Technical Sourcing Manager, Fiber & Backbone Infrastructure
About The Position
IREN is building the infrastructure behind the next era of AI. We design, build, and operate massive-scale data centers, and we're racing to deploy some of the largest fleets of GPU and CPU compute on the planet. This isn't incremental growth — it's a full-throttle sprint to power the frontier of AI and high-performance computing. Our Network Sourcing team sits at the center of that mission, securing the switches, optics, fiber, and backbone infrastructure that let IREN's data centers come online and stay connected as fast as anyone in the industry. The Role IREN is looking for a Technical Sourcing Manager, Fiber & Backbone Infrastructure to take full ownership of the physical fiber network IREN builds and owns end-to-end — from intra-data-center and hall-to-hall fiber through the long-haul backbone routes connecting IREN's sites. This is not a support role — you'll own the manufacturers, connector and passive suppliers, and outside-plant construction and permitting relationships that keep fiber ahead of, not behind, IREN's build schedule. If you love solving problems where construction, permitting, and materials sourcing all collide, and want to see your work show up as a hall lighting up on schedule or a new route connecting two sites — this is the seat for you. You'll operate with real autonomy, direct visibility to the Director, Network Sourcing, and the mandate to shape how IREN sources and builds owned fiber infrastructure at scale.
Requirements
- 7+ years of experience in sourcing or procurement spanning fiber optic cable, structured cabling, and outside-plant/long-haul telecommunications infrastructure; data center, hyperscale, or telecom carrier experience strongly preferred.
- Deep understanding of fiber types, connector standards (e.g., MPO/MTP), polarity, splicing methods, and OTDR/insertion-loss testing and certification requirements.
- Demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial and construction agreements, including unit-based (per-mile/per-foot) contract structures.
- Working knowledge of permitting, easements, and right-of-way processes (municipal, utility, and railroad crossings) and their impact on construction timelines.
- Battle-tested experience navigating supply-constrained materials markets and long-lead-time construction/permitting cycles.
- Sharp analytical instincts — comfortable sizing fiber counts and route capacity against multi-site buildout roadmaps.
- Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills; equally at home with facilities, construction, network engineering, and legal.
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Nice To Haves
- Existing relationships with fiber and cable manufacturers (e.g., Corning, OFS, Fujikura, Prysmian, Sumitomo) and OSP construction contractors.
- Experience planning route diversity and redundancy for owned backbone networks.
- Deep familiarity with data center commissioning timelines and how fiber delivery integrates with facility construction and rack integration schedules.
Responsibilities
- Own fiber and backbone infrastructure sourcing end-to-end: commercial negotiations, pricing, contracting, and vendor/contractor governance.
- Drive sourcing and procurement of bulk fiber cable, connectors and passive components, and installation/splicing services for intra-DC and hall-to-hall runs.
- Plan and execute sourcing for new long-haul route construction, including outside-plant (OSP) contractor procurement, permitting/right-of-way coordination, and route-diversity engineering.
- Stay ahead of a supply-constrained fiber and connector market: track cable and high-density MPO/MTP/MMC availability and get out in front of shortages before they become blockers.
- Partner directly with Facilities, Construction, Network Engineering, and Legal to keep fiber and backbone timelines locked in step with build, permitting, and go-live milestones.
- Lead RFQ/RFP processes and cost modeling for fiber materials, splicing labor, and OSP construction contracts, including unit-based (per-mile/per-foot) pricing structures.
- Negotiate supply agreements, unit-price construction contracts, and quality/testing standards (OTDR, insertion loss, return loss) that protect IREN's speed and build quality.
- Own supplier and contractor performance — delivery, quality, escalations, and business reviews — and hold partners to a standard worthy of IREN's growth.
- Build and maintain rolling 12–24 month demand forecasts for fiber materials, labor, and route construction with facilities and network engineering.
- Hunt for cost-savings and risk-mitigation opportunities: route diversity, dual-sourcing of materials, and construction contract restructuring — anything that gives IREN an edge.
Benefits
- Base salary
- Annual performance incentives
- Equity programs
- 100% company paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for employees, 75% company paid coverage for dependents
- Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage available
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA) – when combined with the High Deductible Health Plan
- Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Access to financial planning and legal services
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
- Internal skills training and advancement pathways
- Professional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role related training
- Company events and team-building activities
- Relocation or Living-out-allowance / per diem (as applicable and based on successful candidate circumstances)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
