Procurement & Supply Chain Manager

At Lightbridge, we’re pioneering advanced nuclear fuel technology that’s designed to make reactors safer, more efficient, and more responsive to global energy needs. Our mission is bold and we’re looking for equally bold thinkers to help us bring it to life. If you thrive at the intersection of engineering and regulatory strategy, this is your opportunity to help shape the future of clean energy.

Overview: 
The Procurement & Supply Chain Manager is responsible for establishing the processes needed for sourcing, purchasing, and supply chain management in support of Lightbridge's pilot HALEU metallic fuel fabrication facility called SHED. This role manages the end-to-end supply chain for nuclear-grade zirconium and uranium feedstock, process equipment (melting, extrusion, machining, etc.), consumables, and services, from sourcing and supplier qualification through contracting, expediting, logistics, receipt, and material traceability, while ensuring supplier qualification meets nuclear quality assurance requirements (NQA-1 / 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, as applicable). The position plays a key role in managing long-lead-time procurements, supplier NDAs, and a constrained global zirconium/uranium supply base. The Manager will work closely with Engineering, Quality Assurance, Manufacturing, MC&A, PMO, and other functions to ensure reliable supply while meeting applicable nuclear quality, regulatory, export-control, and commercial requirements. 

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute sourcing and procurement strategies for nuclear-grade zirconium sponge/alloy, uranium feedstock, and specialty process equipment (e.g., furnaces, extrusion presses, machining equipment, etc.), and services. 
• Establish and manage supplier qualification, onboarding, performance monitoring, and approved supplier processes in coordination with Quality Assurance and Engineering. 
• Develop strategies to mitigate single-source, long-lead-time, capacity, geopolitical, and other supply-chain risks, including alternate suppliers and strategic inventory where appropriate. 
• Negotiate and manage purchase orders, supplier contracts, pricing agreements, and long-term supply agreements for materials subject to global supply constraints to meet material standards and import compliance. 
• Track and manage confidentiality/non-disclosure agreements and technical data exchange agreements with suppliers and testing partners. 
• Manage procurement documentation and traceability records to support nuclear material pedigree, certified material test reports (CMTRs), lot/batch traceability, audits, and chain-of-custody requirements. 
• Coordinate with Engineering and Quality on procurement specifications, supplier quality requirements, source inspection requirements, and receipt inspection criteria for critical materials and components. 
•  Monitor supplier markets, capacity, pricing, lead times, and emerging risks and provide recommendations to leadership on sourcing risk and mitigation strategies. 
• Manage purchase orders, expediting, logistics, and import/export coordination, including compliance with import/export control requirements where applicable and coordination with applicable nuclear material and security requirements. 
• Support inventory management and material planning to align procurement lead times with facility fabrication schedules. 
• Coordinate with MC&A and Quality Assurance on receipt, identification, status control, traceability, and disposition of nuclear and other controlled materials. 
• Maintain procurement records to support audits, regulatory inspections, and internal quality reviews. 
• Coordinate with the Company's compliance functions on applicable import, export-control, and technology-transfer requirements. 
• Establish effective procurement processes, systems, metrics, and reporting to support the pilot facility and future commercial-scale manufacturing operations. 

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Economics, Engineering, or related field 
• Minimum 7 years of procurement or supply chain experience, including at least 3 years sourcing materials or equipment in a regulated manufacturing environment (nuclear, aerospace, or defense preferred). 
• Demonstrated experience with supplier sourcing, qualification, contract negotiation, purchase orders, expediting, and supplier performance management within a nuclear or other high-reliability manufacturing environment. 
• Experience managing specialty materials, complex equipment, or other long-lead-time procurements. 
• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Project Management organizations. 
• Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple critical procurements in a fast-paced, first-of-a-kind environment. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or professional certification in supply chain management, procurement, or a related discipline is a plus. 
• Experience procuring nuclear-grade zirconium, uranium, or other specialty/reactive metals. 
• Familiarity with NQA-1 supplier quality requirements and CMTR/material traceability documentation. 
• Experience with export control compliance (ITAR/EAR, 10 CFR Part 810) for nuclear or dual-use materials and technology. 
• Experience supporting a facility startup or capital equipment procurement for a new manufacturing line. 
• Experience developing supply-chain strategies for constrained or single-source materials. 
• Experience with ERP/procurement systems and supply-chain performance reporting. 

Lightbridge is committed to supporting the people who power our mission. We offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits program designed to promote well‑being, flexibility, and long‑term growth, including:

•     Competitive salary and performance bonuses, including cash and equity awards
•     Remote‑first work culture with opportunities for travel
•     100% company‑paid health, dental, and vision coverage
•     401(k) with 100% company match
•     Generous time off and family care benefits
•     Up to 32 hours per year of company‑covered professional development course fees

If you’re excited about contributing to work that will help shape the future of clean energy, we encourage you to apply. We look forward to learning more about you and the impact you can make at Lightbridge.