Direct Procurement Manager

About the Role:

Radiant is seeking a proactive and strategic Direct Procurement Manager to lead the sourcing, negotiation, and acquisition of components, materials, and services essential for our innovative micro-reactor systems. This role is pivotal in establishing and maintaining a resilient, cost-effective, and reliable supply base. As Procurement Manager, you will collaborate closely with our Supplier Development Engineers (SDEs), Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Operations teams to ensure suppliers not only meet stringent quality and technical requirements but also commercial and delivery expectations. The ideal candidate excels in a fast-paced environment, possesses strong negotiation skills, and understands the complexities of sourcing within regulated industries.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Strategic Sourcing: Lead the identification, evaluation, and selection of potential suppliers based on cost, quality, reliability, capacity, and strategic fit, in collaboration with SDE and Engineering teams.

• Negotiation: Spearhead commercial negotiations for pricing, payment terms, lead times, and other key contract terms to achieve optimal value for Radiant.

• Contract Management: Develop, review, and manage supplier agreements, including Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), and Purchase Order terms and conditions.

• Purchase Order Management: Oversee the complete purchase order lifecycle, from requisition review and PO placement to tracking, expediting, and closure, ensuring timely delivery of goods and services and adherence to agreed-upon quality clauses.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong commercial relationships with key suppliers, acting as a primary point of contact for contractual and commercial matters.

• Cost Analysis & Optimization: Analyze market trends, supplier quotations, and total cost of ownership to identify cost-saving opportunities and drive cost reduction initiatives.

• Risk Management: Assess and mitigate commercial and supply chain risks, including supplier financial health, capacity constraints, and geopolitical factors.

• Performance Monitoring: Track and report on key procurement metrics, such as on-time delivery, cost savings, purchase price variance, and supplier responsiveness. Collaborate with SDEs on holistic supplier performance scorecards.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work seamlessly with SDEs to integrate technical and quality requirements into the sourcing and procurement process. Liaise with Engineering, Quality, and Project Management to understand needs, resolve supply issues, and support program timelines.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to the development and refinement of procurement policies, procedures, and systems to enhance efficiency and compliance.

Deliverables:

• Successfully negotiated contracts and favorable terms with critical suppliers.

• Managed portfolio of purchase orders ensuring on-time delivery aligned with project schedules.

• Demonstrated cost savings and avoidance through effective negotiation and sourcing strategies.

• Comprehensive supplier performance reports focusing on commercial and delivery metrics.

• Effective mitigation plans for identified supply chain risks.

• Streamlined procurement processes supporting Radiant's operational needs.

• Strong collaborative relationships established internally (SDE, Eng, QA, Operations) and externally (suppliers).

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.

• 3–8 years of relevant experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, preferably within manufacturing or technology sectors.

• Proven track record of successful negotiation and contract management.

• Strong understanding of procurement processes (e.g., RFQ/RFP, PO management, supplier evaluation).

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).

• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and standard office software.

• Ability and willingness to travel occasionally to supplier locations (up to 30%).

Desired Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience conducting supplier audits, product and process inspections, and investigations.

• Familiarity with quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100) and their implications for procurement.

• Understanding of supply chain dynamics within the energy or nuclear sector.

 Additional Requirements:

• Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.

Benefits and Perks

• Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.

• Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.

• Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.