Procurement Director

Summary

Join Oklo as their Procurement Director and provide strategic leadership and oversight of procurement activities for construction, services, and commodities, focusing on high-value contracts and projects in the nuclear industry. Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, optimize supplier performance, and establish a procurement strategy aligned with Oklo’s goals. Lead negotiations with vendors, manage contracts, and build relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Maintain compliance with laws and regulations, manage the procurement budget, and lead and develop a team of procurement professionals. This role requires a strong understanding of nuclear quality assurance standards and the construction and EPC market sectors. Oklo is developing advanced fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy.

Requirements

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM): highly desired (CPSM or CIPS is required)
• Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (CIPS): highly desired (CPSM or CIPS is required)
• Passionate about Oklo’s mission to design and deploy advanced fission power plants to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy
• Willing to think differently and do things in new ways
• 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
• An excellent writer who can write in a modern active voice, so please make your cover letter compelling and write it well!
• Experience in developing and implementing procurement processes as well as having a deep understanding of world class procurement and contract management tools
• 5-10 years in the procurement career field
• 1-5 years of involvement in nuclear-related procurement requirements
• 5 years in the procurement career field

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies to support organizational objectives, with a focus on the procurement of engineering design, construction, and related commodities in support of Oklo’s Aurora Powerhouse
• Oversee the preparation and management of Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Purchase Orders (POs), Master Services Agreements (MSA), and Task Orders (TO), as well as other critical procurement documents
• Establish and enforce policies, procedures, and standards for all procurement activities
• Lead high-level negotiations with vendors to secure favorable terms, pricing, and delivery schedules
• Oversee the drafting and finalization of complex construction contracts, ensuring alignment with legal, regulatory, and quality requirements
• Ensure contracts include provisions for adherence to nuclear quality assurance standards (e.g., NQA-1)
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, contractors, and industry partners
• Develop a robust network of qualified vendors within the construction and nuclear sectors
• Act as a liaison between senior leadership, project teams, and external stakeholders to ensure alignment and resolve conflicts
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including nuclear quality assurance requirements
• Identify and mitigate risks in procurement processes, including financial, legal, and performance risks
• Conduct regular audits and performance evaluations of contractors and suppliers
• Manage the procurement budget, ensuring cost-effective procurement practices
• Analyze market trends and supplier pricing to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality and timelines
• Rigorous end-to-end performance management of vendors and contractors
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of procurement professionals
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Monitor team performance and provide guidance to achieve organizational goals

Preferred Qualifications

• 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

Benefits

• Flexible time off
• Equity
• Competitive pay
• 401k
• Health insurance
• FSA
• Flexible work hours