Global Lead Buyer

DigitalOcean • Seattle, WA

3d • $131,200 - $164,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

DigitalOcean is seeking an experienced individual to manage end-to-end sourcing operations for our global data center hardware. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Hardware and Software Procurement, the Staff Hardware Sourcing Specialist, will manage supplier relationships, negotiate terms, optimize lead times and costs, and ensure timely deliveries across various hardware categories. The role will work closely with Engineering teams and external partners to support large-scale hardware deployments. The person in this role will be critical to scaling.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related quantitative field
• Minimum 5+ years in strategic sourcing, procurement, and vendor management, heavily focused on Data Center hardware or technology categories
• Demonstrated negotiation, problem solving, and leadership skills
• Proficiency with procurement systems (e.g., Oracle, Procure-to-Pay, ERP, ), Excel, and data-driven supplier performance tracking
• High-level commercial acumen, exceptional written/verbal communication, and sharp analytical problem-solving abilities
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and strategy
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

Responsibilities

• Source, vet, and manage long-term relationships with global and domestic hardware suppliers.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, and service level agreements (SLAs) in conjunction with the Legal Team.
• Develop and execute Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Quotations (RFQs) to ensure competitive pricing.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and operations to forecast hardware demands and review engineering plans or Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Track component shortages, monitor market trends, and implement strategies to prevent supply chain disruptions.
• Develop and maintain key internal stakeholder relationships to create a collaborative environment focused on delivering services and material on-time.
• Communicate, manage, and drive compliance to category strategies among internal stakeholders.
• Conduct comprehensive supplier analysis to formulate a strategic sourcing plan that identifies new/suitable suppliers, optimizes cost models and proactively ensures continuity of supply based on upcoming new product introduction campaign requirements.

Benefits

• Competitive array of benefits to support you from our Employee Assistance Program to Local Employee Meetups to flexible time off policy
• Reimbursement for relevant conferences, training, and education
• Access to LinkedIn Learning's 10,000+ courses
• Bonus in addition to base salary
• Equity compensation to eligible employees, including equity grants upon hire and the option to participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior