Manager, Direct Procurement

Manager, Direct Procurement

Mission: Groq is seeking an exceptional Manager of Direct Procurement to support the Supply Chain, Operations, & Manufacturing functions in support of our Data Centers.  This position will oversee Procurement, contract administration, vendor relationship management, and overall operations for all direct procurement activities across Groq’s Data Center purchasing landscape. 

As a highly visible role among internal and external stakeholders, the Manager of Direct Procurement will play a pivotal part in ensuring compliance and scalability in line with the company's rapid expansion across the US and international locations. This position is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and supporting Groq's continued domestic and global growth ambitions.

Responsibilities & opportunities in this role:

• • Procurement Leadership
  • Manage direct procurement relationships across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Operations functions specific to our establishment and growth of our Data Centers domestically and globally.
  • Oversee purchasing activities and establish processes, procedures, and controls to ensure efficient procurement.
  
  
  • Cross-Department Relationships
  • Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Operations functions in support of our Data Center teams, particularly regarding vendor management and subscriptions.
  • Maintain a strong focus on aligning procurement activities with business needs, ensuring efficient and strategic outcomes.
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Build and manage relationships with internal stakeholders (particularly Engineering) with humility and a deep understanding of their technical requirements.
  • Effectively partner with executive stakeholders to align procurement goals with broader company objectives.
  • Balanced Negotiation
  • Negotiate contracts with vendors, balancing the need to assertively secure advantageous terms without compromising business needs. Maintain a clear, composed demeanor, even in challenging situations.
  • Always prioritize what's best for Groq and its business operations, while ensuring efficient financial outcomes.
  • Deft Execution
  • Through effective vendor relationships, ensure excellence and reliability of all delivery and forecasting of products to Data Centers.
  • Vendor and External Stakeholder Relationships
  • Cultivate and manage strong relationships with external stakeholders and vendors to support long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Composure and Flexibility
  • Maintain a calm and composed demeanor when navigating complex procurement and forecasting scenarios.
  • Be flexible in managing time zones, particularly across North America, with global experience considered a plus.
  • System Savviness
  • Demonstrate an aptitude for leveraging new tools and systems to scale the business effectively.
  • Have a high-level understanding of systems and areas in Engineering / Data Centers, with expertise in tools like ZIP and Netsuite being a strong asset.
  • Big-Picture Thinking 
  • Advise internal teams on procurement strategies with a focus on the big picture. Evaluate needs from both a business and financial perspective, always seeking to optimize outcomes for Groq.
  • Metrics and Reporting 
  • Track key procurement metrics to monitor efficiency, cost savings, and overall effectiveness of procurement activities. Regularly report on performance and identify opportunities for improvement.

Ideal candidates have/are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business or a related field is preferred - or equivalent experience.
• Minimally 6+ years of experience in Procurement/Strategic Sourcing, ideally within semi-conductor and / or supply chain-focused industries.
• In-depth understanding of Direct Strategic Sourcing processes and demonstrated proficiency with Procurement and ERP platforms.  
• Experience with ZIP and NetSuite systems is highly preferred.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to analyze and interpret information, data, and documentation.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively at all levels of management.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently, with a proactive approach to identifying solutions.
• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment and adapt to local customs and regulations.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the flexibility to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Proven track record of developing scalable procurement processes to support rapid business growth, along with experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Exhibits a strong sense of urgency and a commitment to maintaining high levels of performance while making sound decisions.
• Proven experience in working across multiple business functions including Technology, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing & Operations.
• Excellence in project management skills, with the ability to develop and implement project plans, manage timelines, and mitigate risks.
• Ability to think strategically, with a focus on driving business outcomes and achieving long-term goals.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and develop creative solutions.

Attributes of a Groqster:

• Humility - Egos are checked at the door
• Collaborative & Team Savvy - We make up the smartest person in the room, together
• Growth & Giver Mindset - Learn it all versus know it all, we share knowledge generously
• Curious & Innovative - Take a creative approach to projects, problems, and design
• Passion, Grit, & Boldness - no limit thinking, fueling informed risk taking

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Compensation: At Groq, a competitive base salary is part of our comprehensive compensation package, which includes equity and benefits. For this role, the base salary range is $132,100 to $211,500, determined by your skills, qualifications, experience and internal benchmarks.