Who are we?

Shielded Technologies is a business technology provider and core contributor to the Midnight Network, a blockchain platform for developing decentralized applications that safeguard personal and commercial data. The Midnight Network is the first blockchain to offer programmable data isolation by leveraging zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to enable selective disclosure of what information is visible on-chain and is designed to help developers implement necessary business policies, such as meeting regulatory requirements.

What the role involves:

As a skilled Procurement & Vendor Manager, you will help establish and shape the procurement function from the ground up for Shielded Technologies. This is an exciting opportunity to define and implement key procurement processes, optimize vendor relationships, and ensure the efficient acquisition of goods and services to support the company's growth and operations.

In this role, you will be responsible for setting up procurement systems and strategies from scratch, while ensuring the timely and cost-effective acquisition of essential resources. You will manage the full vendor lifecycle and collaborate with internal teams to align procurement practices with our organizational needs, all while creating a strong foundation for future success.

Key responsibilities include:

Procurement Strategy and Execution:

• Develop and execute the procurement strategy to meet operational and strategic goals.
• Lead the end-to-end procurement process, including identifying requirements, selecting suppliers, and negotiating contracts.
• Continuously evaluate market trends to identify opportunities for cost savings, quality improvements, and innovation.
• Build and implement procurement systems and tools to streamline purchasing processes, track inventory, and improve transparency.

Vendor Management:

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and vendors to ensure reliable delivery of goods and services.
• Monitor and evaluate vendor performance, ensuring adherence to quality standards, delivery timelines, and contractual obligations.
• Conduct regular reviews to optimize vendor partnerships and identify opportunities for better collaboration.

Budget and Compliance:

• Manage procurement budgets and report on spending, savings, and procurement performance metrics.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal policies governing procurement and vendor activities.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to manage potential supply chain disruptions.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across departments (product, architecture, engineering, delivery, finance, legal, IT, etc.) to align procurement activities with business needs.
• Provide regular updates and insights to senior leadership regarding procurement strategies and progress.
• Support cross-functional initiatives that depend on effective vendor partnerships or procurement outcomes.

Process Improvement and Innovation:

• Implement best practices to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of procurement processes.
• Drive initiatives to enhance supplier diversity, sustainability, and ethical sourcing