Procurement Manager, Integrated Systems

About the role

The Procurement Manager, Integrated Systems is accountable for owning the end-to-end sourcing strategy for the most complex technical packages within the company. This role is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies that directly influence the design, integration, and long-term performance of critical fusion systems. You will act as the primary commercial and technical interface between the engineering teams and a selected group of high-impact suppliers. The position requires a high degree of ownership in shaping supply chain decisions that are vital for the successful industrialization of stellarator technology. You will be instrumental in ensuring that supplier-driven innovations are realized into tangible hardware on the production floor. Ultimately, this role drives the procurement function that enables the delivery of Europe's most advanced fusion power plant components.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Execute end-to-end ownership of procurement for integrated systems, manufacturing equipment, and supplier-defined technical packages.
• Architect sourcing strategies for intricate engineering systems, including cryogenic plants, fuel cycle management, vacuum infrastructure, plant electrical distribution, cooling circuits, instrumentation and control data networks, plasma heating mechanisms, and diagnostic suites.
• Initiate and lead Requests for Information and Requests for Proposals, conducting in-depth market assessments to identify the most capable and reliable suppliers.
• Orchestrate complex negotiations with suppliers, defining and securing commercial agreements that specify performance metrics, warranty structures, documentation standards, acceptance testing protocols, and lifecycle support obligations.
• Partner closely with engineering disciplines to rigorously manage supplier interfaces, mitigate technical risks, and monitor adherence to critical delivery milestones.
• Serve as the central authority managing the interfaces between system-level technical requirements and supplier capabilities, ensuring clarity in acceptance criteria and integration responsibilities.
• Oversee contract execution phases, actively managing supplier performance metrics, evaluating change requests, and mitigating commercial risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Champion the adoption of digital tools and artificial intelligence to streamline and enhance procurement processes, driving efficiency in sourcing decisions and contract management.
• Define and implement best practices for the qualification and validation of manufacturing equipment and technical systems, ensuring robustness and compliance.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that bridge the gap between design intent and manufacturing reality, fostering collaborative problem-solving.
• Establish and maintain rigorous supplier evaluation frameworks to ensure continuous improvement and strategic alignment with Proxima Fusion's goals.
• Provide expert guidance on materials, manufacturing processes, and quality standards specific to the demanding requirements of fusion energy systems.
• Act as the focal point for resolving escalated procurement issues that impact project timelines or system integrity.
• Contribute to the development of long-term supply chain strategies that support the scalability and industrialization of fusion power plant construction.

Requirements

Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, supplier management, or strategic sourcing within a demanding engineering environment. You must demonstrate a proven track record of sourcing complex equipment, machinery, or integrated technical systems where uncertainty is a constant factor. It is essential that you are comfortable interpreting detailed technical specifications, managing intricate system interfaces, and understanding acceptance testing procedures while adapting to evolving project requirements. You must exhibit strong negotiation acumen and advanced contract management capabilities, ensuring that agreements protect the company's interests. The ability to balance technical nuances, commercial viability, and project constraints when making sourcing decisions is a core competency. You must be adept at switching cleanly between strategic vision and hands-on execution, navigating multi-stakeholder landscapes with professionalism. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in Engineering or a closely related technical field is required. Prior experience working within the fusion sector, aerospace, energy generation, nuclear technology, industrial automation, or other complex engineering domains is strongly preferred. Direct experience with the procurement of cryogenic systems, vacuum technology, manufacturing machinery, power distribution systems, or similar high-value technical packages is highly valued. Familiarity with Factory Acceptance Testing and Site Acceptance Testing procedures is considered a distinct advantage.