Sourcing Manager - Networking

About the role

Graphcore is on the lookout for a Sourcing Manager to spearhead the procurement strategy for networking components essential to our AI infrastructure. In this role, you will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, leading negotiations, and ensuring a steady supply of components. You will collaborate closely with our engineering and operations teams to align sourcing strategies with business objectives.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies specifically for networking technologies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Cultivate and sustain relationships with suppliers to monitor performance metrics such as cost, quality, and delivery timelines.
• Partner with product and engineering teams to influence technology roadmaps and make informed supplier selections.
• Oversee the entire procurement process, which includes managing requests for information (RFIs), requests for quotations (RFQs), and contract negotiations.
• Construct cost models and perform total cost of ownership assessments to assist in strategic decision-making.
• Stay updated on industry trends related to data centers and AI infrastructure to inform sourcing strategies.
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and implement corrective measures when required to enhance supply chain efficiency.
• Formulate risk management strategies, including diversifying suppliers and planning for capacity needs.
• Collaborate with finance, legal, and manufacturing departments to facilitate new product introductions and production scaling.
• Analyze market conditions and pricing trends to ensure competitive sourcing decisions.
• Lead cross-functional teams in sourcing initiatives that require technical expertise and strategic insight.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior management to communicate sourcing strategies and performance metrics.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain Management, or Operations.
• A professional background in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supplier management, particularly in hardware, semiconductor, or infrastructure sectors.
• Technical expertise in networking components, including but not limited to switches, routers, and associated technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex commercial contracts and establish long-term supplier partnerships.
• Strong analytical capabilities, particularly in cost modeling and pricing analysis.
• Experience in managing supplier performance and ensuring supply chain stability.
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical teams to assess and evaluate sourcing options.
• Excellent project management skills with the capacity to juggle multiple priorities effectively.
• Outstanding communication skills to influence and engage both internal and external stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Experience in sourcing technologies related to networking, servers, or computing.
• Familiarity with AI platform architectures, cloud infrastructure, or high-performance computing environments.
• Background in managing new product introductions, lifecycle management, and transitions at the end of product life.
• Knowledge of global supplier networks, particularly in regions such as Asia, Europe, and North America.
• Experience in supplier risk management and continuity planning.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and the industrialization of suppliers.
• Proficiency in data analytics or AI tools to enhance sourcing efficiency.
• Project management experience specifically within technology supply chains.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in procurement software and tools for sourcing management.
• Familiarity with data analysis tools and methodologies.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to utilize project management software for tracking and reporting.
• Knowledge of supply chain management principles and practices.

Practical notes

Graphcore offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), and both disability and life insurance. We also provide commuter benefits, wellness services, and an Employee Assistance Program. The company supports flexible working arrangements and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive hiring process. We are happy to accommodate reasonable adjustments for interviews upon request.

About the company

Graphcore has built a new type of processor for machine intelligence to accelerate machine learning and AI applications for a world of intelligent machines