DIGAS is a deep-tech startup accelerating the decarbonization of the railway sector. We design and integrate real retrofit systems that convert diesel locomotives to hydrogen, battery-hybrid, and renewable fuels, enabling fast and cost-effective emissions reduction without waiting decades for full fleet replacement. Unlike many “concept-stage” climate startups, DIGAS operates real, certified hardware. We have deployed the first EU-certified retrofitted diesel locomotives running on gaseous fuel, bringing retrofit technology to full regulatory approval and real-world operation. Our systems are already being implemented through multiple European-funded innovation projects across several countries, including Ireland, France, Spain, Poland, Estonia and Vietnam.

We are now looking for a Procurement Specialist to join our team in Riga, on-site & full-time.

This is an early-career, growth-focused role, ideal for a recent graduate or junior professional who wants to build real responsibility fast. You will support and gradually take ownership of procurement and supplier-related activities across DIGAS projects, working closely with experienced colleagues and learning procurement hands-on, including within EU-funded project frameworks. This role is for someone who wants to build skills fast, work on meaningful decarbonization projects, and grow together with a startup that already has real traction, real projects, and real impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Supplier sourcing, RFQs & RFPs. Identify suppliers and collect quotations through RFQs / RFPs to support ongoing and upcoming projects. Execute procurement activities for components and services related to hydrogen, battery, and biofuel-based propulsion systems. Gradually take ownership of agile end-to-end RFx processes in collaboration with internal stakeholders, including engineering, project management, and finance.
• Supplier and procurement data management. Maintain supplier databases, procurement trackers, and procurement-related documentation.
• EU-funded project procurement compliance. Support procurement activities within European-funded projects, ensuring adherence to required procedures and frameworks.
• Purchasing & contract procedures. Support the development and implementation of purchasing and contract management policies and procedures.
• Early-stage cost estimation. Support preparation of cost estimates during early design stages, working closely with the technical team.
• Procurement documentation preparation and daily support. Support preparation of procurement documentation, including supplier comparisons, cost breakdowns, cost tracking and basic analysis to support project and procurement decisions. Assist engineering teams with Bill of Materials (BOM) development and provide ongoing BOM-related support, including an update of the information from ongoing supplier sourcing processes.
• Inventory management and records. Maintain and update inventories of raw materials, parts, and supplies, ensuring accurate records and documentation.
• Technical requirement alignment. Work closely with engineering teams to understand technical requirements and translate them into procurement needs.

Key requirements:

• Educational background or relevant practical experience. University degree (or close to graduating) or practical experience in supply chain, engineering, or a related field. A technical background is considered a strong advantage; however, candidates without it will also be considered if they demonstrate strong alignment with the other key requirements.
• Startup exposure and entrepreneurial mindset. Prior exposure to startups in any shape or form, such as working in a startup (any role), participating in university startup or entrepreneurship programs, or building/attempting a startup or side project.
• Microsoft excel proficiency. Confident working with Microsoft Excel for data handling, tracking, and basic analysis.
• Basic understanding of procurement processes. General understanding of procurement and the processes behind it, or strong motivation and ability to learn them quickly.
• Structured and disciplined work approach. Demonstrates discipline, structure, and reliability, with the ability to clearly show these traits during the interview process.
• Sense of responsibility and values. Strong sense of responsibility and care for colleagues, the environment, and the broader impact of one’s work.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn. High level of curiosity and eagerness to continuously learn, improve, and take on new challenges.
• Team-oriented mindset. Willingness to function as part of a team, consistently placing the success of the team above individual interests.
• English communication skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, used confidently in daily work.
• Ability to handle information under pressure. Capacity to work with large volumes of information and documentation under pressure and within strict deadlines.
• Strong organizational and process skills. Ability to define, structure, implement, follow, and improve processes while requiring minimal supervision.
• Drive for achievement and self-improvement. Demonstrates a strong internal drive for achievement, ownership, and continuous self-improvement

We are not looking for an experienced procurement manager with decades of track record. We are looking for a potential.

What you will learn:

·    How procurement works in real industrial and railway projects

·    How to source components for regulated, safety-critical systems

·    How procurement operates within EU-funded projects

·    How suppliers, engineers, finance, and project management interact in practice

·    How a deep-tech startup scales from development to commercialization

You will work closely with and be mentored by professionals with 10+ years of experience, and DIGAS has already completed 10+ European projects, providing a strong learning environment and fast development curve.

Being part of our team means having:

• Personal development and career advancement. Challenge yourself to grow and become the best version of yourself in an ambitious and dynamic environment having a clear pathway for career progression, with the potential to transition from Procurement Specialist to Procurement Manager in less than two years.
• Unique learning opportunity. Gain unparalleled experience in the procurement of retrofitted railway vehicle parts and systems across global markets and hardware startups. Expand your skills and knowledge by working on projects in diverse geographies, with the opportunity to grow and eventually lead the procurement division.
• Result-oriented remuneration package (1 600 – 2 500 EUR) with a very clear and concrete objectives that are required to be met to go from the former to the latter.
• Meaningful impact within the company. Since our team is small and everyone reports directly to the CEO, you have the chance to directly influence the company’s direction and contribute to its growth and success.
• Global impact with the hardware product. Not only all our product deployment is outside Latvia, but our advisors also including former C-level people from Alstom & Bombardier Group.

If you think this opportunity is for you, apply here. If you want to stand out right from the get-go, shoot me an e mail to [email protected] with a subject line “Procurement Specialist” with your CV, contact details and few sentences about yourself in the context of this role and why you are interested in it.