Energy Portfolio Lead - (M/F/D)

Location: Lower Saxony, Germany
Industry: Automotive Tier 1 Supplier
Reports To: Head of Indirect Procurement / Global Energy Director
Travel: Up to 25% across EMEA

About the Opportunity

A leading global Tier 1 automotive supplier is seeking an experienced Energy Portfolio Lead – EMEA to drive energy procurement strategy, portfolio management, and sustainability initiatives across its manufacturing footprint in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This highly strategic position is responsible for managing a multi‑country energy portfolio, optimizing energy costs, mitigating market risks, and supporting the company's decarbonization objectives. The successful candidate will work closely with Procurement, Operations, Manufacturing, Sustainability, Finance, and external energy providers to develop and execute a best‑in‑class energy strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Energy Portfolio Management
  • Lead the EMEA energy portfolio across multiple manufacturing and operational sites.
  • Develop and execute energy sourcing strategies for electricity, natural gas, renewable energy, and related utilities.
  • Monitor energy markets and provide market intelligence, forecasts, and risk assessments to senior stakeholders.
  • Manage portfolio exposure through structured purchasing strategies and hedging approaches where appropriate.
  • Optimize energy procurement timing and contract structures to maximize value and reduce risk.
• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
  • Lead complex negotiations with utility suppliers, energy traders, aggregators, and renewable energy providers.
  • Develop and maintain strategic supplier relationships across the EMEA region.
  • Drive competitive sourcing events and contract renewals to ensure optimal commercial outcomes.
  • Monitor supplier performance and implement governance frameworks to improve service delivery.
• Sustainability & Energy Transition
  • Support the company's decarbonization and sustainability roadmap.
  • Drive renewable energy procurement initiatives, including PPAs, Guarantees of Origin, and green energy solutions.
  • Identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions while balancing operational and commercial requirements.
  • Collaborate with ESG and Sustainability teams on energy transition projects.
• Stakeholder Management
  • Partner with Manufacturing, Operations, Engineering, Finance, and Sustainability teams across EMEA.
  • Act as the subject matter expert for energy‑related procurement and market developments.
  • Present portfolio performance, cost forecasts, and risk assessments to senior leadership.
  • Support regional sites in developing and implementing energy optimization initiatives.
• Risk Management & Compliance
  • Develop risk mitigation strategies to address energy market volatility.
  • Ensure compliance with energy regulations, reporting requirements, and corporate governance standards.
  • Monitor geopolitical, regulatory, and market developments impacting energy procurement.
  • Support business continuity planning related to energy supply and infrastructure.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Energy Management, Procurement, or a related discipline.
• Significant experience within energy procurement, portfolio management, commodity trading, or energy sourcing.
• Proven experience managing energy spend across multiple countries or regions.
• Strong understanding of electricity and gas markets across Europe.
• Demonstrated experience developing procurement strategies and managing energy market risk.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing capabilities.
• Strong commercial negotiation and analytical skills.
• Fluent English required; German is highly desirable.

Preferred Experience

• Experience within automotive, manufacturing, industrial, chemicals, or other energy‑intensive industries.
• Exposure to energy trading, financial hedging instruments, or commodity risk management.
• Experience delivering renewable energy sourcing projects and sustainability initiatives.
• Knowledge of European energy regulations and market structures.
• Familiarity with PPAs, Guarantees of Origin, carbon markets, and decarbonization programs.

Key Success Metrics

• Delivery of energy cost savings and cost avoidance initiatives.
• Effective management of energy market exposure and risk.
• Increased adoption of renewable energy solutions across EMEA operations.
• Improved supplier performance and contractual outcomes.
• Successful execution of sustainability and decarbonization objectives.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and business partnership across manufacturing sites.