Procurement Specialist - New York, NY

Databases are the beating heart of every business in the world.

Cockroach Labs is the team behind CockroachDB, an open-source, distributed SQL database. We aim to build infrastructure that keeps pace with the world, so developers can focus on what matters most: building the best products. Join us on our mission to Make Data Easy. Are you ready to aim high and build to last?

About the Role

The Procurement Specialist will be the key support as we further build out and mature our newly-formed function. You will partner with global stakeholders from across the company, working together to add value for the company. The right candidate will be a strategic, solutions-oriented thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is hands-on, has great communication skills, and who has first-hand experience negotiating agreements. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact as the company further expands globally, part of which is implementing a best-in-class procurement system - all whilst supporting the company's growing needs and jumping in to support other areas of the Finance function. The Procurement Specialist will report directly to the Head of Procurement and Accounts Payable and will have the opportunity to participate in the establishment of scalable processes, ensure compliance with policies, and optimize our soon-to-go-live procurement system. The Procurement Specialist will be on the ground floor of a newly formed function at a high-growth startup and will have significant opportunities for their own development and growth.

You Will

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the company Procurement system, ensuring optimization and implementation of planned enhancements
• Negotiate vendor agreements for both new goods and services, and renewals to maximize value for the company (including pricing, commercial terms, T&Cs, etc)
• Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and provide procurement support to help meet goals in a cost-effective and timely manner
• Be a trusted business partner and work closely with various stakeholders within Finance, Legal, Internal IT, Compliance, Security, and others across the company to ensure appropriate vendor due diligence
• Develop and maintain existing and new vendor relationships
• Ensure compliance with all internal Procurement and Reimbursement policies
• Prepare and reconcile vendor invoices and bills; review for approval each cycle and reconcile to sub-ledgers and bank statements, as necessary
• Work with vendors and internal departments to ensure seamless onboarding; gather and store contracts, and resolve any payment issues
• Review, process, and ensure proper coding of all company expenses in accordance with US GAAP
• Assist with ad hoc requests and projects for the Finance department
• Collaborate in designing and expanding the Company's financial systems
• Provide other operational support to the Accounting or greater Finance team, as needed

The Expectations

In your first 30 days, you will develop a strong understanding of our current processes and organizational structure. You will meet with stakeholders across the organization to better understand how the Finance team works with other functions. You will develop relationships and an understanding of the team structure at Cockroach Labs and gain an understanding of how each team operates, in particular as they relate to the Procurement and Accounts Payable functions. You will gain a strong understanding of how to operate the current Procurement & AP software and any other tools needed for your role.

In your first 60 days, you will utilize your understanding of processes and systems to be a key contributor to vendor bill and expense workflow.

After 90 days, you will have built key relationships and an understanding of the process and systems so that you can contribute to vendor contract negotiations and RFPs.

You Have

• 3 years of experience in a Procurement, Finance, or Accounting role
• Demonstrated working knowledge in procurement best practices, vendor selection, contract negotiations, and RFPs
• Ability to learn and operate scalable processes
• Problem-solving, record-keeping, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across all functions and levels, with a customer service mindset and passion for building strong internal and external relationships
• Ability to meet hard deadlines and work under pressure
• Ability to demonstrate excellent judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential and highly sensitive financials or other information
• Experience working collaboratively on a team while exhibiting a strong sense of ownership
• Strong proficiency in G-Suite and Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word
• Experience using NetSuite, Jira, employee reimbursement software, and procurement software (Coupa ideally) preferred

The Team

The position is within our newly launched Procurement and Accounts Payable team led by Kevin Stacey.

Kevin has always been passionate about technology and is dedicated to building best-in-class Procurement and Accounts Payable teams that empower and amplify effective businesses and products rather than constrain them. At Cockroach Labs, Kevin is dedicated to building a function that achieves these goals. Kevin has experience building teams in high-growth tech environments and has a strong understanding of both the profession and the industry. Kevin believes strongly in the unique value that a Procurement and Accounts Payable team can bring and is committed to building a best-in-class global function here at Cockroach Labs. Kevin enjoys mentoring members of his team and is proud of the continued development and incredible roles many of them have moved on to at other tech companies, together with the hands-on growth and experience he can offer to each on his team. In his spare time, Kevin is an avid sports fan, both playing and as a spectator, and enjoys spending time with his family - both in New York City, where he resides, but also across the globe when the opportunity for travel arises.

Our Benefits

• 100% health insurance option (for you and your dependents!)
• Paid parental leave (with baby bucks)
• Flex Fridays
• Flexible time off & flexible hours
• Learning and Development budget
• Relocation support

Cockroach Labs is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you need additional accommodations to feel comfortable during your interview process, please email us at accessibility@cockroachlabs.com.