Director, BESS Procurement

We are Lightsource bp – and we’re on a mission to become a global leader in onshore renewables, anchored by our proven track record in solar development.

For over a decade we’ve been actively working to diversify the way our world is powered with sustainable and responsible renewable power. We work to safely deliver affordable, reliable, large-scale onshore renewable and energy storage solutions to help the world decarbonize. Our growing business is constantly innovating and investing to help drive the energy transition. Our people and projects are focused on supporting long-term sustainable growth and energy security.

Lightsource bp was fully acquired by bp in 2024.

SUMMARY

This role is critical to ensuring the successful execution of Lightsource bp’s utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) growth in the US, while supporting Solar (PV) project procurement. The ideal candidate is preferred to have a strong BESS background to enhance the execution of our BESS strategy. This person will safeguard LSbp’s commercial performance by securing critical equipment and services through competitive, risk-mitigated procurement strategies. This role will drive domestic and global market intelligence efforts and ensure supply chain resilience in an incredibly dynamic and rapidly evolving renewable energy landscape.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES

• Develop and execute procurement and contracting strategies for battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar (PV) projects, optimizing cost, delivery, quality, and service.
• Negotiate and manage equipment and service transactions for BESS (including BMS, EMS, inverters) and PV systems as required, ensuring contract terms minimize risk and maximize supplier performance.
• Lead and manage the Request for Proposal (RFP) process — including supplier analysis, evaluation, and selection — while quantifying and mitigating contractual and commercial risks.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary teams across legal, finance, development, operations, technical, HSQE, and insurance to align procurement strategies and ensure project success.
• Monitor and assess geopolitical, market, and regulatory developments affecting supply chains; translate insights into actionable procurement and category strategies.
• Develop and maintain a robust category strategy for BESS, incorporating emerging technologies, pricing trends, and regulatory/policy impacts.
• Manage supplier relationships and oversee Purchase Orders, approvals, documentation, and timely delivery of materials, equipment, and services to project sites.
• Implement and enforce safety, quality, and environmental practices in collaboration with HSQE to evaluate subcontractors and mitigate operational risks.
• Facilitate execution of procurement-related agreements including NDAs, Letters of Intent, and MOUs with potential counterparties.
• Provide market intelligence on PV and BESS sectors to inform procurement decisions and maintain a competitive position.
• Support financial close processes for assigned projects, including allocation of safe harbor equipment for tax credit qualification (ITC/PTC).
• Report procurement status updates to leadership, construction teams, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment on project timelines and objectives.

Who Were Looking For

Knowledge

• Deep understanding of renewable energy product procurement, with experience in global sourcing, international negotiations, and management of key supplier relationships.
• Strong technical knowledge of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) — including standalone and hybrid utility-scale projects (200–1000MW) — and related systems such as PV modules, inverters, trackers/racking, high-voltage equipment, and battery integrators.
• Proficiency in contract development, negotiation, and risk mitigation for large-scale power generation and related equipment.
• Experience in market intelligence, supply chain risk analysis, and disruption mitigation, including global transport and logistics considerations.
• Knowledge of import/export regulations for equipment and materials in international renewable projects.
• Financial analysis expertise, including commodities trends, indexation, and price forecasting.

Skills

• Excellent negotiation, influence, and stakeholder management skills across internal teams and suppliers.
• Strong oral and written communication abilities, with attention to detail and organizational competence.
• Ability to manage complex procurement projects across multi-functional, international teams in remote locations.
• Skilled in direct purchase of technically complex renewable energy products and services.
• Knowledge of construction industry practices as they relate to renewable energy and utility-scale projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and related productivity software for documentation, presentations, analytics, and reporting.
• Willingness and flexibility to travel domestically and internationally (10–20%).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in STEM or equivalent substantial industry experience; MBA preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CSCP, or CIPS preferred.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in a second language (preferably Spanish or Mandarin) is a plus.

Experience

• 10–12+ years of professional experience, including 5+ years in utility-scale BESS procurement.
• Proven track record delivering large-scale energy projects (200–1000MW), including battery storage, substations, and high-voltage infrastructure.
• Experience supporting multi-year framework agreements and multi-functional project teams in an international environment.
• Background with a solar energy developer or EPC contractor, ideally in the PV + BESS sectors.

We offer

• Competitive compensation: $170,000 to $190,000 annually plus a 25% annual bonus.
• Health, dental, prescription, and vision care for US team members starts on your first day of employment with zero premiums for employee-only coverage.
• Retention bonuses
• Four weeks of vacation and three weeks of sick leave annually plus 11 paid holidays
• 401(k) plan, with a 3% nonelective employer contribution.
• Hybrid working environment (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday in office, Monday and Friday remote)
• Monthly personal phone bill reimbursement of up to $100 and a monthly commuter benefit of up to $150.
• Lifestyle Savings Account and more!

Why you’ll want to work with us

Our company is a place where you can be yourself and grow – a place where your ideas and opinions matter.
Be you: We pride ourselves on being an inclusive community, where every individual is valued and treated with respect.
Be responsible: Our culture is driven by our core values. From operating safely to ensuring our solar projects are responsible and promote biodiversity.
Be recognized: Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a variety of benefits including annual bonus, retention bank, health insurance, pension, and other local benefits.
Be inspired: Join an agile, international team working across 15 countries to power the future and positively impact people, communities, ecosystems and biodiversity across the world.
Our core values: Lightsource bp truly cares about creating a sustainable future through safe, responsible and meaningful low-carbon energy projects. Our core values of Safety, Integrity, Respect, Sustainability and Drive are the guiding principles for everything we do.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, neurodiversity/neurocognitive functioning, veteran status or disability status. Individuals with disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation related to LSbp’s recruiting process (e.g., accessing the job application, completing required assessments, participating in telephone screenings or interviews, etc.). If you would like to request an accommodation related to the recruitment process, please contact us to request accommodations.