Procurement Manager

WHO WE ARE Proxima Fusion is Europe’s fastest-growing fusion company and the continent’s best-funded fusion player, as well as the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP). Backed by over €650M and powered by a growing team across Munich, Zurich, and Oxford, we are developing the hardware and infrastructure needed to deliver the world’s first commercial stellarator fusion power plant. Our concept advances the most mature fusion technology out there, the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator, through two next-generation machines: Alpha and Stellaris. Our work combines stellarator optimization, advanced computation, machine learning, and high-temperature superconducting magnets to unlock higher-performance designs that were previously out of reach. Turning these designs into a functioning fusion power plant requires excellence and ownership across every discipline, from physics and engineering to software, manufacturing, law, and business functions. YOUR IMPACT We need a Purchasing Specialist who thrives at the intersection of technology and execution. In this role, you will drive the development of a robust and agile supply chain that supports our engineering and R&D ambitions. You’ll be responsible for identifying and partnering with top-tier suppliers, shaping sourcing strategies, and ensuring exceptional standards in quality, cost, and delivery. WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Strategic sourcing: Design and run procurement strategies for highly technical components, services and first-of-a-kind builds.
• Supplier management: Find, assess and onboard new suppliers, and strengthen relationships with existing ones.
• Contract negotiation: Lead commercial negotiations, evaluate bids, and structure deals that manage risk while getting the best performance.
• End-to-end procurement operations: Oversee the whole process from requisition to delivery, in line with internal policies.
• Tool and process ownership: Improve procurement systems, databases and automation.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Be the strategic link between engineering, finance and operations.
• R&D support: Bring procurement input into early product development and prototyping. WHO YOU ARE
• Education: Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management or a related technical field.
• Experience: 3+ years in technical procurement, ideally in a fast-moving engineering setting (startup, fusion, aerospace, defence, medtech). Team leadership experience is preferred.
• Technical acumen: Reads technical drawings and specs, and can judge whether a part can be made and what a supplier can deliver.
• Negotiation: A track record in contract negotiation, supplier risk and cost/value optimisation.
• Communication: Strong communicator. English is required, German is a plus.
• Tools: Hands-on with procurement platforms, ERP and data-driven decision-making. INTERVIEW PROCESS
• Recruiter Interview (30-60 min)
• Technical Screening (30 min)
• Technical Panel (3x60 min) *This role sits at "PF2" of our framework, please inquire during the recruitment process for further information. At Proxima Fusion, our mission is bold: making limitless clean energy a reality. To get there, we need a high-performing, diverse team that brings different perspectives, challenges assumptions, and builds together with purpose. We know that diversity of thought and experience leads to better ideas, stronger execution, and a more resilient team. We don’t look at how you identify, what you look like, who you choose to worship or what ethnicity you are. We care about what you can bring to the table.