Capital and Procurement Manager, Augusta, Georgia, United States, Full-Time On-Site,

Manus works across industries and value chains to accelerate the transition to BioAlternatives - better performing and more sustainable versions of complex molecules traditionally sourced from plants, animals, or fossil fuels. Our platform is proven to work across scales, bridging the Valley of Death between lab and manufacturing more efficiently and more reliably to deliver the benefits of synthetic biology today.

We are seeking a highly motivated Capital and Procurement Manager to lead the planning, sourcing, and procurement of capital equipment and infrastructure, working closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and state and federal officials to ensure projects meet permitting, regulatory, quality, and safety requirements. This role will manage supplier relationships, negotiate high-value contracts, and oversee procurement schedules for long-lead items to align with project milestones.

This hands-on position requires a desire and ability to work as an integral part of a multidisciplinary team, as well as the demonstration of a high degree of flexibility, creativity, and initiative applied to the various duties and aspects of the position. The Capital and Procurement Manager will play an integral role in bringing new production capacity and technology online on time, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable standards. This person will be expected to work closely with Manus’ team located in Augusta, GA.

Why Work at Manus

• Opportunity – This isn’t a sales pitch. At Manus, we offer real growth potential. We’re looking for someone who’s not just ready for a challenge—but wants a role that will keep evolving. The challenges you’ll face here are complex, require strong teamwork, and offer unique exposure to a wide range of industries and business environments—including government partnerships. If you’re ready to grow by solving meaningful, multi-dimensional problems, this is the place.
• Culture – You’ll be part of a driven, mission-focused team that’s committed to improving manufacturing capabilities in a sustainable, community-minded way. You won’t be on your own, we work collaboratively and support each other.
• Passion – We’re passionate about what we do and enjoy working with people who feel the same. If you’re energized by cutting-edge work and aren’t afraid of a challenge, you’ll fit right in.
• Recognition – At Manus, your work will speak for itself—and it will be recognized. We value independent thinkers and take pride in a culture where peers actively appreciate and acknowledge one another’s contributions. Effort and results don’t go unnoticed here.

Capital Procurement – Capital Management – 60% (Key Responsibility)

• Lead capital procurement efforts for infrastructure, equipment, and construction projects valued in multiple millions of dollars.
• Develop and implement project-specific sourcing strategies aligned with schedule, budget, and technical requirements.
• Manage the capital procurement lifecycle with a focus on both direct execution and oversight of third-party partners supporting sourcing, contracting, and logistics.
• Oversight of dozens of equipment bid packages and construction trade packages over the course of several years, with continued growth expected in this area.
• Coordination of multiple bid and contract cycles for high-value trades.
• Strategic consolidation of packages where appropriate to reduce cost and complexity.
• Managing issuance of RFQs/RFPs, bid evaluations, award recommendations, and contract negotiations—directly or through third-party partners.
• Ensure cost discipline across all procurement activities, identifying opportunities to reduce spending while maintaining delivery and quality targets.
• Supervise contract change management, delivery schedules, and payment structures to ensure alignment with project milestones and funding requirements.
• Coordinate logistics and transportation strategies to optimize delivery timing and reduce unnecessary costs.
• Ensure compliance with all government and nonprofit funding obligations related to capital procurement.

Supplier & Vendor Management – 25%

• Manage supplier and contractor engagement across capital and non-capital procurement activities.
• Provide expertise to strengthen supplier qualification, performance monitoring, and relationship management processes.
• Develop and implement supplier scorecards to evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.
• Report on procurement KPIs and identify opportunities for improvement in supplier performance and internal processes.
• Mentor and support existing procurement staff, contributing to team development and capability-building.
• Lead supplier negotiations to secure favorable pricing, terms, and delivery conditions aligned with company objectives.
• Ensure vendor compliance with company standards and funding requirements.

Material Procurement – 10%

• Oversee the procurement process for non-capital materials and services to support production and operations.
• Implement procurement controls aimed at reducing working capital tied to inventory, measured on a per-volume or other defined baseline.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies (e.g., min/max levels, lead times), with enforcement executed by the Supply Chain team on the receipt side.
• Confirm that COAs are received in advance of material delivery and ensure that Manus’ personnel submit customer complaints in a timely and traceable manner.
• Collaborate with operations and finance to align purchasing activity with production forecasts and working capital goals.

Other Responsibilities – 5%

• Collaborate with engineering, project management, operations, and finance to ensure procurement activities align with technical requirements and business goals.
• Support the development, documentation, and continuous improvement of internal procurement policies and procedures.
• Participate in strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives that enable long-term capital expansion and operational scalability.
• Assist other departments in managing budgets by providing procurement insight, promoting cost awareness, and educating teams on budget targets to drive efficiency across the organization.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Procurement, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of work experience is preferred
• Through knowledge of the bidding process
• Experienced in negotiation with suppliers
• Must comply with Manus’s core values for the safe and efficient operation of the business and maintain sound relationships among and with employees.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Procurement Manager (CPM)
• Lean Six Sigma certification/knowledge
• Secret/Top Secret Clearance
• Experience with Voluntary Qualified Importer Program (VQIP)
• Experience with Customs – Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT)