Procurement Manager

Role Overview

Solar Energy Solutions is hiring a Procurement Manager to oversee sourcing, supplier coordination, and materials planning for residential, commercial, and small utility-scale solar projects. The position focuses on securing solar modules, inverters, racking, electrical parts, batteries, tools, equipment, and related project supplies in a way that supports timelines, quality expectations, and business objectives.

In this role, you will partner with operations, warehouse, project management, sales, engineering, finance, and field teams to anticipate material requirements, manage supplier relationships, control spend, and strengthen procurement practices in a fast-moving renewable energy setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the full purchasing cycle for solar project materials, equipment, tools, and consumables.
• Build, assess, and sustain strong relationships with vendors, distributors, manufacturers, and subcontractor partners.
• Work out pricing, lead times, payment terms, delivery timing, and contract conditions to improve savings and supply dependability.
• Coordinate with project managers, warehouse teams, engineering, and field operations so needed materials are available for planned installations.
• Prepare, review, and track purchase orders, confirmations, invoices, delivery timelines, and other purchasing records.
• Watch inventory levels and assist with planning for repeat items, long-lead materials, and project-specific components.
• Evaluate supplier performance, including on-time delivery, product quality, warranty support, and responsiveness.
• Spot procurement risks such as shortages, price increases, shipping delays, and product unavailability, then propose mitigation steps.
• Support budgeting and cost control by reviewing material pricing, vendor quotes, and buying patterns.
• Partner with finance to clear invoice issues, keep purchasing records accurate, and contribute to month-end reporting.
• Keep up with solar technology, equipment standards, code requirements, and market trends that could influence purchasing choices.
• Continuously improve procurement workflows, vendor management methods, and internal communication.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated background in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, inventory control, construction operations, or a similar area.
• Strong ability to negotiate with vendors, maintain relationships, and solve problems effectively.
• Capacity to juggle multiple priorities, deadlines, and material demands in a high-paced environment.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in purchase orders, pricing, delivery details, and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively with office, warehouse, and field-based teams.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel locally when needed for vendor, warehouse, or project-related tasks.

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to solar, renewable energy, electrical construction, general construction, manufacturing, or distribution.
• Working knowledge of solar modules, inverters, racking systems, batteries, EV chargers, electrical balance-of-system parts, and construction tools.
• Hands-on experience with inventory, ERP, accounting, or project management systems.
• Familiarity with vendor agreements, warranties, shipping coordination, and material staging for construction work.
• Experience supporting multi-location operations or project-based purchasing.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role based in Lexington, Kentucky. The job may involve occasional travel to the warehouse, supplier facilities, or project locations. The ideal candidate should be comfortable operating in both office and field-facing environments and communicating across departments.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to visit warehouse or jobsite settings as needed.
• Ability to occasionally lift or move materials up to 25 pounds, with assistance when necessary.

Why Join Solar Energy Solutions

Solar Energy Solutions is a regional leader in renewable energy design, engineering, and installation. The company helps customers lower energy costs, improve energy independence, and contribute to a cleaner energy future. This role plays an important part in supporting project delivery and strengthening the supply chain as demand grows for solar, battery storage, and EV charging solutions.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

Solar Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer. The company supports an inclusive workplace and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Company 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation
• Paid holidays