industry, our deep commitment to sustainability drives everything we do, creating innovative technologies that power a brighter, greener future. Across Canadian Solar's powerful ecosystem—including CS Power Systems, CSPowerTech, e-STORAGE, Recurrent Energy, MSS, and CSI Solar—we're deeply invested in our people's success. If you're passionate about renewable energy and want to "Make the Difference" by building a lasting positive impact on the planet and communities everywhere, join us at CS Power Systems—where your talent can help shape the clean energy revolution. Company Summary: CS Powertech is a vertically-integrated manufacturer of ingots, wafers, cells, solar modules (panels) and custom-designed solar power applications. CS Powertech delivers solar power products of uncompromising quality to customers worldwide. CS Powertech’s world class team of professionals works closely with our customers to provide them with solutions for all their solar needs. For more information on the company, please visit www.canadian-solar.com. Position Title: Sourcing Specialist Department: Sourcing Reports To: Sourcing Manager Location: Jeffersonville, Indiana Responsibilities include: Lead strategic sourcing activities for direct materials to support business objectives, operational requirements, and supply continuity. Develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimize cost, quality, delivery, and supplier performance. Conduct market analysis, supplier benchmarking, and total cost of ownership (TCO) assessments to support sourcing decisions. Manage RFIs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, and sourcing recommendations while ensuring competitive and compliant procurement processes. Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers to support localization initiatives, capacity requirements, and supply chain resilience. Lead commercial negotiations for pricing, contracts, payment terms, and service agreements to maximize value and mitigate risk. Drive cost reduction and value improvement initiatives through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, value engineering, and supplier collaboration. Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and procurement cost management activities while monitoring commodity and market trends. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliable supply, service excellence, and long-term strategic partnerships. Monitor supplier performance, conduct root cause analysis for issues, and implement corrective and preventive action plans to drive continuous improvement. Collaborate with Quality and Engineering teams on supplier qualification, audits, compliance requirements, and supplier development initiatives. Partner with Manufacturing, Engineering, Planning, Logistics, Quality, and Finance teams to support production, project, and business requirements. Lead sourcing projects, supplier transitions, new product introductions (NPI), engineering changes, and capacity expansion initiatives. Identify and mitigate supply chain risks related to capacity, quality, logistics, geopolitical factors, and supplier financial stability through proactive planning. Develop contingency plans, alternative sourcing strategies, and business continuity initiatives to ensure uninterrupted supply of critical materials and services. All other duties as assigned Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, Engineering, or a related discipline required. Minimum 5 years of experience in Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or Supplier Relationship Management, with proven experience leading sourcing projects and supplier initiatives.. Strong analytical and negotiation skills with the ability to assess supplier performance, analyze procurement data, and support informed business decisions. Proficiency in procurement systems and Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and collaborate with suppliers, internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with a commitment to maintaining accuracy in procurement transactions, records, and documentation. Demonstrated ability to identify, analyze, and resolve procurement-related challenges in a timely and effective manner while maintaining operational continuity and supplier performance. Professional certifications such as Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), or equivalent credentials are preferred. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions Ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, filing, and operating office equipment Occasional standing, walking, bending, and reaching Ability to lift and carry light office materials (up to 10–15 lbs), such as files or office supplies Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports Ability to attend meetings and interact with employees, clients, and vendors Compensation and Benefits: CS Powertech offers a competitive salary plus fully comprehensive benefits and performance bonus package based on an annual objective achievement. Our generous benefits package includes a 401(k) Retirement Plan, medical/dental/life/disability program, PTO and sick days. This is a full-time position. Note: The company reserves the right to change the duties and responsibilities of this position at any time as its own discretion. CS Powertech is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. #CSPowerSystems Canadian Solar is a leading manufacturer of solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions since 2001. Our friendly and dedicated team of sales and operations experts work with retailers and strategic distribution partners all over the globe to provide our residential, commercial and utility-scale solar solutions. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in all parts of our organization as we navigate the complexities of a booming industry.