Director, Procurement

About Karius

Karius is a venture-backed life science startup that is transforming the way pathogens and other microbes are observed throughout the body.  By unlocking the information present in microbial cell-free DNA, we're helping doctors quickly solve their most challenging cases, providing industry partners with access to the microbial landscape to accelerate biomarker discovery and clinical trials, discover novel microbes, to ultimately reduce patient suffering worldwide. 

Position Summary

The Director of Procurement will be a key strategic leader responsible for developing, scaling, and executing Karius' enterprise-wide procurement strategy. This role will partner closely with stakeholders across R&D, Clinical Laboratory, Legal, Finance, and G&A to deliver sourcing strategies that balance cost, quality, risk, and speed. The Director will elevate the procurement function to a strategic enabler by building operational excellence, ensuring compliance, advancing supplier relationship management, and driving technology-enabled process improvements. This is both a hands-on and strategic role, ideal for a leader who thrives in a dynamic, high-growth, and mission-driven environment.

Why Should You Join Us?

Karius aims to conquer infectious diseases through innovations around genomic sequencing and machine learning. The company’s platform is already delivering unprecedented insights into the microbial landscape, providing clinicians with a comprehensive test capable of identifying more than a thousand pathogens directly from blood, and helping industry accelerate the development of therapeutic solutions. The Karius test we provide today is one of the most advanced solutions available to physicians who aim to deliver better care to many otherwise ineffectively treated patients. Our test is the result of some incredible work done by our scientists, statisticians, engineers, and physicians, all driven by the same mission. You, as part of the Karius team, will be able to see how directly your work has a life-changing impact on people, and at scale.  

Reports to: VP, Finance and Controller

Location: Redwood City, CA (Hybrid).

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Build and execute a long-term procurement strategy aligned with corporate objectives.

• Serve as a trusted business partner to executives and functional leaders to anticipate needs and deliver strategic sourcing solutions.

Operational Execution

• Lead sourcing initiatives, vendor transitions, and cost-optimization projects with clear project plans and stakeholder alignment.

• Establish and enforce procurement policies, and governance frameworks to ensure compliance, efficiency, and transparency.

• Develop, manage, and directly execute inventory planning and purchasing activities, working side-by-side with Laboratory Operations, R&D, and Finance to ensure accuracy and efficiency.

Supplier & Contract Management

• Develop and manage vendor relationships, including performance reviews, cost optimization, and risk mitigation strategies.

• Lead and directly execute contract negotiations, drafting, and supplier agreements alongside with Legal and Finance, driving measurable value creation and mitigating risk.

Technology & Systems

• Drive procurement system enhancements (e.g., NetSuite, Intacct) to increase automation, visibility, and reporting.

• Champion data-driven decision-making by establishing KPIs, dashboards, and reporting mechanisms.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure procurement practices align with ISO standards and other regulatory requirements.

• Support supplier diversity and ESG-aligned sourcing practices.

What’s Fun About the Job?

Karius is operating at the edge of what is now known to be possible in infectious disease diagnostics. With that, comes a wave of new and incredible challenges and opportunities. To deliver on that value, you will be tapping into some of the most advanced technologies, architecting and innovating where the current solutions simply don't suffice. You will get to see how much your work really matters.  

Travel: No travel required   

Physical Requirements

Subject to extended periods of sitting and/or standing, vision to monitor and moderate noise levels. Work is generally performed in an office, lab or clinical environment.  

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain leadership roles, preferably in life sciences, biotech, or pharma.

• Proven success in scaling procurement operations in a high-growth or startup environment.

• Deep knowledge of sourcing strategy, supplier management, contract negotiation, and cost reduction methodologies.

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multimillion-dollar procurement budgets and savings targets.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

• Demonstrated success driving process improvements, implementing systems, and using data to inform decisions.

• Strong knowledge of procurement-related legal and regulatory frameworks.

Personal Qualifications

• Strategic thinker who can also execute tactically.

• Strong ownership mindset with accountability for delivering outcomes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Collaborative and solutions-oriented with a track record of building alignment across diverse stakeholders.

• Strong time management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands.

• Ability to analyze and resolve practical issues while effectively managing a wide range of dynamic and fast-changing situations.

• Familiarity with finance, budgeting, and risk management principles.

Disclaimer

The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Responsibilities and duties may change or be adjusted to meet the needs of the company, and additional duties may be assigned as necessary. The job description is subject to change at any time at the discretion of Karius.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Karius, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees and are committed to honor and invest in the full diversity of people, in our hiring, recruiting and development of employees across the Company.  All qualified applicants for employment are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity and gender expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] and we will accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities.