Purchasing Clerk

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Purchasing Clerk supports Lion Energy's supply chain by executing and tracking both direct and indirect procurement activities in close partnership with Engineering Procurement, Operations, Warehouse, and Finance. This role is highly detail-oriented and execution-focused, ensuring purchase order accuracy, supplier coordination, documentation control, and inventory integrity across production materials, components, and operational supplies.

This is a detail-driven, execution-focused role critical to operational continuity and margin protection in a fast-paced, highly regulated supply chain environment where precision, documentation accuracy, and cost discipline directly impact margin and compliance.

Responsibilities/Duties:

Direct Procurement (Production / COGS)

• Create, issue, and manage purchase orders for battery components, electronic assemblies, mechanical parts, packaging materials, and finished goods
• Verify pricing, incoterms, lead times, and production schedules to align with build plans and inventory targets
• Coordinate with Engineering Procurement on BOM updates, new component sourcing, engineering change orders (ECOs), and pilot production requirements
• Ensure all required compliance documentation is secured and approved prior to shipment (e.g., UN38.3, SDS, test reports, country of origin)
• Monitor supplier on-time performance and escalate risks that may impact production

Indirect Procurement (MRO / Operational Spend)

• Create and manage POs for warehouse supplies, equipment, tools, office supplies, maintenance services, and freight-related vendors
• Track and report non-COGS spending to provide visibility to Operations and Finance
• Support facilities and warehouse projects with timely sourcing and purchasing
• Maintain and update the approved vendor list for indirect suppliers

Engineering Procurement Support

• Partner with Engineering on new product development purchases, prototype materials, sample orders, and testing components
• Ensure accurate SKU setup, descriptions, and ERP item creation (NetSuite preferred)
• Maintain revision control for components affected by ECOs and confirm updates flow through BOMs and POs
• Assist in documenting supplier specifications, certifications, and country of origin data and support cost roll-up updates when components change

This is especially important as Lion Energy increases domestic manufacturing capability.

Supplier Coordination

• Confirm production timelines, ship dates, and delivery expectations with suppliers
• Ensure timely receipt of commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading, country of origin statements, and compliance documents (UN38.3, SDS, testing reports)
• Maintain an up-to-date supplier contact database
• Track supplier performance metrics such as on-time delivery, documentation completeness, and responsiveness

Inventory, Receiving, and Logistics Support

• Coordinate inbound scheduling with the warehouse team to minimize bottlenecks and ensure readiness for receipt
• Validate received quantities against POs and investigate discrepancies with suppliers and internal teams
• Assist with landed cost tracking and accuracy of cost data in the ERP
• Maintain accurate open PO aging reports and help drive closure of past-due orders
• Support the Import & Logistics Coordinator in preparing documentation for hazmat-regulated and international shipments

Compliance and Documentation Control

• Maintain organized digital records of supplier certifications, testing reports, compliance documentation, and country of origin declarations
• Support customs documentation accuracy to help prevent delays or regulatory issues
• Help ensure 100% of required documentation is on file prior to shipment for regulated products

Required Education/Experience:

• 1–3 years of purchasing, supply chain, or related operations experience
• Experience working with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred)
• Strong Excel skills (lookups, filters, basic analysis, data validation)
• High attention to detail and accuracy, especially with numbers and documents
• Ability to manage multiple open orders, priorities, and deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and comfort working with cross-functional teams
• Experience in electronics or battery manufacturing, engineering-driven environments, regulated products, or international procurement (preferred)
• Understanding of incoterms, direct vs indirect spend categories, and BOM structures (preferred)
• Familiarity with compliance documents for batteries and electronics such as UN38.3, SDS, and test reports (preferred)

Key Performance Indicators:

• PO accuracy 99%
• On-time component availability 95%
• Zero production stoppages due to clerical or documentation error
• Engineering ECO updates processed within 24–48 hours
• PO creation for approved indirect spend within 24 hours
• 100% required documentation on file prior to shipment
• Zero documentation-related customs delays

Characteristics of Success:

• Extremely detail-oriented and organized with a process-driven mindset
• Comfortable working closely with Engineering, Operations, Warehouse, and Finance
• Strong follow-through and proactive communication when there are issues or delays
• Able to handle transactional volume without sacrificing accuracy
• Enjoys being a key part of keeping production moving and protecting margin

ABOUT LION ENERGY:

We help individuals, families, and organizations become energy independent. We do this by providing smart lithium energy storage systems that range from small hand-held power banks, solar generators, and RV batteries to home and large custom solutions that are safe, silent, and renewable. They are good for people and our planet!