Sr. Procurement Specialist - Process Equipment

ABOUT MARIANA MINERALS Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making. THE ROLE We are looking for a commercially strong, hands-on Procurement Manager, Process Equipment to lead procurement of process equipment for our processing and refining facilities, including pumps, tanks and vessels, heat exchangers, filtration, material handling, electrical gear, and packaged systems. This is a senior individual contributor role. You will own your category end-to-end, from strategy and bid packages through award, execution, and closeout, leading cross-functional teams without direct reports. Your decisions will directly shape project schedule, capital efficiency, and commercial risk. What You’ll Do Lead Process Equipment Procurement - Develop sourcing strategies for long-lead and critical equipment aligned with engineering deliverables and the project schedule, including early equipment commitments where needed. - Prepare and run competitive bid packages built on engineering datasheets and specifications, and prequalify domestic and international suppliers. - Lead technical and commercial bid evaluations, clarifications, and negotiations, and make award recommendations through the company’s approval thresholds. - Set up framework and supply agreements for repeat equipment categories and spares. Lead Cross-Functional Teams - Lead package teams of process, mechanical, and electrical engineering, project controls, operations, finance, and legal to align on scope, schedule, and commercial strategy. - Run technical and commercial evaluations with stakeholders and drive the group to a clear, defensible award decision. - Mentor project teams and procurement colleagues on negotiation, commercial risk allocation, and contract administration. Own Contracts & Delivery Risk - Negotiate equipment terms, including Incoterms, payment milestones, performance guarantees, warranty, liquidated damages, and vendor data requirements. - Manage expediting, vendor document submittals, inspections, FAT/SAT, and logistics through delivery to site. - Manage change orders and commercial amendments, and keep records complete, defensible, and audit-ready. Drive Cost & Value - Own category strategies for major equipment classes, including preferred suppliers and standardization opportunities. - Evaluate total cost of ownership, including spares, special tools, commissioning support, freight, and duties. - Identify and mitigate lead time, trade and tariff, logistics, and supplier financial risk. - Track and report savings, cycle times, and supplier performance to leadership. Build Better Systems - Own the design and continuous improvement of equipment procurement templates, processes, and approval workflows. - Partner with software teams to automate sourcing, bid leveling, and contract administration. - Establish the metrics, controls, and reporting that make procurement a disciplined, data-driven function. Desired Qualifications - 10+ years of procurement or contracts experience in: - Process or mechanical equipment purchasing - Mining, chemical, refining, or other process industries - Capital projects with engineered equipment packages - Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams without direct authority, including serving as the procurement lead on major capital projects. - Track record leading competitive sourcing and negotiations for multimillion-dollar engineered equipment packages, including with international suppliers. - Deep understanding of equipment purchase terms, Incoterms, performance guarantees, and warranty. - Hands-on experience with expediting, vendor data management, inspection, and FAT/SAT. - Proficient with ERP/procurement systems and structured documentation; comfortable with data and eager to automate. - Strong communicator with executives, project leaders, and suppliers. - Bachelor’s degree in engineering, supply chain, business, or a related field; CPSM, CPM, or similar certification a plus. OUR CULTURE IS BUILT ON FOUR PRINCIPLES: Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people. Extreme Ownership. We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions. Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate. We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale. Share Your Legos. We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions. Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply!