Vertical Integration %26 Policy Specialist (St. Thomas)

Drive your Career!

We love our cars, but it’s the people behind them who make them what they are. To market, sell, and service great cars, we need great people. That’s why at Volkswagen Group Canada, we are passionate about our cars and our brand and foster this same passion and drive in our people. We know that the right people in the right positions can do incredible things, and we love making that happen.

Our mission has started. Volkswagen Group’s largest cell factory in St. Thomas will carry out all battery activities – from processing raw materials to developing a unified Volkswagen battery to managing the European and North American gigafactories. Headquartered in Salzgitter, Germany, we are experiencing the transformation of mobility up close. Our goal is to contribute a positive impact to our global society, the environment and the economy. To reach these goals we need your POWER!

We are looking for a Vertical Integration & Policy Specialist based out of the St. Thomas, Ontario office

Reporting to the Director, Raw Materials, this person will play a pivotal role in executing our vertical integration strategy at PowerCo Canada. The role involves company-wide oversight on external funding, tracking incentive commitments, reporting on their status, and coordinating meetings with government entities. The role is leading the development of external funding processes and procurement of permits for the vertical integration strategy. The Vertical Integration and Policy Specialist will ensure all processes are streamlined and that clear communication is maintained with all stakeholders.

This is a flex hybrid model, requiring 2 days in the St. Thomas office.

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Vertical Integration and Policy Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will excel in managing multiple tasks, have strong communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be essential, as the role requires working closely with international and diverse teams across various parts of PowerCo and external entities. This role requires a blend of structural thinking, the ability to analyze complex requirements, and expertise in communicating and visualizing complex incentive-related content. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills are imperative to drive successful outcomes. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic individual to contribute to the success of our company ramp-up and make a significant impact within our organization.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Monitor and track all incentive commitments to ensure compliance and timely fulfillment in accordance with governmental and organizational regulations and standards.
• Lead the regular reporting on the status of incentive commitments to internal stakeholders and government entities and coordinate with finance, procurement, HR and operations.
• Schedule, organize, and coordinate meetings with government representatives to discuss incentive commitments and related matters.
• Develop Incentive Strategy, researching funding program updates and new programs, communicate findings to business units and collaborate with them to strategize and create business plans that maximize additional funding opportunities.
• Identify and leverage incentives related to raw material processing and production, with a focus on aligning projects with the US Inflation Reduction Act and local regulations in Canada.
• Navigate the complexities and nuances of different permit requirements, ensuring all necessary permits are obtained for each stage of the raw material supply chain.
• Utilize deep knowledge of the US Inflation Reduction Act to inform strategic decisions and project planning.
• Lead the writing and execution of permit applications, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, timelines, and technical requirements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all matters related to incentive commitments, obtaining permits, ensuring clear and consistent communication with all stakeholders.
• Independently create and edit presentations and documentation; organize and participate in alignment meetings with stakeholders on a regular basis. Present status in internal and external meetings.
• Assist the Director, Raw Materials in setting up the organizational unit, definition of processes, standards, and guidelines.
• Collaborate with stakeholders throughout the organization to promote progress and enhance information sharing.
• Identify external funding opportunities and consult with business units to leverage available funding.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and serve as a point of contact for committee-related inquiries, fostering collaboration and communication across project stakeholders.
• Engage in continuous learning and development to stay updated on best practices and industry trends, enhancing skills and knowledge in project management.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Desired Skills:

• Undergraduate degree in Public Policy, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Geology, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• 5+ years of experience in incentive management, budget coordination, or a related role.
• Experience in a Government entity or Trade Association focused on incentives would be an asset.
• Experience in writing permit applications and executing the permit application process is required.
• Experience and deep knowledge of the US Inflation Reduction Act will be considered an asset.
• Strong structural thinking and organizational skills with the ability to analyze and synthesize complex financial data.
• Knowledge of the raw materials sector, specifically Lithium, Nickel, Cobalt and Manganese, as well as upstream battery production processes.
• Strategic and pragmatic thinking with a strong commitment to project objectives.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Business Intelligence for creating financial presentations and reports.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Extremely collaborative, organized, and detail-oriented, with the ability to juggle multiple issues and activities simultaneously in a highly professional manner.
• Highly engaging and self-motivated, with responsive, structured, and results-oriented working skills; ability to deliver results within tight timeframes and work both independently and within a team.
• Ability to work in an intercultural environment, including empathy and interpersonal understanding.
• Occasional travel within Canada, as well as internationally (~25%).
• Ability to maintain flexible work hours to account for time zone differences with Europe, when necessary, and willingness to work overtime to meet ramp-up deadlines.
• International mindset and strong interest in global work and diverse teams.
• Entrepreneurial drive to help establish a company from the ground up.
• Experience in the automotive and/or e-mobility industry (challenges & opportunities) is considered an asset.
• German language skills are considered an asset.

What you’ll get in return:

• A flexible and collaborative team dynamic.
• Opportunities for development.
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community.
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package.

And much more!

*Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

*This is a flex hybrid work structure, where employees can work both remotely and on-site. However, please note all hybrid work arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions of our hybrid work policy as may be amended from time to time.

Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, family status, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, or local laws.

Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities including during the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to determine what reasonable accommodation may be available to meet your needs whether it be as an applicant or an employee. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate and reasonable accommodation.