Supply Chain Director (Greater Chicago Area)

Position Overview

A leading energy and infrastructure organization is seeking a Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager / Director to lead procurement strategy, commercial negotiations, and supplier management across a diverse portfolio of utility-scale renewable energy and conventional power generation projects, including solar, battery energy storage (BESS), natural gas generation, substations, and related infrastructure.

This individual will oversee sourcing initiatives from supplier qualification and competitive bidding through contract execution and project delivery, working cross-functionally with Development, Engineering, Construction, Operations, Finance, Legal, and Asset Management teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with project schedules, budgets, financing requirements, and commercial-operation targets.
• Lead competitive solicitations, supplier evaluations, bid analysis, and negotiations for major equipment, EPC services, construction contracts, and long-term service agreements.
• Negotiate commercial terms covering pricing, delivery schedules, warranties, performance guarantees, liquidated damages, and risk allocation.
• Manage supplier qualification, manufacturing capacity, long-lead equipment procurement, logistics, and delivery milestones.
• Coordinate procurement packages across OEMs, EPC contractors, and project teams to minimize scope gaps and execution risks.
• Monitor supplier performance, resolve contractual and delivery issues, and manage quality, warranty, and lifecycle service requirements.
• Ensure procurement strategies incorporate applicable regulatory, safety, domestic-content, trade, and supply-chain compliance requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, supply-chain management, commercial management, or contract management.
• Experience in power generation, renewable energy, utilities, infrastructure, major equipment procurement, or EPC projects.
• Proven track record negotiating high-value equipment supply agreements, EPC contracts, and complex commercial arrangements.
• Strong understanding of bid evaluation, total cost of ownership, supplier risk, warranties, performance guarantees, and long-lead manufacturing schedules.
• Excellent commercial judgment, negotiation, analytical, and cross-functional leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience across solar, BESS, natural gas generation, or related power infrastructure.
• Familiarity with owner-furnished equipment, multi-package contracting, and long-term service agreements.
• Experience supporting project financing, lender due diligence, or acquisition processes.
• Background with an IPP, utility, energy developer, EPC contractor, OEM, or major equipment supplier.

Opportunity

An opportunity to shape procurement strategy and commercial execution across a diverse energy infrastructure portfolio, building strategic supplier relationships and supporting the successful delivery of critical power generation projects.