Director of External Services
Austin, TX
Last Energy – Engineering /
Full-time /
On-site
Last Energy seeks a Director of External Services to play a central role in developing and executing Last Energy’s global supply chain strategy to support the deployment of our modular PWR-20 power plants. This individual will lead sourcing, procurement, and contract management efforts across critical mechanical, electrical, and construction categories, ensuring quality, cost efficiency, and delivery precision in a fast-moving, highly technical environment. Working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and project delivery teams, the Director of External Services will be responsible for building and managing a resilient supplier network capable of supporting rapid, repeatable, and scalable production. This role is ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented sourcing leader who thrives at the intersection of technology, supply chain, and project execution.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Identify, qualify, and manage suppliers across mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and construction disciplines to support rapid deployment and factory fabrication
- Negotiate complex commercial agreements, long-term supplier contracts, and service-level expectations to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery
- Develop category strategies to optimize cost, mitigate risk, and secure continuity of supply across critical systems, including pressure vessels, pumps, piping, valves, instrumentation, and controls
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Project Delivery, Licensing, and Operations teams to align supplier capabilities with project timelines and technical requirements
- Manage supplier performance through KPIs, audits, and corrective-action plans to ensure compliance with nuclear industry quality and safety standards
- Support the development of digital procurement tools, standardized documentation, and scalable sourcing processes for repeatable project execution
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in cost reduction, contract management, and logistics efficiency throughout the product lifecycle
- Contribute to supply-chain risk assessments, material forecasts, and capacity planning to meet aggressive build schedules and scaling demands
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
- 7+ years of progressive experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply-chain management in heavy industrial, energy, or manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated success negotiating high-value supplier contracts and managing global supplier relationships
- Strong understanding of manufacturing and fabrication processes, including vendor qualification and quality assurance
- Proven ability to develop supplier partnerships for emerging technologies or new product introduction
- Proven project management experience coordinating complex, cross-functional deliverables under tight timelines
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels
- Must be authorized to work in the United States
