Senior Commodity Manager – Cells

Batteries are our Business. People are our Power.

At Clarios, we produce advanced low-voltage battery technologies and smart solutions that power nearly every type of vehicle. One in three vehicles worldwide is powered by a Clarios battery. Home to brands including VARTA® and OPTIMA®, we are united by a shared goal: creating cutting-edge technology sustainably. Ready to power up your career? Explore the possibilities with us and become a valued member of our team.

Your impact

As Senior Commodity Manager - Cells (m/f/d), you will own and execute the global category strategy for lithium-ion cells, sodium-ion cells and ultracapacitors, including electrodes, active materials and related technologies. You will ensure competitive cost, supply security and commercial excellence across the full lifecycle, from RFQ and supplier nomination through series production and end-of-life.

Location: Hannover, Germany. The role has a global scope and requires international travel of approximately 10-20%.

What you will do

• Develop and execute global sourcing and category strategies for Li-ion, Na-ion and ultracapacitor technologies, including supplier panels, sourcing roadmaps, dual-source strategies and business allocation.
• Lead supplier selection, qualification and nomination, as well as contract negotiations, long-term agreements, capacity reservations, warranty terms and strategic supplier relationships.
• Own commercial lifecycle management for cells, electrodes, active materials and other strategic battery components from RFQ through series production and end-of-life.
• Build should-cost models and target-price frameworks; evaluate quotations, challenge assumptions, benchmark cost structures and define cost-down roadmaps.
• Monitor key raw-material markets and translate cost drivers, technology developments and market intelligence into sourcing decisions and business cases.
• Partner with Engineering, Program Management and Purchasing teams on customer RFQs, technology roadmaps, supplier capability assessments, design-to-cost, VA/VE and make-or-buy evaluations.
• Manage supplier and supply-chain risks, including capacity, financial exposure, geopolitical and raw-material dependencies, quality concerns and technology maturity; drive mitigation and business-continuity actions.
• Lead supplier workshops, productivity and localization initiatives, and provide clear reporting on category strategy, market trends, supplier readiness, risks, savings and mitigation plans.

What makes you a good fit

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Economics, Materials Science, Chemistry or a related field; a relevant master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum eight years of experience in strategic sourcing, commodity management, battery supply chain, cell procurement, cost management or a related procurement role.
• Deep knowledge of Li-ion, Na-ion and ultracapacitor technologies, cell manufacturing, electrode production and battery raw-material value chains.
• Proven expertise in should-cost modeling, cell pricing, commodity-index tracking, category strategy and complex global supplier negotiations.
• Experience in automotive, battery manufacturing, energy storage, electrification or another high-volume manufacturing environment; knowledge of APQP, PPAP and IATF 16949 is preferred.
• Strong analytical and financial acumen, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to turn technology and market insights into commercial decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and executive communication skills, with the ability to lead and influence in a global matrix organization without direct authority.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, SAP/ERP and analytics or cost-modeling tools; fluent English and willingness to travel internationally approximately 10-20%.

What we offer you

Input matters just as much as output. At Clarios, your passion, ingenuity and grit are valued. Our benefits philosophy reflects our commitment to caring for employees and recognizing their dedication, expertise and contribution.

• Exciting professional tasks and challenges in a diverse international environment with strong commitment to integrity, values, social engagement and sustainability.
• Arrange your working hours and breaks flexible via our flexible and trust-based working hours model and combine your professional and private life even better according to our mobile work policy and company kindergarten.
• A competitive remuneration package, including additional payments such as holiday, Christmas as well as company pension program.
• Your well-being is very important to us: Take advantage of our preventive health care offers such as fitness center, physiotherapist, modern office environment, healthy canteen, team and company events or hobby clubs.
• Stay fit whilst at the same time positively contributing to our environment: Lease your company bike.
• Our well-advanced onboarding process and buddy program supports you to quickly grow into the position and team. By using the offering in our Internal Learning Academy, LinkedIn Learning and EMEA Mentoring Program you will be able to further grow professionally and personally.
• Last, but not least we support you in relocating and finding a flat in location surrounding if applicable and depending on individual factors.

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About Clarios:

Clarios is the global leader in advanced, low-voltage battery technologies for mobility. Our batteries and smart solutions power nearly every type of vehicle and are found in 1 of 3 cars on the road today. With around 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, we bring deep expertise to our Aftermarket and OEM partners, and reliability, safety and comfort to everyday lives. We answer to the planet with a rigorous sustainability focus – advancing best-in-class sustainability practices and advocating for them across our industry. We work to ensure 100% of our products sold are recyclable, and we recycle 8,000 batteries an hour in our network. You can find more information here (PDF). 

To All Recruitment Agencies: Clarios does not accept unsolicited agency resumes/CVs. Please do not forward resumes/CVs to our careers email addresses, Clarios employees or any other company location. Clarios is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes/CVs.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Clarios, LLC is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information, please view EEO is the Law, EEO is the Law (supplement), and Pay Transparency Non-discrimination. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please email Special.Accommodations@Clarios.com.

A Note to Job Applicants: please be aware of scams being perpetrated through the Internet and social media platforms. Clarios will never require a job applicant to pay money as part of the application or hiring process.