Sr Purchasing Specialist/Purchasing Manager
Overview:
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.
Primary 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.
Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
- CPIM, CSCP, or CIPS certification is a plus.
Experience
- 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.
Technical & Industry Knowledge
- Solid understanding of servers, networking equipment, storage, and GPU accelerators.
- Ability to interpret technical datasheets and assess hardware compatibility.
- Knowledge of ICs, PCBAs, optical transceivers, or NICs is a plus.
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- 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.
- 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.
Preferred / Plus
- 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.
Salary range offered for this position is between 85,000-115,000 annually. This may be subject to change based on the candidate's experience level and skill set.
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision Insurance
- 401(k) match
- Flexible spending account
- Commuter benefits
- Health Savings Account
We also have a perfect location for all types of commuters: AMAX is located right between I-680 and I-880. Warm Springs/South Fremont BART station and bus stops are within a 10-minute walking distance. 5 grocery stores, 6+ coffee/tea places, and numerous restaurants within 1 mile. Feel free to try the delicious fusions or grab your daily groceries after work!
About AMAX
Established in 1979, AMAX is a globally recognized leader in GPU-accelerated IT infrastructure, specializing in transforming standard IT systems into advanced, high-performance computing solutions. Catering to industries such as AI, cloud computing, autonomous vehicles, and high-performance computing, AMAX has set benchmarks in innovation, including pioneering liquid-cooled HPC systems for the semiconductor industry. With a global footprint spanning North America, Europe, and Asia, AMAX offers end-to-end services from design and manufacturing to deployment. Committed to addressing the growing demands of AI, AMAX delivers advanced solutions that help organizations achieve their technology goal and drive progress on a global scale. To learn more about AMAX’s advanced AI solutions, visit amax.com.
Join Us
Become part of a diverse and inclusive team that values your technical expertise and innovative thinking. Together, we’ll push the boundaries of what’s possible in the hardware industry.
AMAX is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants and provide equal employment opportunities regardless of age, race, gender, or other legally protected characteristics.