Procurement Specialist - NYC, NY

Outlast • New York, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Outlast is disrupting the bulk recyclables industry, a ~$1 trillion market, by transforming recyclables trade through technology. Our platform enables suppliers and buyers to safely and effortlessly transact materials, and we also provide global logistics, financing, and quality control. We are focused on optimizing the customer experience and promoting recycling. Outlast is poised for explosive growth, having completed several funding rounds and secured contracts that can scale to hundreds of millions in revenue. We are looking for a Procurement Specialist to own scrap aluminum purchasing for Outlast. This is a hands-on buying role where you will be responsible for negotiating pricing and terms, placing orders, and ensuring procurement targets are met. You will report directly to the VP of Finance & Business Operations and collaborate with operations, sales, and technology teams. This role involves establishing new supplier relationships and implementing basic procurement processes. Prior experience in the scrap metal industry is not required, as the market knowledge can be taught; however, hustle, curiosity, and the ability to figure things out independently are essential.

Requirements

• Previous buying experience in any industry, including sourcing goods or materials, negotiating with suppliers, and placing orders.
• Strong negotiation skills, with comfort in discussing price, terms, and delivery.
• Ability to think on your feet and hold firm when necessary.
• Self-starter mentality, capable of identifying needs and taking action without constant instruction.
• Comfort with ambiguity, as processes are still being developed in a startup environment.
• Fast learner, able to quickly get up to speed in a new market through direct engagement.
• High energy and a proactive approach to interactions.
• Ability to build positive momentum in interactions with suppliers and teammates.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with physical goods or commodity procurement (metals, chemicals, agricultural products, manufacturing inputs).
• Background in the scrap metal, recycling, or secondary materials industry.
• Experience in a startup or early-stage company.
• Comfort with AI tools, data analysis, or workflow automation.
• Experience in markets with volatile or frequently changing prices.

Responsibilities

• Buy scrap aluminum, sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing material at volumes and pricing that meet targets.
• Build supplier relationships by identifying, qualifying, and onboarding new suppliers, and growing the sourcing network.
• Learn the market quickly, becoming fluent in aluminum alloy grades, ISRI scrap specifications, pricing dynamics, and the supplier landscape.
• Set up procurement workflows, establishing simple, repeatable processes for supplier communication, order tracking, pricing records, and reporting.
• Integrate with Outlast's platform and financial systems.
• Coordinate across teams, working with sales on material specs and timing, operations on logistics and quality, and finance on pricing and margins.
• Use technology to work smarter, leveraging AI tools, data, and automation for increased productivity.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus
• Equity in a high-growth company
• Ground-floor opportunity at a company building the future of a massive, fragmented industry
• Direct impact on revenue and company operations
• Team that uses AI and technology as a competitive advantage
• Leadership team that values action over credentials and results over process

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed