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Staff Indirect Buyer

Company Overview


Mainspring Energy is revolutionizing power generation with the world’s most flexible and adaptable onsite power generator, the Mainspring Linear Generator. Commercial, industrial, and utility leaders are choosing Mainspring over traditional options like engines, turbines, and fuel cells to quickly and reliably deliver local power for EV charging, commercial facilities, data centers, and grid-scale operations. The Mainspring Linear Generator is fuel flexible, ramps up and down to meet demand, and utilizes a flameless technology with near-zero NOx emissions.


Backed by top-tier investors such as Khosla Ventures, Bill Gates, American Electric Power, and Lightrock, Mainspring designs, manufactures and delivers its products to customers across the U.S. today, and we’re quickly scaling for international expansion.


Inspired by our vision of the affordable, reliable, net-zero carbon grid, Mainspring is rapidly expanding within the $816B global electricity equipment market, and we’re hiring the best talent to meet growing customer demand around the globe. We welcome a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and talents to bring fresh perspectives and ongoing innovation to our customers.


We are looking to build relationships with people who share our values:


Pragmatic Optimism. Building a new category of world-class power generation requires the optimism of ambition and creativity, balanced with practicality to solve problems efficiently. The challenges that arise are opportunities for growth.


Excellence without Ego. We bring expertise and commitment to creating the best customer experience, from sales to deployment and service, just as we apply deep technical rigor to building and delivering world-class products. We strive for excellence and behave as leaders with the humility to acknowledge our challenges, both collectively and as individual contributors.


Proactive Collaboration. The integration and cross-disciplinary nature of Mainspring’s business requires intentionally seeking out others who bring different skills, perspectives, and priorities. Our culture of inclusion and respect extends beyond our team to interactions with our partners and customers.


More information can be found at www.mainspringenergy.com


Job Overview


Mainspring is growing rapidly and starting to manufacture its Linear Generators, with numerous purchases (Non ProductionMaterials, CAPEX, Services, MRO) to be planned, executed, and tracked. You will excel at managing suppliers from RFQ to PO and contracts, On time Supply, quality checks, and payment. You are highly organized, communicative, hands-on and will thrive in a nimble fast-paced environment that involves regular cross-functional engagement with multiple Departments in the 


Responsibilities
  • Forecast and plan purchasing needs from lead times and inventory, with input on business risks
  • and use-of-capital
  • Manage all phases of the procure-to-pay process, including administering competitive RFQs,
  • gaining approvals, tracking the progress of POs, and shipping
  • Drive  cost reduction activities, pursuing reductions where possible
  • Build and manage effective supplier relationships and act as the primary interface with suppliers
  • on delivery status, issues, and problem resolution
  • Establish VMI / Kanban Programs to maintain a steady supply of indirect materials to support operational efficiency. 
  • Communicate proactively with stakeholders about order status and schedule challenges, and manage change orders, rush-requests, and returns, as necessary
  • Follow through to ensure on-time delivery to support revenue/shipment plan
  • Partner with IT and other business stakeholders on Planning processes and system
  • improvements
  • Drive cost reduction through competitive bidding, sourcing new suppliers
  • Independently develop & negotiate complex contracts & agreements involving large spends 
  • Provide a high level of service to Internal customers in performing the above responsibilities.  
  • Display high levels of business ethics when dealing with suppliers & business partners. 
  • Practice & display MSE core values.


Qualifications
  • At least 10 years Experience in Indirect procurement in a Mechanical/Electronics Manufacturing environment with a background in relevant categories (Prod. Equipment, Tools, Material Handling, MRO, Utilities, Facility Mgmt. Maintenance Services and Spare Parts)
  • Negotiation experience across the global supplier markets
  • Commercial and legal understanding of contracts
  • Independent, excellent communicator, and collaborator with internal stakeholders
  • Detail-oriented with thorough analytical capabilities including the ability to solve problems with minimal supervision
  • Proficient with Excel and Google Workspace suite. Experience with ERP packages
  • Bachelor’s Degree in  Business, Economics, Supply Chain Management or similar discipline


$98,000 - $143,000 a year
This position is hybrid at our Menlo Park HQ. The salary will be adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location as well as the experience of the employee. Along with the base salary, Mainspring offers pre-IPO stock options + benefits.

Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don’t meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we’d still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.


In more traditional words, Mainspring Energy, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.


This compensation and benefits information is based on Mainspring Energy's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge.

