Category Manager Battery Energy Storage

Join us as Category Manager Battery Energy Storage Systems at Vopak and contribute to social themes such as energy security and energy transition. We offer you a working environment that is safe and pleasant and where equality, diversity and satisfaction are of paramount importance. Ready to develop yourself and make a positive impact? Improve the world and start as Category Manager at Vopak.

What will you do as a Category Manager Battery Energy Storage?

As Category Manager Battery Energy Storage, you are a crucial member in the Vopak Battery Energy Storage team. We are developing large (>100 MW) Battery Energy Storage Projects throughout the global Vopak network of terminals and new sites. You will be responsible for the end-to-end strategic sourcing and lifecycle management of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). You will develop and execute a global category strategy that optimizes Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) while ensuring supply chain resilience and technical excellence. As the commercial owner of the BESS category, you will lead high-stakes negotiations for Framework Agreements and LTSAs, manage Tier-1 supplier relationships, and mitigate risks related to market volatility and technical performance. Because BESS projects involve high capital expenditure and long-term performance risks, the focus is heavily on total cost of ownership and supplier reliability. Many projects will need Project Financing during its lifecycle. Therefore, the contractual frameworks need to withstand the most rigorous tests for bankability, which comes as an additional requirement to TCO optimization.

What do we offer you?

• Hybridworking opportunity at Vopak HQ in Rotterdam.
• A gross salary between 80K - €110K depending on your experience, knowledge and seniority in the role.
• Attractive bonus.
• Travel allowance.
• 30 holidays on an annual basis.
• A contribution of 50% of the basic health insurance premium and discount on supplementary insurance.
• Vopak’s own pension scheme https://pensioenfonds.vopak.com/
• We will continuously invest in your personal growth, and future career path within Vopak.

What do we expect from you as a Category Manager?

• Masters level by education or experience in a related field required (Technical, Business, or Legal).
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in Category Management, preferably in High Voltage equipment (e.g. TSO’s) and/or utility scale renewable project development (wind / solar) and BESS.
• Relevant experience in the power & gas, wind or energy sector.
• Knowledge of and experience with Strategic Sourcing & Vendor Management.
• Solid hands-on experience with the conducting of tenders and evaluation of tenders.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, collaboration and partnering skills.
• Fluent in English and Dutch (written and verbal).
• Willingness to travel for short periods.

What does your day look like?

As Category Manager, you will be part of the Global Finance & Procurement team, report to Director Contracting & Procurement, will work closely together with the Global Business Development team, and be in constant contact with project teams in different geographies.

Your core responsibilities are:

• Execute a global BESS category strategy that balances Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) with supply chain resilience.
• Monitor global trends in battery chemistry (LFP, NMC, Na-ion), raw material pricing, and geopolitical impacts (tariffs/trade policy).
• Identify and vet Tier-1 OEMs, cell manufacturers, and Power Conversion System (PCS) providers to build a robust supplier base.
• Develop TCO models incorporating degradation costs, round-trip efficiency, and end-of-life recycling.
• Lead negotiations for Master Supply Agreements (MSAs) and Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs) to ensure "bankability" for project financing.
• Define and secure critical KPIs, including Energy Capacity, $RTE$ (Round-Trip Efficiency), and grid response times.
• Manage complex risk allocations, including liquidated damages (LDs) for delivery or performance shortfalls.
• Conduct Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) using scorecards focused on quality, safety, and ESG compliance.
• Ensure resilience by auditing sub-suppliers at the cell and component levels to mitigate labor or material risks.
• Partner with third-party auditors (e.g., DNV, UL) to oversee Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT).
• Interface with Engineering to ensure equipment meets grid-code requirements and integrates with Energy Management Systems (EMS).
• Coordinate with Logistics and Construction to manage the delivery of long-lead items like transformers and containers to global sites.

Want to start as Category Manager at Vopak?

Are you ready to share your vision and contribute to Vopak's projects? Then start as Category Manager and apply now!

Vopak is an equal opportunity employer. Everyone is different, and the differences in people allow us to match our ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. That's why we are curious about who you are!

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