Job Summary 

Kairos Power is seeking a resourceful and collaborative Buyer III to support logistics and procurement activities across our growing operations. This position will primarily focus on supplier inbound freight, including domestic and international transportation, carrier relationships, freight cost management, and time-sensitive or specialized shipments.  

Working closely with Supply Chain & Procurement, Shipping & Receiving, internal requesters, and external logistics partners, this individual will help improve shipment visibility, transportation reliability, and cost effectiveness while supporting critical manufacturing and business needs. 

The successful candidate will bring strong logistics and purchasing fundamentals, independent problem-solving skills, and the ability to build trusted relationships across established teams. This position will support practical improvements to logistics processes through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, while also supporting general procurement activities across Kairos as needed. 

 Responsibilities 

• Coordinate domestic and international inbound transportation of materials, equipment, and other goods from suppliers, including time-sensitive, high-value, and specialized freight. 
• Source, evaluate, and maintain relationships with freight carriers, brokers, forwarders, and logistics service providers, considering cost, reliability, service capabilities, and business requirements. 
• Obtain and evaluate freight quotations, negotiate competitive rates and service terms, and identify opportunities to improve transportation costs and service performance. 
• Coordinate specialized logistics requirements for sensitive, oversized, or one-of-a-kind equipment, working with internal stakeholders and qualified transportation partners to address handling, packaging, insurance, and delivery considerations. 
• Monitor shipment status, identify potential delays or disruptions, communicate risks proactively, and coordinate solutions with suppliers, carriers, and internal stakeholders. 
• Support international shipment documentation, customs clearance, and import/export activities in coordination with customs brokers and appropriate internal compliance resources. 
• Coordinate delivery appointments and receiving readiness with suppliers, carriers, and Shipping & Receiving, including site-access and unloading requirements for specialized shipments. 
• Coordinate freight claims for lost or damaged shipments, maintaining supporting documentation and working with carriers, suppliers, insurers, and internal stakeholders through resolution. 
• Collaborate with Shipping & Receiving and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for process improvement, share lessons learned, and support consistent logistics practices across sites. 
• Review freight costs, carrier performance, and shipment data to identify trends, validate charges, and recommend improvements to logistics efficiency and reliability. 
• Support general procurement activities across Kairos as business needs require, including supplier identification, RFQs, quotation evaluation, supplier selection, purchase order placement, and order management. 
• Develop and maintain supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and commercial terms within assigned authority, and support supplier performance management and issue resolution. 
• Coordinate with requesters and cross-functional stakeholders to clarify purchasing requirements, manage priorities, communicate order status, and support timely delivery of materials, equipment, and services. 
• Maintain accurate purchasing and logistics records using company systems and reporting tools, supporting visibility into costs, commitments, schedules, and potential risks. 
• Proactively identify and implement practical improvements to procurement and logistics processes, supplier relationships, and cross-functional workflows as Kairos' operations continue to scale. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications  

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business, Operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. 
• 4+ years of relevant experience in logistics, transportation coordination, procurement, purchasing, sourcing, or related supply chain functions. 
• Experience in logistics, transportation coordination, procurement, purchasing, or related supply chain functions, with demonstrated responsibility for managing logistics and purchasing activities. 
• Experience coordinating freight transportation, evaluating shipping options, working with carriers or logistics providers, and resolving shipment or delivery issues. 
• Working knowledge of procurement processes, including supplier identification, RFQs, quotation evaluation, purchase order management, and supplier performance. 
• Experience using ERP, procurement, logistics, or other business systems to manage transactions, maintain accurate records, and support operational activities. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience coordinating domestic and international shipments, including freight forwarding, customs brokers, and import/export documentation. 
• Familiarity with specialized transportation requirements involving high-value, oversized, sensitive, or time-critical equipment. 
• Experience sourcing transportation providers, negotiating freight rates, analyzing shipping costs, and evaluating carrier performance. 
• Familiarity with freight classifications, Incoterms, transportation insurance, packaging requirements, and shipment risk management. 
• Experience supporting process improvements or change initiatives involving Shipping & Receiving, warehouse operations, manufacturing, or other cross-functional teams. 
• Experience using Microsoft Excel, ERP/procurement platforms, and data reporting or visualization tools to improve operational visibility and efficiency. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships with suppliers, logistics providers, and cross-functional stakeholders. 
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment, respecting established responsibilities and contributing to shared business objectives. 
• Ability to independently investigate unfamiliar logistics and procurement challenges, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical solutions while seeking guidance when appropriate. 
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage competing demands, time-sensitive shipments, and purchasing responsibilities. 
• Ability to build relationships across teams, demonstrating respect, adaptability, and sound judgment. 
• Ability to confidently learn and navigate business systems, analyze operational data, and use technology to improve efficiency and decision-making. 
• Ability to proactively collect, document, manage, and share knowledge, supporting consistent logistics and procurement practices across the organization. 
• Ability to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and collaborate with stakeholders to implement practical, sustainable solutions. 
• Commitment to prioritizing personal and team safety, including recognizing and appropriately escalating transportation, handling, and operational risks. 
• Demonstrated integrity, accountability, and initiative, with a willingness to learn, take ownership, and contribute to Kairos Power's mission. 

Physical Demands 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods 
• Communicating with others to exchange information 

Environmental Conditions 

• General office environment 
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned 
• High-concentration, demanding and fast-paced 

Safety and PPE  

• Reading and interpreting hazardous warning signs 
• Reporting issues with equipment or unsafe conditions 
• Wearing proper PPE, to include face mask, face shields, gloves, safety shoes, etc. when required. 

Travel 

• Some travel may be required up to 10%. 

Additional Requirements  

• Seldom requires overtime 

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