Average salary estimate

$120500 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$98000K
$143000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Staff Indirect Buyer, Mainspring Energy

Mainspring Energy is on the hunt for a skilled Staff Indirect Buyer to join our dynamic team in Menlo Park, CA. As we revolutionize power generation with our innovative Mainspring Linear Generator, you'll play a crucial role in supporting our rapid growth. Imagine overseeing the procurement process for non-production materials, CAPEX, services, and MRO while collaborating cross-functionally across departments. If you're someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves managing suppliers from RFQ to PO, this is the perfect fit for you. In this position, you'll forecast and plan purchasing needs, drive cost reduction initiatives, and build effective supplier relationships, ensuring on-time deliveries that support our operational efficiency. Your strong negotiation skills will come in handy as you independently develop complex contracts and agreements involving significant spends. Plus, you'll get to practice our core values of pragmatic optimism, excellence without ego, and proactive collaboration every day. The ideal candidate has at least 10 years of experience in indirect procurement, particularly in the Mechanical and Electronics Manufacturing sector, with a keen eye for detail and strong analytical capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to make an impact in the $816B global electricity equipment market while enjoying pre-IPO stock options and benefits. If you're ready to take on this challenge and help transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, we want to hear from you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Staff Indirect Buyer Role at Mainspring Energy
What does a Staff Indirect Buyer do at Mainspring Energy?

As a Staff Indirect Buyer at Mainspring Energy, your primary responsibility is to manage the procurement process for non-production materials, CAPEX, services, and MRO. You'll forecast purchasing needs, manage RFQs, negotiate contracts, and maintain effective supplier relationships while ensuring on-time delivery and operational efficiency.

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What qualifications are required for a Staff Indirect Buyer position at Mainspring Energy?

To qualify for the Staff Indirect Buyer role at Mainspring Energy, you should have at least 10 years of indirect procurement experience in a Mechanical or Electronics Manufacturing environment. A Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field is essential, along with strong negotiation skills and experience with ERP systems.

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How does the Staff Indirect Buyer contribute to cost reduction at Mainspring Energy?

The Staff Indirect Buyer contributes to cost reduction at Mainspring Energy by administering competitive bidding processes, sourcing new suppliers, and effectively negotiating contracts. Your role will involve driving cost reduction activities and pursuing reductions wherever possible, thus positively impacting the company’s bottom line.

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What skills are essential for success as a Staff Indirect Buyer at Mainspring Energy?

Success as a Staff Indirect Buyer at Mainspring Energy requires excellent communication and collaboration skills, strong analytical capabilities, and a high attention to detail. You'll need to be organized, proactive, and have a solid understanding of commercial and legal contract aspects to excel in this role.

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What is the work environment like for a Staff Indirect Buyer at Mainspring Energy?

The work environment for a Staff Indirect Buyer at Mainspring Energy is fast-paced and collaborative, requiring regular engagement with multiple departments. You'll need to thrive in a nimble setting, managing various tasks and challenges while upholding our core values of inclusion and respect.

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Common Interview Questions for Staff Indirect Buyer
Can you describe your experience in indirect procurement?

When answering this question, focus on highlighting your relevant experience, such as the types of materials and services you have procured, your role in the procurement process, and any specific achievements related to cost savings or supplier management.

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How do you handle discrepancies in orders or delivery issues?

Discuss your method for addressing discrepancies, emphasizing your communication skills and problem-resolution strategies. Outline a specific example where you successfully resolved an issue and ensured on-time delivery.

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What strategies do you use for supplier relationship management?

Explain your approach to building and maintaining supplier relationships, including regular communication, meeting deadlines, and collaboratively solving problems. Provide examples of how strong relationships have led to improved outcomes.

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How do you prioritize competing responsibilities in a fast-paced environment?

Share your time-management techniques, such as using prioritization matrices or lists, and provide an example of how you successfully managed multiple projects or tasks while meeting deadlines.

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Can you discuss a successful negotiation you conducted?

Provide a detailed account of a past negotiation, focusing on the context, your preparation, the strategies you employed, and the positive outcome. Emphasize your negotiation skills and ability to achieve favorable results.

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What experience do you have with procurement software and tools?

Mention specific ERP systems or procurement software you have used. Describe how these tools have helped you in managing the procure-to-pay process, tracking orders, and improving efficiency.

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How do you ensure compliance with procurement policies?

Discuss your familiarity with procurement policies and procedures. Emphasize your commitment to following the rules while also being adaptable to changes and promoting ethical sourcing.

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What metrics do you use to evaluate supplier performance?

Explain the key performance indicators (KPIs) you track to assess suppliers, such as on-time delivery rates, quality of materials, and overall responsiveness. Provide examples of how these metrics have influenced your purchasing decisions.

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How do you stay updated on industry trends and changes in the procurement landscape?

Describe your methods for staying informed, such as attending industry conferences, participating in relevant online forums, or subscribing to industry publications. Highlight how this knowledge has positively impacted your role.

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Why do you want to work as a Staff Indirect Buyer at Mainspring Energy?

Express your enthusiasm for Mainspring Energy's mission to revolutionize power generation and how your background aligns with the company’s values and needs. Mention specific aspects of the role that excite you and your eagerness to contribute to the team.

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Mainspring Energy is engineering advanced technology by developing a prototype of a linear generator that converts fuel to electricity. Mainspring was founded in 2010 by three Stanford engineers- Shannon Miller, Adam Simpson, and Matt Svrcek. T...

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
April 4, 2025

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