Procurement Specialist

Renewable America is hiring a Procurement Specialist in San Jose, CA, to manage procurement activities for renewable energy projects. The role involves building vendor relationships, overseeing logistics, and ensuring timely project execution within budget. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in supply chain management or project management, particularly in the energy sector. This position requires close collaboration with internal teams and suppliers.
About Renewable America (RNA):

Renewable America is committed to investing in the end-to-end development of local, small utility-scale solar+storage and multi-customer community microgrids projects. Through these infrastructure improvements, we provide emergency power to vulnerable populations and critical facilities during grid outages. Dispatchable renewable energy can transform the traditional grid through decentralized generation and create local resiliency. Our vision is to lead the way to the future of Community Microgrids by developing projects in strategic locations while minimizing possible environmental impacts on the land. Our mission is to make clean energy affordable and accessible for everyone.

Our extensive services include engineering, financing, construction, and maintenance. With every project, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting communities with economic development and renewable energy access. RNA has over 320 megawatts (MWdc) of solar and 680 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage projects under development throughout California. Our projects are strategically located to provide maximum benefit to the region while also meeting the community’s demand needs.

Scope of Job:

We are seeking a Procurement Specialist to play a critical role in the successful execution of our renewable energy projects. This role requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual who will manage procurement activities, ensuring that our projects are executed on time and on budget. You will build strong relationships with vendors, manage material logistics, and oversee the procurement of solar modules, inverters, racking systems, balance of system (BOS) components, battery storage, and labor for construction.

This position is based in our Santa Clara office and reports directly to the VP of Construction.

Responsibilities:

· Oversee procurement activities related to equipment, materials, and subcontractor services for assigned projects, ensuring alignment with company policies and project timelines.

· Work closely with internal teams (Development, Valuation & Analytics, Project Finance, Asset Management, Legal, and Implementation) and external suppliers to optimize procurement processes and identify cost-saving opportunities.

· Review, compare, and evaluate supplier proposals, ensuring cost-competitive pricing. Lead commercial negotiations for supply agreements, RFIs, project-specific orders, and change orders.

· Provide forecasting of material and logistic prices to inform future project cost estimates.

· Serve as the primary point of contact for suppliers, managing communications and ensuring smooth coordination throughout the procurement process.

· Ensure the timely delivery of engineered equipment and materials in accordance with project specifications and requirements.

Education/Experience:

· Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, Construction Management, Economics or demonstrated equivalent combination of education, training and a minimum of 3 years of work experience.

· At least 2-3 years’ experience in project management, supply chain and/or construction projects in energy industry US power finance, trading, origination experience preferred.

· Experience in vendor management and negotiation.

· Strong understanding of financials, contract negotiation, and problem-solving in a procurement context

· Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines

· Highly organized with the ability to effectively manage competing tasks.

· Solar or storage development or procurement experience is preferred.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

· Requires working knowledge of the power and renewable energy market dynamics

· Preference for wind, solar and battery experience in US competitive wholesale electricity markets as well as vertically integrated markets

· Requires the ability to stay current with changing technologies, regulations, and trends influencing the continued adoption of renewable energy and clean energy transition

· Commercial mindset, strong prioritization, communication, and organizational skills are required.

· Strong quantitative, analytical, and organizational skills

· Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

· Detail-oriented with a strong work ethic and ability to meet deadlines

· Ability to quickly step into new tasks and adapt to new circumstances in a dynamic environment

Job Type: Full-time, In-Person

Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus bonus