Purchasing Inventory Specialist

Kodiak • Lancaster, TX

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Purchasing Inventory Specialist to join their fast-growing startup team. This dynamic role is essential to ensuring the effective planning, purchasing, and tracking of materials across operations. The ideal candidate will be responsible for maintaining accurate inventory records, streamlining procurement processes, and supporting cross-functional teams with timely material availability. This position requires a hands-on mindset, strong organizational skills, and the ability to adapt to the evolving needs of a startup environment.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or inventory control, preferably in a manufacturing or startup environment.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective communicator and collaborator.
• Familiarity with procurement best practices, inventory management principles, and supply chain fundamentals.
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and adaptability in a startup culture.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred but not required).
• Familiarity with inventory and procurement modules in PLM tools (e.g., Arena) a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing of goods, materials, and services to meet operational requirements
• Collaborate with internal teams to understand material needs and ensure timely order placement and delivery.
• Maintain preferred supplier list and track vendor performance for cost, quality, and delivery
• Process purchase orders, track order status, and follow up on delays or discrepancies
• Support contract administration, including review of supplier terms and compliance with purchasing policies.
• Handle RMAs, communicate clearly with suppliers and teams, and maintain accurate records
• Assist in researching new suppliers, off-the-shelf solutions, and alternative materials.
• Learn and apply legal concepts in purchasing (Terms & Conditions, MSAs, MPAs, Vendor Managed Inventory).
• Maintain an organized and well-labeled inventory system, reducing floating material and improving traceability.
• Perform regular inventory audits and cycle counts using ABC methodology; monitor and track inventory check-in/check-out activity and help enforce usage of internal part numbers.
• Support material kitting and staging for manufacturing and engineering build
• Assist in optimizing inventory storage and flow within the facility.
• Ensure data accuracy between physical inventory, ERP system, and PLM platform.
• Develop and implement procedures related to receiving, handling, and storing inventor
• Work closely with engineering, operations, and finance teams to support day-to-day activities and material needs.
• Assist in documenting and improving inventory-related workflows and SOPs
• Train team members on proper inventory procedures and systems use.
• Support logistics and shipping coordination as needed
• Contribute to process improvements across procurement and inventory functions.
• Raise quality, supply, and compliance concerns when appropriate
• Work closely with engineering, operations, and finance teams to support day-to-day activities and material needs.
• Assist in documenting and improving inventory-related workflows and SOPs
• Train team members on proper inventory procedures and systems use.
• Support logistics and shipping coordination as needed.
• Contribute to process improvements across procurement and inventory functions.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses
• Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, and Guardian (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)
• Accrued PTO and generous parental leave policies
• Facility is located in Lancaster, TX - 3901 Corporate Dr Ste 300
• Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging
• Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance
• Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health
• Fidelity 401(k)
• Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA
• Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level