Buyer III / Logistics Coordinator

Kairos Power•Albuquerque, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Kairos Power is seeking a resourceful and collaborative Buyer III to support logistics and procurement across its growing operations. The position primarily focuses on supplier inbound freight, including domestic and international transportation, carrier relationships, freight cost management, and time-sensitive or specialized shipments. The role works closely with Supply Chain & Procurement, Shipping & Receiving, internal requesters, suppliers, and external logistics partners to improve shipment visibility, transportation reliability, and cost effectiveness while supporting manufacturing and business needs. The successful candidate will apply logistics and purchasing fundamentals, independent problem-solving, and relationship-building skills. The position supports practical improvements to logistics and procurement processes through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, as well as general procurement activities across Kairos as needed. The role is based in a facility handling information subject to Department of Energy export-control restrictions. Authorization to access Part 810-controlled information is required; some foreign nationals may require an export-control license. Travel may be required up to 10%.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
At least 4 years of relevant experience in logistics, transportation coordination, procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or related supply chain functions.
Experience managing logistics and purchasing activities.
Experience coordinating freight transportation, evaluating shipping options, working with carriers or logistics providers, and resolving shipment or delivery issues.
Working knowledge of procurement processes, including supplier identification, RFQs, quotation evaluation, purchase order management, and supplier performance.
Experience using ERP, procurement, logistics, or other business systems to manage transactions, maintain accurate records, and support operational activities.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to build trusted relationships with suppliers, logistics providers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Ability to work collaboratively, respect established responsibilities, and contribute to shared business objectives.
Ability to investigate unfamiliar logistics and procurement challenges independently, evaluate alternatives, develop practical solutions, and seek guidance when appropriate.
Strong organizational and prioritization skills, including the ability to manage competing demands, time-sensitive shipments, and purchasing responsibilities.
Ability to build relationships across teams with respect, adaptability, and sound judgment.
Ability to learn and navigate business systems, analyze operational data, and use technology to improve efficiency and decision-making.
Ability to collect, document, manage, and share knowledge to support consistent logistics and procurement practices.
Ability to identify continuous-improvement opportunities and collaborate on practical, sustainable solutions.
Commitment to personal and team safety, including recognizing and escalating transportation, handling, and operational risks.
Integrity, accountability, initiative, willingness to learn, and readiness to take ownership and contribute to Kairos Power's mission.
Authorization to access Part 810-controlled information at the facility; an export-control license may be required for some foreign nationals.

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating domestic and international shipments, freight forwarding, customs brokers, and import/export documentation.
Familiarity with specialized transportation requirements for high-value, oversized, sensitive, or time-critical equipment.
Experience sourcing transportation providers, negotiating freight rates, analyzing shipping costs, and evaluating carrier performance.
Familiarity with freight classifications, Incoterms, transportation insurance, packaging requirements, and shipment risk management.
Experience supporting process improvements or change initiatives involving Shipping & Receiving, warehouse operations, manufacturing, or cross-functional teams.
Experience using Microsoft Excel, ERP/procurement platforms, and data reporting or visualization tools to improve operational visibility and efficiency.

Responsibilities

Coordinate domestic and international inbound transportation of supplier materials, equipment, and other goods, including time-sensitive, high-value, and specialized freight.
Source, evaluate, and maintain relationships with freight carriers, brokers, forwarders, and logistics service providers, considering cost, reliability, capabilities, and business requirements.
Obtain and evaluate freight quotations, negotiate rates and service terms, and identify opportunities to improve transportation cost and performance.
Coordinate logistics for sensitive, oversized, or one-of-a-kind equipment, addressing handling, packaging, insurance, and delivery considerations with stakeholders and transportation partners.
Monitor shipment status, identify potential delays or disruptions, communicate risks, and coordinate solutions with suppliers, carriers, and internal stakeholders.
Support international shipment documentation, customs clearance, and import/export activities with customs brokers and internal compliance resources.
Coordinate delivery appointments and receiving readiness with suppliers, carriers, and Shipping & Receiving, including site-access and unloading requirements.
Coordinate freight claims for lost or damaged shipments and maintain supporting documentation through resolution.
Collaborate with Shipping & Receiving and other stakeholders to identify process improvements, share lessons learned, and support consistent logistics practices across sites.
Review freight costs, carrier performance, and shipment data to identify trends, validate charges, and recommend improvements.
Support procurement activities including supplier identification, RFQs, quotation evaluation, supplier selection, purchase order placement, and order management.
Develop and maintain supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and commercial terms within assigned authority, and support supplier performance management and issue resolution.
Coordinate with requesters and cross-functional stakeholders to clarify purchasing requirements, manage priorities, communicate order status, and support timely delivery.
Maintain accurate purchasing and logistics records in company systems and reporting tools, supporting visibility into costs, commitments, schedules, and risks.
Identify and implement practical improvements to procurement and logistics processes, supplier relationships, and cross-functional workflows.
Perform other duties as assigned.