Sr. Manager, Direct Procurement (Hardware)

The Sr. Manager, Direct Procurement (Hardware) is responsible for developing and executing sourcing, supplier management, and procurement strategies for hardware systems critical to Oklo's products and programs. This role leads procurement activities for complex components, assemblies, equipment, manufacturing systems, and integrated hardware solutions supporting Aurora powerhouses, fuel recycling systems, fuel fabrication capabilities, and future Oklo technologies. This role is responsible for leading a growing team of procurement professionals, developing strategic supplier relationships, negotiating complex commercial agreements, and ensuring suppliers can meet Oklo's cost, quality, schedule, and capacity requirements.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of procurement professionals responsible for direct hardware sourcing and supplier management; Develop and execute procurement strategies for complex hardware systems, equipment, components, and assemblies; Support procurement activities across Aurora powerhouses, fuel recycling systems, fuel fabrication capabilities, and future Oklo technologies; Establish and manage competitive sourcing processes, including RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, and supplier selection activities; Lead commercial negotiations for strategic supplier agreements and long-term supply partnerships; Develop and manage supplier relationships to support quality, delivery, capacity, and cost objectives; Partner closely with Engineering teams to align sourcing strategies with product requirements, technical specifications, and development schedules; Develop supplier qualification, segmentation, and performance management processes; Identify and mitigate supply chain risks associated with critical hardware, long-lead equipment, and sole-source suppliers; Support cost reduction initiatives, supplier cost analysis, and value engineering efforts; Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives; Be involved in development of scalable procurement systems, processes, and tools that support organizational growth; Maintain awareness of manufacturing capabilities, supplier markets, and industry trends relevant to Oklo's products and supply chain

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field; 7+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, manufacturing, or related functions; Experience sourcing complex hardware, equipment, manufacturing systems, or highly engineered products; Experience leading and developing procurement, sourcing, or supply chain teams; Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and supplier contracts; Experience working cross-functionally with engineering and technical organizations; Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier operations; Demonstrated ability to build and manage strategic supplier relationships; Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and procurement requirements; U.S. citizenship required; Eligibility as a U.S. person under applicable export control laws

Nice to have

Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, energy, industrial equipment, semiconductor, or other highly regulated industries; Familiarity with ASME, NQA-1, or other regulated quality environments; Experience supporting new product introduction, first-of-a-kind systems, and production scale-up activities; Experience with supplier cost analysis, should-cost modeling, capacity planning, and long-lead equipment procurement; Experience building procurement processes within a high-growth hardware organization

Benefits

Flexible time off; Equity; Bonuses; Competitive pay; 401(k); Health insurance with employer contribution; HSA; FSA; Flexible work hours; Wellness credits; Other benefits