Sunlight Group Energy Storage Systems is a world-leading technology company and provider of innovative industrial and off-road energy storage solutions, with 30+ years of experience. We specialize in the development and production of lead-acid and lithium-ion batteries for industrial mobility, leisure mobility, and ESS applications. These products are manufactured and assembled in Sunlight’s state-of-the-art facilities in Greece, Italy, Germany, Israel, and USA, and distributed to more than 115 countries. Driven by our commitment to inspire our people and unlock their potential, and steadfast in our commitment to Diversity, Equality & Inclusion, we have created an agile and innovative environment that promotes open communication and collaboration, while offering continuous learning and development opportunities to the 3,600+ people we employ across the organization.
Due to continuous growth and expansion, Sunlight Group offers a great opportunity for career development and is seeking to attract a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as New Product Development Engineer in the Global Procurement Organization at Sunlight’s Athens premises. Under the direction of the Sourcing Manager, the New Product Development Engineer is responsible for sourcing and managing the components of the new products within the motive and energy storage business of Sunlight. The role requires collaboration with cross functional teams across the company implementing the company’s Sourcing Strategy.
The New Product Development Engineer will effectively communicate with Sunlight’s global assembly and manufacturing facilities and suppliers to ensure product certifications, timely deliveries, excellent product quality, continuous improvement for cost reductions and improved cycle times. The New Product Development Engineer will function as a central point of contact that understands both R&D & market dynamics that effect development & manufacturing, and provide guidance and leadership to achieve best cost, delivery, quality, service, and reliability.

Key activities and responsibilities of this role include

• Critical understanding and tracking of market trend on his/her commodities. (lead-time changes, shelf life, Obsolescence, claims, warranties)
• Proficiency and core competency of relationship building and relationship management
• Actively manages strategic and tactical negotiations with suppliers in their respective categories in achieving KPIs related to cost, schedule, quality, and other requirements such as Compliance and ESG reporting
• Acts as a liaison to the strategic suppliers/vendors and Supplier Quality with respect to root cause/corrective actions and First Article approvals
• Maximizes cash flow as related to purchasing activities, inventory and DPO management
• Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to proactively identify supply base issues to minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, and utilize emerging opportunities
• Ensure that all due diligence is obtained prior to launch throughout the lifecycle
• Co-ordinate innovation sessions with procurement and across businesses, looking at ways to achieve first to market status
• Working with stakeholders, identify and quantify trade-offs between cost, quality, service and develop alternative options
• Work in partnership with various engineering teams to develop an approved and qualified supply base, develop strategic partnerships that address our needs, and on an ongoing basis, continuously improve supplier performance
• Partner with cross-functional teams (i.e., PM, engineering, quality, logistics, etc.) to continuously improve overall system-level landed cost. Influence engineering and architecture teams for new product development strategy and implementation
• Proactively explores new programs for continuous improvements in material and process changes to achieve the best quality, reliability, pricing, and delivery from suppliers

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Purchasing/Sourcing, Engineering or Business
• Master’s degree desirable
• Minimum 5 years previous experience as strategic buyer or new product development engineer in the battery, energy or tech industry
• Fluency in Greek & English (both verbal & written) is a must - Knowledge of German will be considered a plus
• Good knowledge and understanding of contract manufacturing
• Highly results-oriented and focused on business priorities with a successful record of accomplishments
• Excellent supplier relationship management skills
• Above average problem-solving skills – able to identify problems and/or opportunities for improvement and assesses viable solutions. Develop and execute comprehensive action plans
• Strong communication, negotiation, planning, analytical skills, targets oriented, market awareness
• Working knowledge of MS Office Suite and SAP ERP systems
• Working knowledge of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), ideally Dassault, would be advantageous
• Individual should be highly motivated and committed to professional standards and performance
• 30% travel will be required for this role and some of it will be International

Despite your experience and skills, you never stop learning, cultivating an out-of-the-box thinking, a growth and entrepreneurial mindset, embracing ownership and agility. You are impact-focused, proactive and open to change. Last but not least, you are able to communicate scientific principles and applications both in Greek and English - we are a multicultural team! - you are a real team player who can build strong relationships with various stakeholders and thrive among global talents in a positive work environment.
Benefits
What we offer you
To start with, we give you the opportunity to thrive in a restless team and grow your potential in an innovative environment. As per your compensation and rewards package, this is a preview:
Competitive salary package and bonus scheme

• ️ Health and life insurance for you and your family

Employee wellness program & initiatives
Continuous training opportunities

• Clear career paths & a developmental 360° feedback framework

✈️ International mobility opportunities