Job Description: Manager, Inventory, Procurement & Contracts
Position SummaryWe are looking for a Manager, Inventory, Procurement & Contracts to join our growing team. This role is perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment and excels at transforming complex operations into efficient, cost-effective sourcing strategies, with a strong focus on inventory controls and inventory management. You will be responsible for the entire procurement life cycle, from demand forecasting and contract negotiation to vendor management and compliance. A key aspect of this role is actively managing inventory levels and proactively anticipating
future needs to ensure supply chain efficiency. If you are passionate about building scalable systems and making a significant impact in a dynamic company, we encourage you to apply.
Location: This is a remote role but candidates must live in California for the occasional in-person meetings at our Southern California headquarters (Arcadia, CA).
Responsibilities - Demand Management: Forecast demand, and collaborate with internal
stakeholders to ensure accurate demand planning and alignment with overall
business objectives. - Supply Chain Management: Develop and implement procurement strategies to
optimize purchasing and supply chain processes, ensuring timely and cost-effective
delivery of equipment and services. - Inventory Management: Monitor inventory levels, forecast demand, and collaborate
with relevant teams to maintain optimal stock levels and minimize carrying costs. - Contract Management: Negotiate and manage contracts with suppliers and
vendors, ensuring favorable terms and conditions, and overseeing contract
performance. - Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with
suppliers, monitor their performance, and identify opportunities for cost savings and
process improvements. - Procurement Strategy: Develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize
purchasing and supply chain processes, ensuring cost savings and a reliable supply
chain. - Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks within the procurement
process, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. - Budget Management: Manage the procurement budget, track expenses, and
ensure accurate reporting. - Reporting and Analysis: Prepare and maintain procurement reports, budgets, and
forecasts for management review. - Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of procurement professionals,
providing guidance and support to ensure effective purchasing operation.
Requirements - 5+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain
operations - ideally within EV, energy, construction, or hardware startup
environments - Skilled in drafting and evaluating RFQs, SOWs, and MSAs across diverse vendor
types - Ability to work cross-functionally to align priorities, mitigate risks, and optimize
procurement workflows - Proficient in managing contract life cycles, including renewals and vendor
governance - Hands-on experience with ERP and sourcing platforms such as Salesforce, SAP
Concur, NetSuite, and Smartsheet - Experience building procurement processes from scratch or scaling them
- Exceptional negotiation and vendor management skills
- Analytical skills and business acumen to own budgets and manage costs reporting
- Passion for sustainability and clean transportation
