Procurement Manager

About Akuna:

Akuna Capital is an innovative trading firm with a strong focus on collaboration, cutting-edge technology, data driven solutions, and automation. We specialize in providing liquidity as an options market-maker – meaning we are committed to providing competitive quotes that we are willing to both buy and sell. To do this successfully, we design and implement our own low latency technologies, trading strategies, and mathematical models. 

Our Founding Partners first conceptualized Akuna in their hometown of Sydney. They opened the firm’s first office in 2011 in the heart of the derivatives industry and the options capital of the world – Chicago. Today, Akuna is proud to operate from additional offices in Sydney, Shanghai, and London. 

What you’ll do as a Procurement Manager at Akuna: 

As Akuna’s Procurement Manager you’ll manage and iteratively improve our procurement process to ensure it is efficient, transparent, and results in the best supplier being selected based on well-defined criteria. Utilizing your extensive RFx management experience you’ll work closely with our Tech, Finance and Legal teams to secure high value, leading edge technology hardware and services at the most advantageous terms available and train and manage a lean team to leverage automated methods whenever possible. In this role you’ll: 

• Develop and execute strategic sourcing plans to reduce costs, improve quality, and ensure timely supply of predominantly technology related hardware and services
• Lead a small team providing guidance, training, and direction
• Work closely with other departments to capture business needs and support company-wide initiatives
• Lead and execute longer term agreements using formal RFx methodologies
• Negotiate and proactively manage agreements with vendors, ensuring compliance with company standards, terms, and performance expectations
• Conduct market research to identify new suppliers, evaluate existing supplier performance, and stay ahead of industry trends
• Continuously evaluate and streamline procurement processes to enhance efficiency, reduce lead times, and improve cost savings
• Ensure that all procurement activities comply with internal policies, legal requirements, and industry regulations
• Develop and manage procurement budgets, tracking expenses to ensure alignment with financial goals 

Qualities that make great candidates: 

• 3-5 years of experience in a similar role
• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in business admin, finance, supply chain management, or other relevant professional certification
• Strong communication skills
• Negotiation expertise
• Proficiency using Oracle NetSuite for Procurement
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and multitask
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
• Strong collaborator with the ability to build relationships across multiple teams
• Strong analytical skills and an aptitude for understanding the products and services we purchase to support our trading and operations infrastructure 

In addition to technical skillsets, Akuna values the unique perspectives people can bring to the table to collaboratively solve complex problems and drive Akuna forward. We want all groups to feel empowered to apply, even if you don’t meet every qualification. We welcome your application and encourage you to take the first steps toward your future with us! 

In accordance with Illinois Equal Pay Act, the minimum base salary starts at $80,000. Exact compensation offered may vary based on many factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and skill set. This role is also eligible for a discretionary performance bonus as part of the total compensation package, in addition to the benefits listed here: https://akunacapital.com/our-culture#benefits. The minimum base salary herein was determined in good faith by Akuna Capital LLC.