Procurement Specialist

WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. WHY JOIN PROXIMA FUSION * You will get to work on some of the most complex tech challenges to bring abundant, safe, clean energy to the world. * You'll get to join and learn from an exceptional selection of accomplished and driven individuals. * Do your life’s best work and enjoy the journey. * Get to show that big things are possible in Europe when you assemble the best talent. YOUR IMPACT At Proxima Fusion, we are building the future of clean energy - and we need a Procurement Specialist who thrives at the intersection of technology and execution. In this role, you will drive the development of a robust and agile supply chain that supports our engineering and R&D ambitions. You’ll be responsible for identifying and partnering with top-tier suppliers, shaping sourcing strategies, and ensuring exceptional standards in quality, cost, and delivery. WHAT YOU WILL DO * Strategic Sourcing: Design and execute procurement strategies for professional services, technical consulting, engineering support and research agreements * Supplier Management: Identify, assess, and onboard new suppliers; strengthen partnerships with existing vendors to uphold high standards in quality, delivery, and cost-efficiency. * Contract Negotiation: Lead commercial negotiations for service agreements, statements of work (SOWs), framework agreements, and other contractual arrangements while managing commercial and operational risk. * Procurement Operations: Manage the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for services from request intake and supplier selection to contract execution, renewals, and supplier performance tracking. * Tool & Process Ownership: Drive improvements in our procurement infrastructure including systems, databases, AI adoption and process automation. * Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner closely with engineering, finance, legal, and operations teams to ensure procurement decisions are technically informed, commercially sound, and aligned with company priorities. WHO YOU ARE * Experience: 3+ years in procurement or strategic sourcing, ideally in a fast-paced environment developing complex systems or services. * Commercial & Technical Understanding: You are comfortable working with technical stakeholders and service providers, and can understand technical requirements, supplier capabilities, and project constraints. * Negotiation Excellence: Demonstrated success in contract negotiation, supplier risk management, and cost/value optimization. * Strong Communicator: Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; able to build trust with both internal stakeholders and external partners. * Tools & Systems: Hands-on experience with procurement platforms, ERP tools, and data-driven decision-making. * Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * Fluency in English and comprehensive German. * Experience in startups, nuclear / energy, or other highly regulated technical industries such as aerospace, defense, energy, or medtech. * Familiarity with research collaborations, engineering consulting procurement, or framework agreements. * Experience helping scale procurement processes in growing organizations. INTERVIEW PROCESS * Recruiter Interview (30-60 min) * Technical Screening (30 min) * Technical Panel (3x60 min) * CEO call (30 min) *This role sits at "L2" of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.

Position Purpose: The Procurement Specialist is responsible for supporting procurement execution, replenishment activities, and supplier coordination to ensure continuity of supply across manufacturing operations. This role partners cross-functionally with Operations, Planning, Quality, Finance, Innovation/Culinary, and suppliers to support material availability, inventory accuracy, and consistent purchasing execution. The position contributes to inventory management, supply continuity, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives across the procurement function. Key Specific Responsibilities: Procurement Execution & Supply Continuity * Execute purchasing and replenishment activities for raw materials, ingredients, packaging, MRO, and other assigned materials/services to support production requirements * Monitor material availability and coordinate with suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure continuity of supply * Resolve delivery delays, shortages, and supply disruptions in partnership with suppliers and operations teams * Support inter-site material coordination and transfers as needed across manufacturing facilities * Ensure purchased materials align with operational requirements, inventory strategies, and production schedules Inventory & Replenishment Support * Support replenishment activities including reorder points, safety stock reviews, order frequency, and inventory planning parameters * Analyze inventory trends, lead times, demand variability, and supplier performance to support material availability and inventory optimization * Support forecasting alignment and purchasing consistency through collaboration with planning and operations teams * Contribute to inventory management initiatives focused on reducing waste, shortages, and excess inventory   Supplier Coordination & Procurement Support * Maintain effective working relationships with suppliers to support service, quality, and delivery expectations * Assist with issue resolution related to delivery, quality, and service concerns * Support sourcing initiatives, RFQs, supplier transitions, and material changes as needed * Maintain vendor records, purchasing documentation, and procurement-related system data * Assist with collecting and maintaining supplier documentation required for regulatory and operational compliance   Process Improvement & Cross-Functional Collaboration * Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, purchasing consistency, and operational efficiency * Support ERP and system data accuracy including purchasing parameters, lead times, and material information * Assist with procurement support activities related to new product launches, material transitions, packaging changes, and operational initiatives Qualifications for Position (Experience, Education and Licensure): * Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, or related field is preferred * 2-5 Years of experience in procurement, purchasing, inventory management, supply chain, or related operational roles * Experience within manufacturing, food manufacturing, or regulated environments preferred * ERP system experience preferred; Sage X3, Anaplan or similar systems preferred * Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills * Ability to analyze information, identify issues, and make sound business decisions within a fast-paced manufacturing environment * Ability to adapt to changing priorities and operational demands within a fast-paced manufacturing environment * Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment * Proficient in Microsoft Excel and standard business software applications * Strong communication and supplier coordination skills * Understanding of inventory management, replenishment processes, and purchasing fundamentals preferred Supervision: Not applicable   Travel Requirements:   Overnight Travel – not required ✔️Overnight Travel – sporadic - required   Overnight Travel – 20% or greater – required   Overnight Travel – valid passport required for international travel       Essential Competencies: * Procurement & Purchasing Execution * Inventory & Replenishment Management * Supplier Communication & Coordination * Critical Thinking & Decision Making * Cross-Functional Collaboration * Attention to Detail & Accuracy * Time Management & Prioritization * Continuous Improvement Mindset * Accountability, Initiative & Follow-Through