Data Center - Director of Procurement (Equipment and Contracts)

Cerebras Systems

3d•$280,000 - $350,000•Remote

About The Position

Cerebras Systems builds the world's largest AI chip, 56 times larger than GPUs. Our novel wafer-scale architecture provides the AI compute power of dozens of GPUs on a single chip, with the programming simplicity of a single device. This approach allows Cerebras to deliver industry-leading training and inference speeds and empowers machine learning users to effortlessly run large-scale ML applications, without the hassle of managing hundreds of GPUs or TPUs. Cerebras' current customers include top model labs, global enterprises, and cutting-edge AI-native startups. OpenAI recently announced a multi-year partnership with Cerebras, to deploy 750 megawatts of scale, transforming key workloads with ultra high-speed inference. Thanks to the groundbreaking wafer-scale architecture, Cerebras Inference offers the fastest Generative AI inference solution in the world, over 10 times faster than GPU-based hyperscale cloud inference services. This order of magnitude increase in speed is transforming the user experience of AI applications, unlocking real-time iteration and increasing intelligence via additional agentic computation. The Role Cerebras is seeking a Director of Procurement to lead sourcing, contracting, and supply chain execution for data center infrastructure and critical equipment. This role is responsible for securing capacity, negotiating commercial terms, and ensuring timely delivery of long-lead equipment to support rapid AI infrastructure deployment. You will operate with high ownership in a fast-paced startup environment, driving both strategic supplier partnerships and tactical execution across multiple concurrent builds.

Requirements

12–15+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain for large-scale infrastructure projects.
Strong experience in data center, mission-critical, or industrial environments.
Deep knowledge of electrical and mechanical equipment supply chains.
Proven ability to negotiate complex, high-value contracts.
Experience managing global suppliers and multi-site programs.
Strong financial acumen and cost management expertise.
Ability to operate in a fast-moving, ambiguous startup environment.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

Own procurement strategy for all data center equipment including electrical, mechanical, and IT infrastructure.
Lead sourcing and contracting for major equipment packages (switchgear, transformers, UPS, generators, cooling systems, racks).
Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, lead times, and risk allocation with suppliers and contractors.
Develop and manage master service agreements (MSAs), purchase agreements, and vendor contracts.
Drive cost optimization while maintaining speed and quality of delivery.
Partner with construction and engineering teams to align procurement with deployment schedules.
Manage supplier performance, ensuring on-time delivery and quality compliance.
Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, including long-lead constraints and market volatility.
Build strategic relationships with key OEMs and vendors.
Establish scalable procurement processes, tools, and reporting mechanisms.
Track and forecast spend across multiple projects and regions.
Lead contract negotiations for EPCs, GCs, and major vendors.
Define contract structures that align incentives with schedule and performance outcomes.
Manage change orders, claims, and commercial disputes.
Ensure clear scope definition and risk allocation across all agreements.
Standardize contract templates for rapid deployment across multiple sites.
Partner with legal and finance to ensure compliance and governance.