Purchasing Inventory Specialist

Kodiak Robotics, Inc. was founded in 2018 and has become a leader in autonomous ground transportation committed to a safer and more efficient future for all. The company has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) powered technology stack purpose-built for commercial trucking and the public sector. The company delivers freight daily for its customers across the southern United States using its autonomous technology. In 2024, Kodiak became the first known company to publicly announce delivering a driverless semi-truck to a customer. Kodiak is also leveraging its commercial self-driving software to develop, test and deploy autonomous capabilities for the U.S. Department of Defense. Seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Purchasing Inventory Specialist to join our fast-growing startup team. This dynamic role is essential to ensuring the effective planning, purchasing, and tracking of materials across our 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. **In this role, you will:** - 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 and 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 and 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; and 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 and train team members on proper inventory procedures and systems use. - Support logistics and shipping coordination as needed and contribute to process improvements across procurement and inventory functions. - Raise quality, supply, and compliance concerns when appropriate and 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 and 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. **What you'll bring:** - Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred but not required). - 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). - Familiarity with inventory and procurement modules in…