Commercial Procurement Specialist, Southern California at GRID ALTERNATIVES – Riverside, California

About GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.

Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone. Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.

What it's like to work at GRID…

At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members.

Summary of the role:

Reporting to the Director of Supply Chain, the Commercial Procurement Specialist, will lead the sourcing and procurement of solar and electrical equipment for Grid Alternatives’ commercial projects, with a strong focus on electrical gear such as switchgear, transformers, panelboards, and conduit. In addition to commercial project support, this role will assist with broader company purchasing needs and help ensure procurement processes are efficient, equitable, and compliant across all levels of the organization.

You will also play a critical role in supporting commercial procurement compliance at the regional office level, helping staff navigate federal requirements, internal purchasing policies, and equity sourcing objectives. Your work will directly contribute to Grid’s mission of advancing equity and expanding access to clean energy.

What you will be doing (essential responsibilities):

• Lead the procurement of solar and electrical equipment for commercial construction projects, with a focus on long-lead electrical gear and BOS materials.
• Interpret project drawings and collaborate with Engineering and Construction to develop and fulfill bills of materials.
• Work closely with the Project Development team to provide accurate pricing and availability for bids.
• Issue and manage purchase orders for commercial project needs; maintain clear, auditable records.
• Support and guide regional office staff in compliant purchasing practices, including federal and internal procurement policies.
• Monitor purchasing activity across regional offices to ensure alignment with organizational procedures, federal funding requirements, and Build America, Buy America (BABA) mandates.
• Maintain a centralized record of procurement documentation to support audit readiness and grant reporting.
• Cultivate and manage supplier relationships, prioritizing equity-focused sourcing from BIPOC-owned, women-owned, and local businesses.
• Assist with the procurement of non-construction goods and services across departments (e.g., IT, fleet, etc.) as needed.
• Provide regular reporting and updates to the Director of Supply Chain on procurement activity, risks, and opportunity related to commercial equipment.
• Contribute to the refinement and rollout of organization-wide procurement policies, tools, and training.

Your areas of knowledge and expertise...

• Strong knowledge of commercial electrical equipment (e.g., switchgear, conduit, wire, transformers) and solar materials (e.g., modules, racking, inverters, BESS).
• Familiarity with construction drawings and the ability to translate them into accurate material needs.
• Experience working with federal procurement requirements and compliance documentation, particularly BABA and other funding regulations.
• Commitment to equity and supplier diversity in procurement practices.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple procurement timelines simultaneously.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and ERP or procurement tracking systems.

It would be great if you also had...

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of procurement or purchasing experience in the construction, electrical, or solar industries.
• NABCEP Associate or Installer Certification a plus
• Experience with federally funded projects, regional operations, and procurement policy implementation is a strong plus.

Benefits and how we take care of you

Compensation:
The compensation range for this fulltime position is $65,000-$85,000. The base pay that will actually be offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.

Benefits:
Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance

Where you will sit & the places you may go…
The ideal candidate will sit in Southern California, preferably the Inland Empire. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record.

Important to note for California applicants:
**Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.

Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability:
If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORG

Ready to Apply? Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted.

GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.