Senior Specialist, Procurement

Senior Specialist, Procurement

Airspace is a tech-enabled freight forwarder that's redefining how the world's most critical packages are delivered. Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Airspace has employees who are based around the world. Our European headquarters is in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

As a recognized leader in AI and machine learning, our team leverages data and patented technology to coordinate logistics across a global network of drivers and airlines. Our goal is to deliver those packages that are truly mission-critical in a way that is faster, more transparent, more secure, and more accountable than ever before. The items we deliver range from organs for transplant, to parts for critical machinery including grounded aircraft and highly sensitive components such as semiconductors.

Airspace has been rated one of America's best Startup Employers, listed as one of CNBC's Disruptor 50 companies, and featured as an Innovation and Disruption leader by CBS News. Airspace has the support of leading investors such as Telstra Ventures, HarbourVest Partners, Defy Partners, DBL Partners, and Scale Ventures. To date the company has raised more than $140m.

The company is growing rapidly and serving more places around the world than ever before. We are looking for passionate, motivated individuals who want to make an IMPACT every day to help us execute on our mission of reshaping the world of time-critical logistics.

Job Overview

We're looking for a Sr. Specialist of Procurement who can drive strong individual contributor contributions under the guidance and direction of the Director or Global Procurement, navigate complex procurement requirements, and partner across the organization to deliver strategic, compliant, and efficient outcomes. The Sr. Specialist will support the Director of Global Procurement in managing vendor relationships, monitoring supplier performance, and executing procurement initiatives across North America. This role is responsible for coordinating day-to-day communication with logistics providers, maintaining procurement data and reporting, supporting sourcing projects, and assisting with cost-saving initiatives.

What You'll Do

• Support the Director of Global Procurement in executing procurement initiatives and cost-saving programs across North America. Review and approve complex, high-value supplier partnerships and agreements, negotiate and award agreements on behalf of the corporation.
• Owns the North American RFQ process from start to finish for Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets
• Qualifies vendors through cost and service, evaluating both qualitative and quantitative aspects of suppliers prior to award to ensure no disruption to existing service levels
• Studies product roadmap, development strategy and innovation needs, and develops supplier matrix strategies to provide options that deliver on business goals.
• Maintains a regular contact rhythm with the existing supplier base through check-in callsmonthly at minimum, more frequently for high-priority markets, and weekly during the implementation of new agents to ensure a smooth transition.
• Leads business reviews, and supports the Director of Procurement in developing annual strategy meeting goals and objectives
• Monitor vendor service quality and performance metrics and provide regular reporting and insights.
• Identify opportunities to improve supplier performance, service quality, and procurement processes.
• Validates all system and operational requirementsboth with internal and external stakeholdersto ensure each vendor is properly set up for service in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, partnering with operations to identify and resolve system and agent constraints
• Reports on performance to ensure targets are being met and that action items are identified to resolve constraints across all markets

Qualifications

• At least 35+ years of progressive procurement or sourcing leadership experience, preferably within the logistics or transportation industry
• Excellent written, verbal, and organization skills
• Accountable with a strong ownership mindset and focus on results
• Data-driven, execution-focused, and pragmatic
• High proficiency with Google Workspace applications, particularly Google Sheets, as well as other business software and productivity tools
• Willingness to learn and leverage AI-powered tools, including Claude, to improve efficiency, reporting, and day-to-day workflows
• Strong commercial, negotiation, and contract structuring skills
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA or relevant certifications a plus

Role Details

• Department: Yield Management
• Reports to: Director of Global Procurement
• Team: This position will work closely with Driver Operations, Commercial Operations, and external logistics vendors throughout the United States
• Location: This position is flexible to remote with in the US.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $95,000-$110,000 + 10% Bonus opportunity
• High-quality health, dental, and vision plan options
• Open PTO
• 401K with company match

Core Values:

• We are One Team. We believe we all accomplish more when we are working together.
• We make an Impact. We are determined to have a positive influence on our environment, our customers, our industry, and our world.
• We are Passionate. We care deeply about our mission and are not afraid to raise the bar.
• We are Transparent. We pride ourselves on having open, honest, and sincere communication with our team and customers.
• We are Innovative. We never settle and are always striving to improve our product, service, and ourselves.

About Airspace:

From life-saving organs to essential machinery components, Airspace is trusted by the world's largest companies and most critical healthcare organizations to move their most time-sensitive shipments on time, every time. Our proprietary AI-powered platform is the most advanced of its kind- awarded and protected by multiple patents, it provides speed, reliability, and transparency unrivaled in time-critical logistics. We are thinkers, builders, and doers; from building and deploying AI in the world to assembling a world-class operations team, Airspace is on a hypergrowth trajectory while remaining hyper-focused on the needs of our customers and team members.

With offices in the United States in Carlsbad, CA and in Europe in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Stockholm, and London, we are rapidly scaling into new markets and industries while continuing to innovate and maximize value for our customers. Backed by leading investors including Telstra, HarbourVest, Prologis, Qualcomm, Defy, and others, Airspace has raised $140M to date.

Join our team of 300+ technologists, futurists, and industry veterans as we work as One Team to revolutionize time-critical logistics.

Airspace is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Additionally, Airspace participates in the E-Verify program for all locations.

For this role the acquisition of recruitment agencies is not appreciated, thank you for your understanding.