Procurement Manager

Kindred Motorworks; Vallejo (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Kindred Motorworks in Vallejo, CA, is seeking a Procurement Manager to lead sourcing and purchasing across vehicle programs. This hands-on role partners with Engineering, Vehicle Development and Production to turn concepts into production-ready solutions.

The ideal candidate has 5–10+ years in procurement, strong vendor management and negotiation skills, and experience with ERP/MRP systems in manufacturing or automotive startups.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in manufacturing or automotive.
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field.
• Demonstrated success managing end-to-end purchasing processes, from supplier sourcing, PO execution to receipt.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP and Pivot tables).
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast paced startup environment.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to end procurement activities for prototype and production builds across multiple vehicle developments.
• Source, evaluate, and purchase materials, components, and finished goods to support vehicle production.
• Track and manage purchase requisitions and purchase order processes.
• Ensure on-time delivery by coordinating with logistics partners and monitoring orders.
• Identify, vet, and manage suppliers across key categories (fabricated metal, electronics, machined parts, wiring harnesses, fasteners, plastics, interior trim).
• Negotiate pricing, terms and lead times with suppliers to ensure value and reliability.
• Monitor supplier performance and initiate corrective actions as necessary.
• Expedite urgent orders and manage POs to prevent production disruptions.
• Understand design aesthetics and part requirements for each build.
• Collaborate with other departments to align procurement with project goals.
• Analyze market trends to inform buying decisions.
• Support FAIR and NCR processes and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Procurement

Vendor management

Negotiation

ERP/MRP

Excel

Startup experience

Communication

Education

BS in Supply Chain

Tools

Arena PLM

Fishbowl

Retool

Onshape

Job description

Kindred is a rapidly growing, venture backed manufacturer focused on unlocking the conversion of gasoline vehicles to electric using our technology and scale.

We are marketing folks, technicians, software developers, mechanical engineers, designers, painters, and car lovers. We love a whiff of gasoline and we geek out about the torque provided by electric motors. Above all we believe the world is a better place with vintage cars out on the road.

We strive to create a meaningful workplace at Kindred, which means something different for each of our team members. For some, it’s getting these immortal vehicles on the road. For others it’s the portion of revenue we donate to our local community for every vehicle sold. For many at Kindred, it’s the inclusive work environment we’ve created.

Our cars create joyful experiences for our customers and immense pride for our team. If you can match our passion, values, and work ethic, we want you!

Position Summary

The Procurement Manager will report to the VP of Supply Chain & Operations and will be responsible for overseeing the sourcing and purchasing functions across our vehicle programs. This is a hands-on, strategic and tactical role that will play a key part in transforming product concepts into production-ready solutions. The right person will collaborate closely with the Engineering, Vehicle Development and Production teams while cultivating strong, productive relationships with external vendors. As our company grows, this position will have the opportunity to scale into building and managing the Supply Chain team.

The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in parts purchasing within a manufacturing setting- ideally in a startup or fast-paced environment—and will thrive in both independent and collaborative work. The right person should also be comfortable working independently, making decisions, and optimizing processes for speed, while maintaining efficiency and accuracy. This person is familiar with building and managing the tools needed to identify and execute their tasks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Own end-to end procurement activities for both prototype and production builds across multiple vehicle developments
• Source, evaluate, and purchase high-quality materials, components, and finished goods to support vehicle production
• Track and manage purchase requisitions and purchase order processes
• Ensure on-time delivery of goods by coordinating with logistics partners and monitoring order status
• Identify, vet, and manage suppliers across key categories: fabricated metal, electronics, custom machined parts, wiring harnesses, fasteners, plastics, interior trim, and more
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and lead times with suppliers to ensure value and reliability
• Monitor supplier performance and initiate corrective actions, as necessary
• Expedite urgent orders, defer/cancel POs based on evolving needs, and ensure continuity of supply to prevent production disruptions
• Understand Design aesthetics and individual part requirements for each new build
• Collaborate with other KMW departments to align procurement activities with project and business goals
• Analyze market trends and apply this knowledge to make insightful buying decisions
• Understand, implement and support FAIR and NCR processes
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain and contribute to process optimization
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• 5-10+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain management, preferably in manufacturing or automotive
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering or related field
• Demonstrated success managing end-to-end purchasing processes, from supplier sourcing, PO execution to receipt.
• Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP and Pivot tables)
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast paced startup environment
• Excellent communication, organizational, and analytical skills

Desired Skills

• Experience with PTC Arena/Onshape or similar PLMs
• Experience with Fishbowl or similar ERPs
• Experience with Retool or similar BI tools
• High Tech/Medical Device/EE purchasing preferred

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

The work environment may include exposure to noise, fumes, and heat. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times in accordance with safety regulations.

Walking, sitting, standing, bending, and stooping. Lifting, carrying, or pushing/pulling supplies, materials, equipment and/or items weighing up to 25 pounds. Clean and well-organized unconditioned shop environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but at times requires ear plugs, use of eye protection, and/or occasional use of a respirator.

Ability to operate standard office equipment such as a computer, keyboard, mouse, and phone. Vision sufficient to read a computer screen for extended periods. Repetitive hand and wrist movements associated with typing and mouse use. Extended periods of sitting or standing, depending on preference.

Kindred Motorworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.