Sourcing Manager - Memory and Storage

About the role

Graphcore is seeking a dedicated Sourcing Manager with expertise in Memory and Storage to lead the development and execution of strategic sourcing initiatives for critical hardware components used in artificial intelligence infrastructure. This role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and collaborating closely with engineering, product management, and other cross-functional teams to ensure a reliable and cost-effective supply chain. The position requires a proactive approach to industry trends, risk mitigation, and supplier performance management. The role is based on-site in Milpitas, California, and offers an exciting opportunity to influence the hardware backbone of AI computing platforms at a global technology company committed to advancing artificial intelligence capabilities.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop comprehensive sourcing strategies for memory and storage components, including SSD, DRAM, and HDD, tailored to support the company's AI hardware products.
• Manage end-to-end supplier relationships, including onboarding, performance tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with Product Management and Engineering teams to identify sourcing needs, evaluate supplier capabilities, and guide technology roadmaps aligned with product development cycles.
• Lead the execution of commercial activities such as issuing RFIs, RFQs, and managing the negotiation process for supply agreements, contracts, and service level agreements.
• Build detailed cost models and perform total cost of ownership analyses to inform procurement decisions, optimize costs, and improve margins.
• Monitor industry trends, technological advancements, and market conditions in storage and memory sectors to proactively update sourcing plans and strategies.
• Conduct regular supplier business reviews, performance evaluations, and maintain performance scorecards to ensure suppliers meet contractual and quality standards.
• Identify potential supply chain risks, develop contingency plans, and implement supplier diversification strategies to mitigate disruptions.
• Coordinate with Finance, Legal, Manufacturing, and Quality departments to support production ramp-ups, new product introductions, and ongoing supply chain stability.
• Provide detailed reports and insights on market conditions, supplier performance, and risk assessments to senior leadership for strategic decision-making.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to support the company's growth objectives, ensuring sourcing activities align with overall business goals.
• Maintain compliance with company policies and industry standards, including adherence to export controls and other regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in Business, Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supplier management within hardware, semiconductor, or electronics sectors.
• Strong technical knowledge of storage and memory components such as SSD, DRAM, and HDD, with the ability to evaluate technical specifications and supplier capabilities.
• Proven track record of negotiating long-term supply agreements, contracts, and commercial terms that benefit the organization.
• Analytical skills in pricing analysis, cost modeling, and total cost of ownership calculations to support sourcing decisions.
• Experience managing supplier performance, including setting KPIs, conducting reviews, and implementing improvement plans.
• Ability to work effectively with technical teams to assess sourcing options, evaluate supplier proposals, and support product development.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple priorities and coordinate cross-functional activities.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills to influence stakeholders and build effective supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of supply chain risk management practices and experience implementing mitigation strategies.
• Familiarity with global supplier markets, especially in Asia, Europe, and North America, is preferred.
• Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and technological developments to maintain a competitive sourcing position.

Nice to have

• Experience sourcing compute, networking, or server infrastructure components.
• Familiarity with AI platform architectures, high-performance computing, or cloud data centers.
• Background in new product introduction (NPI) processes and hardware lifecycle management.
• Experience working with suppliers in different regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, supplier industrialization, and supply chain planning.
• Proficiency in data analytics tools and software to enhance sourcing efficiency and decision-making.
• Experience in business continuity planning and managing supply chain risks during disruptions.
• Understanding of export controls, ITAR regulations, and compliance standards relevant to hardware sourcing.

Skills & tools

• Deep understanding of DRAM, SSD, HDD technologies
• Cost modeling and total cost of ownership analysis
• Contract negotiation and management
• Supplier performance management and continuous improvement
• Supply chain risk mitigation strategies
• Industry trend analysis and market intelligence
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management

Practical notes

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with a 401(k) retirement plan. Additional benefits include disability and life insurance, commuter benefits, and an Employee Assistance Programme. The organization provides Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts to support employees' health and wellness needs. Graphcore is committed to diversity and equal opportunity employment and offers flexible interview arrangements for candidates requiring reasonable adjustments. This role provides an excellent opportunity to influence the hardware infrastructure supporting cutting-edge AI technologies and to work within a collaborative, innovative environment dedicated to technological advancement.