Procurement Lead / Strategic Sourcing Lead

We are hiring a Procurement Lead to build and maintain robust procurement systems for technical and scientific equipment and services, bridging the needs of field science and project operations in Brazil and the US with the strategic financial and operational goals of the company. This role ensures procurement is efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with technical and logistical requirements. Additionally, the Procurement Lead will play a strategic role in driving cost efficiency, governance, sustainability, and owning critical supplier partnerships.

Location: São Paulo, Brazil
Languages: Fluent Portuguese and English Required

Role Responsibilities:

• Ownership of Supplier Cost Models: Build and maintain service and equipment supplier cost models to inform pricing strategies and supplier negotiations.

• Hands-on Contract Negotiation: Diagnose and (Re)negotiate supplier contracts for consistency and alignment with short and long term company goals. 

• Supplier Relationship Management: Establish and maintain corporate accounts with key equipment and service suppliers in Brazil, the US, and internationally.

• Strategic Procurement Systems: Oversee procurement systems to ensure rapid and efficient acquisition and delivery of specialty items, including strategies for importing goods through third countries or couriers.

• Collaborative Planning and Risk Mitigation: Work closely with science and operational teams to proactively plan procurement needs and anticipate logistical challenges.

• Financial Governance: Develop and enforce financial approval workflows for significant procurement investments in collaboration with the finance team.

• Supplier Diligence: Conduct supplier evaluations focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

• Storage and Logistics Oversight: Develop storage and organizational systems in partnership with the SciOps PM and Deployment Ops VP to ensure efficient use and maintenance of equipment.

Background and Requirements:

• 7+ years of procurement experience with a focus on scientific or technical equipment, ideally with exposure to the agricultural or mining industries. 

• Experience negotiating contracts and ability to identify and manage liabilities

• Proven ability to solve complex sourcing and logistical challenges.

• Strong communication and collaboration skills in both Portuguese and English.

Nice to Haves:

• Experience sourcing niche scientific equipment.

• Experience in technology sourcing and integration of procurement systems into tech products.

• Familiarity with Brazilian import regulations and US export standards.

• Previous experience coordinating with technical teams to understand and meet specific equipment needs.

• Background in procurement for a science-based organization or research-focused entity.

Personal Attributes:

• Ownership mindset, capable of driving projects autonomously across teams.

• Strategic thinker who can balance short-term needs with long-term goals.

• Highly collaborative, with strong leadership skills and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• A positive, action-oriented mindset with a focus on measurable outcomes.

What Does Success Look Like in This Role?

• Fully operational procurement systems with transparent financial approval workflows.

• Established supplier network with built-in redundancy to minimize risk.

• Significant cost savings achieved through innovative sourcing and negotiation strategies.

• Proactive procurement planning aligned with long-term scientific and operational needs.

• Documented and repeatable procurement processes for import/export, transport, and financial approvals.

About Us:

Our mission is to stabilize Earth’s climate by transforming nature’s most powerful permanent carbon removal process into a global climate solution. By advancing science, building technology, and assembling a global coalition, we are catalyzing a global initiative to scale Enhanced Rock Weathering within the next decade, starting in Brazil.

Founded out of the Stanford University ecosystem, Terradot is led by the world’s leading experts to advance the science and technology of ERW. Our unique structure bridges industry, academia, and government and allows our team to contribute with speed & scale. We are backed by John Doerr, Sheryl Sandberg & Tom Bernthal, George Roberts, Microsoft’s Climate Innovation Fund, Google, Cisco and Venture Funds, Floodgate, Kleiner Perkins, Acre Venture Partners, Gigascale Capital, Valor Capital, Ponderosa Ventures and others.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Research suggests that qualified people from historically marginalized groups may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage all individuals who believe they have the necessary skills and experience to apply for this role.