Head of Procurement

Role Overview

• Develop and execute comprehensive global procurement strategies across all spend categories including drilling services, geophysical surveys, laboratory services, exploration equipment (core rigs, geophysical instruments, sampling equipment), technology solutions (AI/ML platforms, data management systems, specialized software), professional services (geological consulting, environmental assessments, legal services), and operational supplies.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers across multiple jurisdictions, establishing preferred vendor programs and long-term partnerships that support KoBold's exploration timeline requirements and cost optimization goals.
• Develop and maintain rigorous should-cost models across all major procurement categories, building KoBold's own independent economic understanding of what vendors do, what they should be doing, and what it should cost them to provide goods and services.
• Drive the organization, including all internal stakeholders who purchase goods and services, to engage deeply with the substance of what is being procured, not just the quoted price.
• Design and implement comprehensive supplier qualification and due diligence processes, including financial stability assessments, safety record evaluations, environmental compliance verification, and ethical business practice reviews.
• Assist with complex, high-value contract negotiations across diverse categories including multi-year drilling contracts, equipment purchase and lease agreements, technology licensing deals, professional services agreements, joint venture arrangements, and master service agreements.
• Evaluate and implement procurement technologies including spend analytics, supplier management, and e-sourcing solutions to optimize procurement strategy and deliver measurable value.
• Collaborate closely with Operations teams on project-specific procurement needs and supplier performance management.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of strategic procurement experience with demonstrated progression in responsibility and scope
• Demonstrated experience with should-cost modeling, bottom-up cost analysis, and economic modeling of procured goods and services. Proven ability to move beyond systems and process management to engage deeply with the substance and economics of what is being procured.
• Mining, energy, industrial, or technology sector experience strongly preferred
• Proven track record of building procurement functions from the ground up or leading significant procurement transformations
• Strong knowledge of international procurement practices, contract law, and regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
• Experience managing procurement in emerging markets and complex regulatory environments preferred
• Advanced proficiency in procurement systems, ERP platforms, spend analysis tools, and contract management systems
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills with ability to influence at all organizational levels
• Ability to work effectively across cultures and collaborate with international teams in diverse regulatory environments and in multiple time zones
• The ability to quickly learn new tools as needed and solve new problems continuously
• A high degree of independence and the ability to work effectively with limited supervision while building scalable processes
• Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic startup environment
• Professional procurement certification such as CPSM, CPPO, CIPS, or equivalent credentials preferred.

Tech Stack

• ERP

Benefits

• 401k matching