Procurement, Construction, and Manufacturing Commodity Specialist

Oklo
Summary
Join Oklo's Products Division team as a Procurement Specialist, managing and overseeing procurement of design, construction, commodities, and service-related contracts. Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, negotiate favorable terms, and support timely project delivery. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in procurement processes, particularly in the construction industry, and has exceptional analytical and communication skills. Experience in the nuclear industry and knowledge of nuclear quality assurance standards are highly desirable. This mid-level role involves contract preparation and initiation, vendor and stakeholder management, compliance and risk management, market analysis and cost control, and reporting and documentation. Oklo offers competitive pay, benefits, and a fast-paced startup environment.
Requirements
- Strong understanding of construction industry standards, regulations, and procurement processes
- Ability to implement end-to-end integrated/controlled procurement and supply chain management
- Proficient in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders
- Passionate about making advanced fission a reality
- Willing and able to learn quickly
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, highly iterative startup environment
- Excited to think creatively, critically, and reflectively about the problems they are solving while not leaning only on what has been done before
- Willing to propose novel and creative solutions to technical problems
- An excellent writer who can write in a modern active voice, so please make your cover letter compelling and write it well!
- Able to communicate technical content and results verbally
- Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in procurement, with a desired focus on construction contracts
- Proven experience in contract drafting, negotiation, and vendor management
- CPSM or CIPS required
Responsibilities
- Develop, issue, and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Purchase Orders (PO), Master Service Agreements (MSA) and related Task Orders, as well as other procurement documents
- Evaluate and negotiate terms with vendors, ensuring alignment with project requirements and budgets
- Draft and finalize construction contracts in collaboration with legal and project management teams
- Identify, prequalify, and maintain a database of qualified construction contractors and suppliers
- Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors, ensuring their compliance with contract terms and performance standards
- Serve as a point of contact for stakeholders during the procurement phase to address questions and resolve issues
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with organizational policies, legal requirements, and industry standards
- Identify and mitigate risks related to procurement processes and contract management
- Monitor contractor performance and adherence to contractual obligations, with a focus on maintaining high standards of nuclear quality assurance where applicable
- Conduct market research to assess trends, pricing, and supplier capabilities within the construction and nuclear industries
- Analyze bids and proposals, ensuring value for money and alignment with project objectives
- Collaborate with project teams to ensure procurement aligns with budgetary constraints and timelines
- Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation for audit and reporting purposes
- Prepare regular reports on procurement activities, progress, and cost analysis for senior management
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with nuclear quality assurance requirements (e.g., NQA-1) is a significant advantage
- Experience in the nuclear industry or with projects requiring nuclear quality assurance is highly desirable
- Certified International Procurement Manager (CIPM): desired
- Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP): desired
- Experience with the procurement of safety-related requirements per ASME Nuclear Quality Assurance (NQA-1) standards criteria
- Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms (e.g. NetSuite)
- Experience with finance related software (e.g. Ramp)
Benefits
- $70,000-$120,000
- Flexible time off
- Equity
- Competitive pay
- 401k
- Health insurance
- FSA
- Flexible work hours