Procurement Specialist - Austin, TX

Outlast•Austin, TX

1d•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 their materials, while also providing 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. 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.
Self-starter mentality, able to identify needs and take action without constant instruction.
Comfort with ambiguity and a startup environment where processes are still being developed.
Ability to learn quickly and independently through direct engagement with the market.
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 the company'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.
Utilize technology, including AI tools, data, and automation, to enhance productivity in procurement.