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VAST Data is seeking a Strategic Sourcing Director to lead technology and commodity sourcing initiatives for critical hardware components used in next-generation AI infrastructure systems. This role sits at the intersection of supply chain strategy and AI hardware development, reporting directly into the sourcing and procurement function.
You will spearhead high-impact supplier relationships, align technology roadmaps with product strategy, and build supply chain resilience across compute, storage, and memory commodities. Key responsibilities include developing multi-year sourcing strategies, cultivating long-term partnerships with core suppliers, driving complex RFP/RFQ processes, and leading contract negotiations. You will manage product specification requirements, oversee new product introduction (NPI) lifecycles, and drive hardware cost optimization through TCO analysis and should-cost modeling.
The role requires deep technical knowledge of hardware architectures, semiconductor and memory technologies, and data center infrastructure. You will evaluate technical trade-offs, understand supplier roadmaps and cost structures, and perform competitive analysis on emerging technologies. Commercial acumen is essential—you'll negotiate large-scale contracts, implement Master Supply Agreements, and drive multi-sourcing strategies to ensure competitive pricing and supply chain resilience.
You will lead global, cross-functional teams including engineering, product, and finance, influencing executive-level stakeholders. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in technical or strategic sourcing, commodity management, or component engineering, with a focus on semiconductors, memory, or data center hardware. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Business is required; an MBA or advanced degree is preferred.
