Manager, Supply Chain – Solar

Job description

Apex's Strategic Procurement team selects, contracts, and manages the major equipment behind our utility-scale wind, solar, and storage projects. In solar, we are expanding our role by taking more direct ownership of technology selection and supply agreements for key equipment, and we are building new programs to do it. This role will help build that capability. You will lead procurement for major solar equipment categories, from technology selection and supplier negotiations through delivery, and work alongside teammates across other technologies as priorities shift. It suits someone who wants to build something, not just run an established process, and who enjoys working at the intersection of engineering, commercial negotiation, and supply chain. This position is open to candidates at either the Manager or Senior Manager level, depending on the depth of experience and expertise in supply chain management within the renewable energy sector. We welcome talent that can contribute significantly to our mission of advancing clean energy. Hours: Full-time Type: Exempt Department: Strategic Procurement Travel: 15–20% (supplier factories, project sites, industry events) Office Location: Charlottesville, VA Primary Responsibilities: Build and run solar equipment procurement programs Turn high-level procurement strategy into working programs: decision workflows, roles and ownership, stage-gate timing, templates, and tools. Develop weighted vendor selection frameworks covering bankability, supply chain compliance, price and payment terms, technology, reliability, warranty, and engineering support. Build supplier risk-ranking methods and vendor engagement models with defined touchpoints and cadence. Define and track a small set of program metrics and report progress to procurement leadership. Lead commercial negotiation and contracting Negotiate and execute volume commitment agreements, framework or master supply agreements, and purchase orders for solar equipment such as modules, trackers, and inverters. Structure key commercial terms, including volume and capacity reservation, deposits, price locks and commodity indexation, payment schedules, delivery flexibility, liquidated damages, and warranties. Ensure Apex's equipment terms and pricing flow down cleanly into EPC agreements. Partner with Legal, Tax, Finance, and Insurance on contract structure, compliance exhibits, and risk allocation. Lead solar tracker procurement Help establish and run Apex's tracker procurement program, in which Apex selects the tracker technology and negotiates terms directly with manufacturers while the EPC manages purchasing and logistics. Negotiate and manage volume commitment and framework agreements with leading tracker suppliers. Select site-specific tracker technology based on terrain, wind, hail, geotechnical conditions, and automation, in alignment with Solar Design, Engineering & Construction, Asset Management, and EPC partners. Drive site-specific technology selection Work with Solar Design, Engineering & Construction, and Asset Management to select the right equipment for each project based on terrain, wind, hail, geotechnical conditions, constructability, and long-term performance. Coordinate design iterations with suppliers from early layout through final design, including extreme-weather mitigation and yield-enhancing technologies. Support equipment compatibility reviews, bankability, independent engineer, and insurance diligence. Own compliance, market intelligence, and risk Support the team in sourcing equipment that meets Domestic Content and FEOC requirements, including supplier documentation and compliance exhibits. Track solar equipment markets, steel and commodity pricing, tariffs, trade cases, and policy changes, and translate them into procurement recommendations. Monitor supplier financial health, manufacturing footprint, and capacity. Manage suppliers through delivery Build and maintain relationships with established and emerging solar suppliers at operational, commercial, and executive levels. Oversee production schedules, factory QA/QC and third-party audits, delivery logistics, and resolution of supply issues from contracting through commissioning. Manage purchase requisitions, change orders, invoice reconciliation, and warranty or technical support escalations. Support the broader Strategic Procurement team Support solar module procurement, including supply agreements, technical exhibits, testing requirements, and delivery coordination. Assist teammates on other technologies and initiatives as needs arise, such as inverters, storage, and project assurance. Help build shared processes, playbooks, and document libraries (Smartsheet, Procore), and look for opportunities to apply automation and AI tools. Required Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Business, or a related field. Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience, including at least 2 years in utility-scale renewable energy (developer, IPP, EPC, or equipment manufacturer). Working knowledge of utility-scale solar equipment (such as trackers, modules, and inverters) and how it interacts with site design, energy yield, and construction. Experience negotiating or supporting equipment supply agreements, including commercial and legal terms. Strong financial and analytical skills (advanced Excel; ability to build bid comparisons and evaluate cost, schedule, and risk tradeoffs). Clear written and verbal communication, and comfort influencing stakeholders and senior leaders without direct authority. Self-starter who is comfortable with ambiguity, shifting priorities, and building processes where none exist. Preferred Master's degree or MBA in Engineering, Supply Chain, Economics, or a related field. 5+ years in renewable energy, including direct experience procuring or supplying solar equipment through a developer, IPP, EPC, or manufacturer. Experience with solar tracker or racking systems. Experience leading technology review and contracting for utility-scale renewable energy equipment, including owner-furnished equipment or multi-project framework agreements. Experience with solar module procurement, testing, or quality assurance. Familiarity with Domestic Content, FEOC, and tariff compliance for solar equipment. Structural, mechanical, or civil engineering background, or experience with geotechnical and pile considerations. Experience with coding, data tools, or building AI-enabled tools. Work Environment: Works in both an indoor office environment and an outdoor environment, occasionally at night which may be subject to inclement weather. Extended hours may be required to complete scheduled repairs. How You’ll Grow At Apex Clean Energy, our professional development plans focus on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there’s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the dynamic, fast-paced renewable energy industry. From on-the-job learning experiences to a robust multi-week onboarding experience to formal development programs, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career. What Apex Can Offer You At Apex Clean Energy, we know that great people make a great company. We value our people and offer employees a broad, best-in-class range of benefits. A mission-driven, energetic environment that supports and encourages our people to do their best work every day. A respect for and celebration of individuality, differences, and uniqueness Collaborative and driven professional workforce committed to supporting your ideas and feedback and accelerating your potential Ongoing support and guidance such as on-the-job learning, hands-on experience, and mentorship Training, strategies, and tools to support your personal and professional growth Team atmosphere of diverse professionals committed to making an impact as an organization Opportunities to volunteer and give back to our local communities Exceptional benefits such as medical and dental; 401(k) with corporate match Base and bonus commensurate with experience Responsible Paid Time Off plus standard company holidays Benefits Offered: comprehensive high-deductible health plans, dental and vision insurance plans, short-term and long-term disability, group life insurance, 401(k) corporate matching, flexible spending arrangements, company paid parking and cell phone, fitness and wellness corporate discounts At this time, Apex will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization for this position. Apex Clean Energy, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. Apex Clean Energy was founded with a singular focus: to accelerate the shift to clean energy. Through origination, construction, and operation of utility-scale wind, solar, and storage facilities, distributed energy resources, and green fuel technologies, Apex is expanding the renewable frontier across North America. Our mission-driven team of more than 400 professionals uses a data-focused approach and an unrivaled portfolio of projects to create solutions for the world’s most innovative and forward-thinking customers. For more information about how Apex is building the energy company of the future, visit . Apex strives to excel in every phase of project realization, from origination and financing to construction and asset management. Our mission-driven team seeks determined, resolute individuals who strive to innovate and go above the call of duty, and who will relentlessly do their part to help accelerate the shift to America’s clean energy future.