Purchasing Inventory Specialist
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Key details
Job Description
<div class="content-intro"><p>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.</p></div><p><span style="font-size: 12pt;">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.</span></p>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>In this role, you will:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li class="p2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Support sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing of goods, materials, and services to meet operational requirements</span></li>
<li class="p2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Collaborate with internal teams to understand material needs and ensure timely order placement and delivery.</span></li>
<li class="p2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">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<br></span></li>
<li class="p2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Support contract administration, including review of supplier terms and compliance with purchasing policies.</span></li>
<li class="p2" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Handle RMAs, communicate clearly with suppliers and teams, and maintain accurate records</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Assist in researching new suppliers, off-the-shelf solutions, and alternative materials.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Learn and apply legal concepts in purchasing (Terms &amp; Conditions, MSAs, MPAs, Vendor Managed Inventory).</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Maintain an organized and well-labeled inventory system, reducing floating material and improving traceability.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Perform regular inventory audits and cycle counts using ABC methodology; m</span>onitor and track inventory check-in/check-out activity and help enforce usage of internal part numbers.</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Support material kitting and staging for manufacturing and engineering build and a</span>ssist in optimizing inventory storage and flow within the facility.</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Ensure data accuracy between physical inventory, ERP system, and PLM platform.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Develop and implement procedures related to receiving, handling, and storing inventor; and w</span>ork closely with engineering, operations, and finance teams to support day-to-day activities and material needs.</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Assist in documenting and improving inventory-related workflows and SOPs and train team members on proper inventory procedures and systems use.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Support logistics and shipping coordination as needed and contribute to process improvements across procurement and inventory functions.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Raise quality, supply, and compliance concerns when appropriate and w</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">ork closely with engineering, operations, and finance teams to support day-to-day activities and material needs.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Assist in documenting and improving inventory-related workflows and SOPs and t</span>rain team members on proper inventory procedures and systems use.</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Support logistics and shipping coordination as needed.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Contribute to process improvements across procurement and inventory functions.</span></li>
</ul>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What you'll bring:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field (preferred but not required); experience in lieu of education</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">2+ years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or inventory control, preferably in a manufacturing or startup environment.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics).</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Familiarity with inventory and procurement modules in PLM tools (e.g., Arena) a plus.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Strong organizational and time-management skills.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.</span></li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">Effective communicator and collaborator.</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">Familiarity with procurement best practices, inventory management principles, and supply chain fundamentals.</li>
<li style="font-size: 12pt;">Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and adaptability in a startup culture.</li>
</ul>
<p class="p2"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>What we offer:</strong></span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Competitive compensation package including equity and biannual bonuses</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision plans through Kaiser Permanente, Anthem, and Guardian (including a medical plan with infertility benefits)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Accrued PTO and generous parental leave policies</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Facility is located in Lancaster, TX - 3901 Corporate Dr Ste 300</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Office perks: dog-friendly, free catered lunch, a fully stocked kitchen, and free EV charging</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Life Insurance</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Wellbeing Benefits - Headspace, One Medical, Gympass, Spring Health</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Fidelity 401(k)</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Commuter, FSA, Dependent Care FSA, HSA</span></li>
<li style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Various incentive programs (referral bonuses, patent bonuses, etc.)</span></li>
</ul><div class="content-conclusion"><div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>At Kodiak, we strive to build a diverse community working towards our common company goals in a safe and collaborative environment where harassment of any kind is strictly prohibited. Kodiak is committed to equal opportunity employment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div>In alignment with its business operations, Kodiak adheres to all relevant statutes, regulations, and administrative prerequisites. Accordingly, roles that carry more sensitive requirements may be limited to candidates that can satisfy additional scrutiny and eligibility for such positions may hinge on verification of a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status. Should the position require, and Kodiak determines that a candidate’s residence, U.S. person status, and/or citizenship status necessitate an export license, bar the candidate from the position, or otherwise fall under national security-related restrictions, Kodiak will consider the candidate for alternative positions unaffected by such restrictions, under terms and conditions set forth at Kodiak’s sole discretion, or, as an alternative, opt not to proceed with the candidate’s application. If applicable, Kodiak may provide visa sponsorship for eligible candidates.</div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><em>We use a third-party AI tool (Endorsed) to assist in the initial screening of applications. As part of the evaluation process, we provide Endorsed with job requirements and candidate-submitted applications. Final hiring decisions are made by our human recruitment team, and no automated system makes the ultimate decision regarding hiring. Certain features of the platform may qualify it as an Automated Employment Decision Tool (AEDT) under applicable regulations. We began using Endorsed on January 1, 2026. You can review the independent bias audit report covering our use of Endorsed [here](</em><em><a href="https://endorsed.com/local-law-144" target="_blank" data-sk="tooltip_parent">https://endorsed.com/local-law-144</a></em><em>). By submitting your application, you acknowledge that your application may be processed by AI systems as part of the screening and selection process. If you have any questions or would like to request a separate review of your application, please contact </em><em><a href="mailto:careers@kodiak.ai" target="_blank" data-sk="tooltip_parent">careers@kodiak.ai</a></em><em> with "Separate Review Request" in the email subject line.</em></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p></div>
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kodiak-robotics:4304926009Provenance
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