Procurement Specialist

Persona AI is developing and commercializing rugged, multi-purpose humanoid robots that perform real work. Persona’s founding team has a decades-long history in humanoid robotics, bionics, and product development delivering robust hardware that has touched the stars, worked miles below the surface of the ocean, and even roamed Disney Parks. Our mission is focused squarely on shipping beautiful, reliable products at massive scale, while building a customer-focused team to achieve these aims.

We're looking for a Procurement Specialist to join our manufacturing team and manage the procurement of materials and components critical to our humanoid robotics production.

As part of the Procurement Team, you will be responsible to increase the Engineering’s time in product development by reducing their time procuring components. You will do this by eliminating constraints in the procurement process, aid in identifying and qualifying vendors, tracking material receipts and managing supplier performance. You'll be responsible for ensuring our manufacturing operations have the right materials, at the right time, at the right cost, while maintaining quality standards and supplier relationships.

Responsibilities:

• Purchase Order Management: Execute purchase orders for materials, components, and supplies needed for robotics manufacturing operations.

• Order Tracking and Management: Monitor and track all orders from placement through delivery, ensuring on-time receipt of materials.

• Expediting: to keep the product schedule on track you will expedite parts when and as required.

• Inventory Control: Maintain optimal inventory levels, track stock levels, and coordinate with manufacturing to prevent shortages or excess inventory

• Supplier Management: Develop and maintain vendor partnerships. Create scorecards for evaluation of supplier performance. Manage RFx processes (RFI, RFP, RFQ)

• Supplier Negotiation: Negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with existing and potential suppliers to optimize cost and delivery

• Cost Analysis and Reporting: Analyze purchasing data, generate reports on spending, lead times, and supplier performance

• Budget Development: Work with Manufacturing team to develop purchasing budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.

• Documentation Management: Maintain accurate records of receipts, invoices, purchase orders, and supplier documentation

• Quality Assurance: Coordinate with quality team to ensure incoming materials meet specifications and standards

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 5+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain management in a manufacturing environment.

• Must have experience with buying Mechanical, electrical, cables, circuit boards, soft and hard materials, components

• Understanding of manufacturing processes and material requirements, ideally in electronics, robotics, or precision manufacturing

• Proven ability to negotiate contracts, pricing, and terms with suppliers

• Experienced in implementing MSAs, SLAs, and NDAs

• Proficiency with ERP systems, inventory management software, and procurement platforms

• Strong analytical abilities with experience in cost analysis, data interpretation, and report generation

• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple orders simultaneously

• Advanced Excel skills for data analysis, reporting, and inventory tracking

• Mechanical, electrical, cables, circuit boards, soft and hard materials, components

Plusses:

Experience working with actuators

Why join Persona AI?

• You'll shape technology that's redefining the possibilities of robotics and human interaction.

• Work alongside passionate teammates who value diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.

• Enjoy full access to advanced prototyping tools, labs, and the freedom to experiment and innovate.

• We offer competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work environment, and equity opportunities.

Persona AI embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.