Base Power · Austin
Software EngineeringSupply ChainFullTimeposted 5w ago
Base is America’s next-generation power company. We’re rebuilding the foundation of modern civilization–electricity–by deploying a vast network of distributed batteries that is transforming today’s fragile, centralized grid into a resilient and abundant system. We are engineers, operators, and creatives solving some of the most complex, interdisciplinary challenges of our time.
Base is looking for a Global Supply Manager to own strategy and sourcing for the software that keeps the company running – the SaaS platforms, cloud services, developer and design tools, and the licenses, renewals, and vendor relationships behind them, relied on daily by teams across engineering, energy, operations, finance, and construction. You’ll own the category end to end, building the supplier relationships and total-cost-of-ownership discipline that keep Base’s software spend efficient as the company scales.
While experience in technology sourcing is valuable, we’re more interested in finding exceptional people who learn quickly, take ownership, and are excited to build. This is a chance to help build a sourcing organization from the ground up – with meaningful ownership, direct work with business leaders, and hands-on experience in negotiation, commercial strategy, contract drafting, supplier management, cost optimization, and executive communication from day one.
Lead end-to-end sourcing for IT hardware, SaaS, cloud services, telecommunications, and technology-related services – developing strategies that optimize cost, quality, scalability, and supplier performance as Base grows.
Draft, review, redline, and negotiate contracts and commercial terms with software vendors, hardware manufacturers, cloud providers, and technology service providers, including licensing, subscriptions, renewals, maintenance, and support agreements – writing clear language that conveys business intent and reduces risk.
Apply benchmarking and commercial analysis to validate supplier pricing and proposals, and recommend the right commercial structure (e.g., subscription vs. perpetual licensing, consumption-based pricing, enterprise agreements) based on business needs and risk.
Partner with IT, Software Engineering, Finance, Legal, and other stakeholders to understand requirements, coaching them toward practical, cost-effective solutions.
Manage RFPs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and ongoing supplier performance.
Monitor technology markets, pricing trends, and emerging vendors to identify opportunities for savings, innovation, and risk reduction, driving continuous improvement across sourcing and vendor management.
High ownership and work ethic – you take responsibility for outcomes, follow through on commitments, and put in the effort to help build a world-class procurement organization in a fast-paced startup.
Fast learner, comfortable with ambiguity – you quickly absorb new technologies and business models, and are resourceful enough to create clarity and next steps when no playbook exists.
Strong communicator – able to influence technical and business stakeholders without formal authority.
Sharp analytical and commercial instincts – strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities with urgency.
Background in procurement, sourcing, technology, finance, consulting, or operations preferred.
Our supply chain team is responsible for sourcing components, managing manufacturing operations, and building the vendor relationships needed to produce and deliver the lowest-cost, highest-quality home battery systems at scale. That means optimizing landed costs through global sourcing, ramping domestic manufacturing, and developing supplier partnerships that hold up under pressure.
The work has direct impact – homeowners across the country rely on Base for whole-home backup and below-market electricity rates, while our aggregated storage supports grid stability at a moment when demand is accelerating from AI infrastructure, electrification, and extreme weather. We’re building the supply foundation to keep pace, manufacturing in-house and expanding nationally at speeds and costs incumbents can’t match.
Please note: Base is a startup, which means priorities shift and evolve quickly. Your role may expand or change based on the needs of the business at any given time, so the responsibilities listed may not be exhaustive.
Please note: Base is a startup, which means priorities shift and evolve quickly. Your role may expand or change based on the needs of the business at any given time, so the responsibilities listed may not be exhaustive.
First Principles Thinking: Question assumptions. Principles > rules.
Operate at Base Pace: Focus on what matters, act quickly, and learn by doing.
Give & Get Feedback: Be direct, be humble, and maintain a growth mindset.
Everyone’s an Owner: Follow through on commitments and own results.
Strong Opinions, Loosely Held: Drive clarity and make calls with imperfect information.
Committed to the Mission: Rebuilding the grid is a big challenge. We work hard because we care deeply about the impact we’re creating. We work in-person. It’s not a 9-to-5. We are all-in.
Fun & Optimism Coexist with Grit: Collaboration and celebration coincide with the intensity of building real things.