Procurement Operations Specialist

Nano Nuclear Energy, Inc.; Oak Brook (IL); Hybrid; USD 118,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule: 4 days on-site per wk

Relocation assistance

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

401(k) with company matching

Unlimited PTO and holidays

Professional development

Job summary

NANO Nuclear Energy in Oak Brook, IL (hybrid) is seeking a senior procurement professional to own the full lifecycle of procurement, from requisitions to closeout, and drive improvements across ERP systems and supplier management.

You will partner with engineering and legal teams, manage RFIs/RFPs/NDAs, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead procurement initiatives in a highly regulated energy environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of procurement, purchasing, or contract administration in regulated industry.
• Experience managing POs, RFIs/RFQs/RFPs, contracts, and procurement documentation.
• Knowledge of commercial agreements, NDAs, payment terms, change orders, and procurement controls.

Responsibilities

• Own the purchasing lifecycle from requisitions and purchase orders through receiving, invoice reconciliation, and closeout.
• Coordinate sourcing & contracts with RFIs/RFQs/RFPs, supplier communications, bid evaluations, NDAs, and agreements.
• Maintain supplier records, regulatory flow-downs, export control screening, and audit readiness including support for DOE/NRC audits.
• Develop standardized procedures, templates, approval workflows, and supplier onboarding processes.
• Support ERP and procurement system selection, configuration, testing, and implementation.
• Track purchasing activity, contract obligations, supplier performance, and key metrics to find efficiency improvements.
• Collaborate with Engineering, QA, Legal, Accounting, and Corporate Development to resolve issues.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical mindset

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain/Business/Engineering or related

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Microsoft Dynamics

Coupa

Job description

Location: Oak Brook, IL or Washington, D.C.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid | Four days on-site per week

Help Build the Future of Procurement at NANO Nuclear Energy

The Opportunity

Looking for more ownership, greater visibility, and the opportunity to build something from the ground up?

At NANO Nuclear Energy

you'll play a key role in establishing our procurement and supply chain function while supporting the development of next-generation nuclear technology.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Build from the Ground Up: Establish procurement processes, systems, and operating procedures.
• Ownership & Autonomy: Manage the full procurement lifecycle and drive operational improvements.
• Leadership Exposure: Work directly with procurement leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Technology & Innovation: Help implement ERP systems, automation, and procurement reporting.
• Career Growth: Position yourself for future procurement operations leadership as the organization expands.

What You'll Do

• Manage Procurement Operations: Own the purchasing lifecycle from requisitions and purchase orders through receiving, invoice reconciliation, and closeout.
• Coordinate Sourcing & Contracts: Partner with Supply Chain Engineers on RFIs, RFQs, RFPs, supplier communications, bid evaluations, NDAs, and commercial agreements.
• Ensure Compliance: Maintain qualified supplier records, procurement documentation, regulatory flow-downs, export control screening, and audit readiness, including support for DOE/NRC audits and federal reporting.
• Build Procurement Infrastructure: Develop standardized procedures, templates, approval workflows, and supplier onboarding processes.
• Implement Technology: Support ERP and procurement system selection, configuration, testing, and implementation.
• Drive Operational Performance: Track purchasing activity, contract obligations, supplier performance, and key metrics while identifying opportunities for efficiency and automation.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Partner with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Legal, Accounting, and Corporate Development to resolve issues and keep procurement activities moving.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of procurement, purchasing, or contract administration experience in nuclear, energy, defense, aerospace, or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience managing purchase orders, RFIs/RFQs/RFPs, contracts, and procurement documentation.
• Knowledge of commercial agreements, NDAs, payment terms, change orders, and procurement controls.
• Experience with ERP/procurement platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or Coupa.
• Advanced Excel skills, strong organizational abilities, and the confidence to work independently across multiple priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Nuclear quality programs, including 10 CFR 50 Appendix B or NQA-1.
• ERP implementation, process mapping, workflow automation, or continuous improvement.
• Export control regulations (EAR, ITAR, 10 CFR Part 810) and restricted-party screening.
• Federal procurement requirements, including DOE programs, FAR, and DFARS.
• Lean/Six Sigma, contract lifecycle management tools, or certifications such as CPSM, CPPB, or CIPS.
• Experience building procurement processes in an early-stage or high-growth organization.

Compensation & Benefits

Annual Base Salary: $118,000 - $132,000

NANO Nuclear Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Hybrid Schedule: Four days on-site per week in Oak Brook, IL or Washington, D.C.
• Relocation Assistance: Available for qualified candidates.
• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance with generous company contributions.
• Retirement: 401(k) with company matching up to 5%.
• Paid Time Away: Unlimited PTO, company holidays, and parental leave.
• Professional Development: Mentorship and opportunities to expand technical expertise and leadership capabilities.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you're a procurement professional who enjoys taking ownership, improving processes, and building something meaningful, we'd welcome the opportunity to connect.

Apply today and help shape the future of procurement at NANO Nuclear Energy!