Sr Purchasing Specialist/Purchasing Manager

AMAX•Fremont, CA

12h•$85,000 - $115,000

About The Position

We are looking for an experienced procurement professional to take ownership of sourcing and supplier strategy for high-value, mission-critical AI and HPC infrastructure components. This role plays a key part in ensuring cost efficiency, supply continuity, and successful delivery in a fast-moving, technology-driven environment. You will work closely with Product Management, Engineering, and Operations teams, while managing global suppliers across GPUs, servers, storage, and networking technologies.

Requirements

3–5+ years of experience in procurement, materials management, or supply chain operations.
Proven background in IT hardware, server solutions, GPU clusters, or the HPC ecosystem.
Strong vendor negotiation and contract management experience.
Exposure to global supply chains and international trade practices.
Solid understanding of servers, networking equipment, storage, and GPU accelerators.
Ability to interpret technical datasheets and assess hardware compatibility.
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong cost analysis, TCO evaluation, and risk management capabilities.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
Able to work cross-functionally with engineering, logistics, finance, and project teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience in high-growth tech environments or startups.
Familiarity with AI, HPC, or cloud infrastructure procurement cycles.
Knowledge of import/export compliance, tariffs, and trade regulations.
Knowledge of ICs, PCBAs, optical transceivers, or NICs is a plus.
CPIM, CSCP, or CIPS certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Own/lead negotiations on pricing, lead times, contracts, and supply terms to ensure cost-effectiveness and long-term availability.
Source and procure GPUs, servers, storage, networking equipment, and IT consumables supporting AI and HPC deployments.
Build and maintain strategic relationships with global suppliers and distributors.
Plan, track, and optimize inventory levels, delivery schedules, and payment terms aligned with business objectives.
Analyze supplier quotations, market trends, and aging reports to support informed sourcing decisions.
Partner with Product Management and Engineering to validate technical requirements and support new product introductions (NPI).
Evaluate, onboard, and manage vendors through performance reviews and scorecards.
Develop sourcing strategies to manage market shortages, EOL risks, long lead times, and unique components.
Drive process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency, accuracy, and cost control.
Support cross-functional forecasting, demand planning, and risk mitigation initiatives.
Own the drafting and negotiation of commercial terms and vendor agreements, ensuring alignment on pricing, lead times, EOL, Last Time Buy and long-term supply.