Sr. Manager, Direct Procurement (Hardware)

Oklo•Santa Clara, CA

18h•$150,000 - $185,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Manager, Direct Procurement (Hardware) is responsible for developing and executing sourcing, supplier management, and procurement strategies for hardware systems critical to Oklo’s products and programs. This role leads procurement activities for complex components, assemblies, equipment, manufacturing systems, and integrated hardware solutions supporting Aurora powerhouses, fuel recycling systems, fuel fabrication capabilities, and future Oklo technologies. This role is responsible for leading a growing team of procurement professionals, developing strategic supplier relationships, negotiating complex commercial agreements, and ensuring suppliers can meet Oklo’s cost, quality, schedule, and capacity requirements. The Senior Manager partners closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Legal, and Program Management to support the successful development and deployment of Oklo’s products. This role focuses on procurement of Oklo-designed hardware systems and equipment and is distinct from procurement activities related to EPC, construction, and professional services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Operations, or a related field
7+ years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain, manufacturing, or related functions
Experience sourcing complex hardware, equipment, manufacturing systems, or highly engineered products
Experience leading and developing procurement, sourcing, or supply chain teams
Experience negotiating complex commercial agreements and supplier contracts
Experience working cross-functionally with engineering and technical organizations
Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and supplier operations
Demonstrated ability to build and manage strategic supplier relationships
Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and procurement requirements
U.S. citizenship required

Nice To Haves

Experience in nuclear, aerospace, defense, energy, industrial equipment, semiconductor, or other highly regulated industries
Familiarity with ASME, NQA-1, or other regulated quality environments
Experience supporting new product introduction, first-of-a-kind systems, and production scale-up activities
Experience with supplier cost analysis, should-cost modeling, capacity planning, and long-lead equipment procurement
Experience building procurement processes within a high-growth hardware organization

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of procurement professionals responsible for direct hardware sourcing and supplier management
Develop and execute procurement strategies for complex hardware systems, equipment, components, and assemblies
Support procurement activities across Aurora powerhouses, fuel recycling systems, fuel fabrication capabilities, and future Oklo technologies
Establish and manage competitive sourcing processes, including RFQs, RFPs, supplier evaluations, and supplier selection activities
Lead commercial negotiations for strategic supplier agreements and long-term supply partnerships
Develop and manage supplier relationships to support quality, delivery, capacity, and cost objectives
Partner closely with Engineering teams to align sourcing strategies with product requirements, technical specifications, and development schedules
Develop supplier qualification, segmentation, and performance management processes
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks associated with critical hardware, long-lead equipment, and sole-source suppliers
Support cost reduction initiatives, supplier cost analysis, and value engineering efforts
Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives
Be involved in development of scalable procurement systems, processes, and tools that support organizational growth
Maintain awareness of manufacturing capabilities, supplier markets, and industry trends relevant to Oklo’s products and supply chain