At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a climate-tech start-up to enhance procurement processes and build supplier relationships.
- Company: Innovative London-based climate-tech start-up focused on carbon capture technology.
- Benefits: 30 days annual leave, enhanced parental leave, medical cover, and employee share options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for creativity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against climate change while growing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, experience in fast-paced environments, and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re a London-based climate-tech start‑up, working to reframe how the world views carbon in order to enable a thriving planet. Since 2020, we have pioneered the world’s most versatile direct air capture (DAC) technology to recover historic CO₂ emissions from the atmosphere, anywhere, at any scale. Backed by 2150, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, the XPRIZE foundation, Stripe, and the UK Government, we’ve moved a brand new climate technology from lab scale to commercial plants in under three years, to empower carbon removal and sustainable utilisation.
About the role
You have the opportunity to join MZT at a crucial juncture in our company’s evolution, transitioning from an innovative R&D startup into a global player ready to implement and scale our DAC technology. MZT is seeking a Procurement Specialist with advanced expertise in purchasing and cross‑functional collaboration. The role will focus on strengthening and expanding our supply chain by nurturing existing relationships and building new partnerships that support the rapid, sustainable scale‑up of our novel technology. Success in this role will ensure the company secures reliable, value‑driven supplier relationships that are aligned with our growth objectives and long‑term strategic goals.
As we continue to scale, you'll play an active role in shaping how procurement works at MZT, not just following established processes, but helping to define and refine them. You'll thrive here if you're energised by making pragmatic decisions with limited information, and take ownership of outcomes even when the path isn’t fully mapped out. Reporting to the Principal Procurement Manager, you will collaborate closely with Finance, Project Managers, Engineering, and R&D teams to implement robust procurement processes for our Direct Air Capture (DAC) projects across multiple regions. The role is primarily an office‑based role with occasional travelling to prospective and chosen suppliers, with flexibility to work remotely at reasonable frequencies.
What you’ll be doing
- Translating commercial commitments into actionable procurement plans, working with Project and Engineering teams to define sourcing needs, develop clear supplier briefs, and ensure timely delivery against contractual obligations.
- Driving procurement strategy and competitive tenders across multiple engineering disciplines, including construction & integration and electricals & controls, partnering with the wider team to shape approaches across other categories as needed.
- Evaluating suppliers on a total cost of ownership basis, looking beyond unit price to account for logistics, lead times, and the true cost of supply.
- Negotiating commercial terms and conditions with suppliers to secure favourable and balanced agreements that protect MZT’s interests while fostering long‑term supplier relationships.
- Monitoring supplier performance across Capacity, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Lead Time, developing and driving action plans where targets are at risk.
- Proactively identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, including through strategic dual‑sourcing and contingency planning, to ensure continuity of supply as we scale.
- Maintaining and continuously improving the supplier due diligence framework and records to guarantee that all suppliers adhere to the company's ethical and operational standards.
- Tracking procurement spend and savings across projects, providing regular reporting to support budget management and inform business decisions.
What you’ll need to be successful in this role
- Experience working in a startup environment or rapidly growing company, where processes and work‑flows are still developing.
- A proven ability to work autonomously, taking ownership of procurement outcomes end to end and proactively driving progress even when requirements are still in progress or priorities shift.
- Ability to interface with key engineering disciplines and technical individuals in the specification for procurement requirements.
- Hands‑on experience with hardware products, with an understanding of the supply chains, lead times, and technical constraints that come with physical goods procurement.
- Strong commercial acumen, including experience negotiating supplier terms and conditions and developing service and supply agreements that protect business interests.
- >3 years experience in procurement of major industrial construction and/or manufacturing projects.
Ideally, you’ll also have:
- Background in engineering or science, with a focus on energy or environmental technologies.
- Experience in industries such as carbon capture, energy, oil & gas, chemicals, or other process‑driven sectors.
- Experience in adjacent industries such as automotive, or advanced manufacturing is also valued.
- Experience across multiple industries.
- Familiarity with EPC project structures and the procurement dynamics that come with engineering‑led, capital intensive projects.
- A track record of building or implementing procurement processes or functions from scratch, bringing structure to environments where little previously existed.
- Basic understanding of fundamental electrochemistry principles and background industrial chemistry knowledge.
What can we offer you?
- 30 days of Annual Leave.
- 3 months enhanced Paternity/Maternity Leave.
- Access to medical cover.
- Employee Share Options Programme.
- Christmas holidays office closure.
- Opportunities to directly impact where our company is headed.
- A high‑growth, high‑trust environment that encourages bold creativity.
At Mission Zero, we value diversity of cultural backgrounds, experience, and perspectives, and leverage these qualities to create exceptional outcomes. We are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, sex, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis as protected by applicable law. Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation.
Our hiring process
Kindly allow us up to two weeks to review your application. Providing both of our schedules align, the total hiring process should take 3-5 weeks total to wrap up.
Application review Interview with Head of Product/Line Manager (30 mins)
Procurement Specialist employer: Mission Zero Technologies
Contact Detail:
Mission Zero Technologies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the climate-tech space, especially those who work at companies similar to MZT. Use LinkedIn to connect and engage with them; you never know who might have a lead on a job or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching MZT’s projects and values. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about our mission to tackle climate change. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Specialist, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure favourable terms. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at MZT.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Specialist role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in startup environments, and how it aligns with our mission at MZT.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to negotiate, manage supplier relationships, and drive procurement strategies.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not only skilled but also passionate about climate tech and making a difference. Share why you want to join us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at MZT.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mission Zero Technologies
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of procurement, especially in a climate-tech context. Brush up on your knowledge of direct air capture technology and how it impacts supply chains. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also passionate about the company's mission.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully navigated procurement challenges. Highlight your experience in negotiating supplier terms and managing relationships, especially in fast-paced environments. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a startup atmosphere.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with insightful questions about the company's procurement strategies and how they align with their growth objectives. This shows that you're thinking critically about the role and are eager to contribute to the company's success.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Since the company is transitioning from R&D to a global player, be prepared to discuss how you can help shape procurement processes. Share your thoughts on how to improve efficiency and mitigate risks in the supply chain, showcasing your proactive mindset.