Procurement Specialist - Los Angeles, CA

Outlast • Los Angeles, CA

1d • $65,000 - $100,000 • Remote

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 with suppliers, placing orders, and ensuring procurement targets are met. You will report directly to the VP of Finance & Business Operations and collaborate closely with our operations, sales, and technology teams. This role involves establishing new supplier relationships and implementing foundational procurement processes. While experience in the scrap metal industry is not required, a strong sense of hustle, curiosity, and problem-solving ability is essential.

Requirements

• Previous buying experience in any industry, including sourcing goods or materials, negotiating with suppliers, and placing orders.
• Strong negotiation skills, with comfort discussing price, terms, and delivery, and the ability to think on your feet and hold firm.
• Self-starter mentality, capable of identifying needs and taking action without constant instruction.
• Comfort with ambiguity and a startup environment where processes are still being developed.
• Ability to learn quickly and become proficient in the scrap aluminum market through direct engagement.
• High energy and a proactive approach to 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: Source, negotiate, and purchase material at volumes and pricing that meet our targets.
• Build supplier relationships: Identify, qualify, and onboard new suppliers. Grow our sourcing network beyond the existing base and visit yards.
• Learn the market fast: Become fluent in aluminum alloy grades, ISRI scrap specifications, pricing dynamics, and the supplier landscape through self-directed learning.
• Set up procurement workflows: Establish simple, repeatable processes for supplier communication, order tracking, pricing records, and reporting, integrating with our platform and financial systems.
• Coordinate across the team: Work with sales on material specs and timing, operations on logistics and quality, and finance on pricing and margins.
• Use technology to work smarter: Leverage AI tools, data, and automation to enhance productivity and move beyond traditional industry practices.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Bonus
• Equity
• Ground-floor opportunity at a company building the future of a massive, fragmented industry
• Direct impact — your work drives revenue and shapes how we operate
• A team that uses AI and technology as a competitive advantage
• A leadership team that values action over credentials and results over process

What This Job Offers

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