Vertical Integration

**Vertical Integration & Policy Specialist**
- ST.000140

Primary Location Canada-Ontario-London

**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, 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.**

**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.
- 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 fundings.
- 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 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 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