Senior Direct Procurement Manager, Compute

About GroqInference is the engine that powers AI, and Groq was built from the silicon up to deliver the world's fastest inference at scale. We pioneered the LPU—the first processor designed specifically for AI inference—and are transforming that innovation into a global cloud platform powering production AI workloads.
With the capital, infrastructure, and team to execute, we're uniquely positioned to define the next era of AI infrastructure. The opportunity is massive, and it's still wide open. Now let's go build it!
Mission:Groq is deploying compute at scale, and every site we bring online depends on the compute hardware being sourced, contracted, and delivered on schedule. This role owns that, end to end. Own and scale procurement for the compute that powers Groq's deployments: accelerators and accelerator platforms (GPUs and LPXs), compute servers, and the memory, CPUs, and components that go with them. You will build sourcing strategies, secure allocation, improve supply resilience, and execute day-to-day purchasing against the capacity plan. You will partner closely with Engineering and Finance to create repeatable procurement frameworks that support reliable, efficient deployment at scale. You will work with VARs and OEMs that support procurement across compute and infrastructure categories, so that compute is ordered together with networking, storage, and site infrastructure.
Location: This role will be based in one of our three hiring hubs: the Dallas, San Francisco, or New York City area. The person hired for this role must be based in one of these three areas. You’ll have the flexibility to work remotely while we establish our local Groq office, with the expectation that this role will transition to onsite once the office opens.
Responsibilities & opportunities in this role:

• Own procurement for compute hardware, including GPUs, LPXs, and other AI accelerators and accelerator platforms, compute servers and nodes, CPUs, memory, and related components and bill of materials.
• Lead commercial strategy and negotiation with accelerator vendors, OEMs, ODMs, and system integrators, covering pricing, allocation commitments, delivery schedules, and roadmap access.
• Partner with Legal to negotiate and execute the agreements the category runs on: MSAs, supply and allocation agreements, SOWs, purchase and warranty terms, NDAs, and amendments.
• Develop sourcing strategies for constrained compute components, including lead-time management, allocation planning, supplier diversification, and multi-sourcing across silicon vendors and system builders.
• Track the compute market continuously, including pricing, lead times, new product generations, and custom silicon, and translate it into sourcing decisions that protect cost, schedule, and unit economics.
• Translate the capacity plan into a purchasing plan. Own a recurring forecasting cadence with Finance and Engineering that converts site sequencing and capacity targets into POs, lead-time commitments, and cash timing.
• Serve as the primary procurement business partner to Hardware and Systems Engineering, translating technical requirements, qualification cycles, and product roadmaps into executable sourcing and purchasing strategies, and act as the procurement counterpart to Data Center Strategy on compute requirements for new sites.
• Partner with Engineering to standardize compute configurations and establish repeatable deployment BOMs that improve procurement efficiency and execution.
• Own day-to-day procurement execution in Zip and NetSuite, including purchase requests, PO creation and management, approvals, order tracking, and ensuring purchasing data and workflows remain accurate and up to date.
• Own inbound logistics for the category: freight, customs, import/export controls, tariff exposure, and delivery sequencing so compute lands on site in the order the deployment plan needs it.
• Work with the Direct Procurement team to develop and implement a spares strategy for compute hardware, including defining spare levels with Engineering, establishing stocking locations and replenishment policies, and managing RMA and warranty processes with suppliers.
• Manage the relationship with VARs and OEMs that support procurement across compute and infrastructure categories, and make sure orders are placed to align to Groq’s customer commitments, data center availability, and cash needs
• Identify supply, cost, and lead-time risks early and drive mitigation plans with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Build the frameworks, and improve the processes, supplier strategies, and operating mechanisms, that let this category scale, while staying hands-on in day-to-day execution.

Ideal candidates have/are:

• Deep experience in direct procurement, strategic sourcing, commodity management, or supply chain supporting technically complex compute hardware.
• Direct category experience sourcing GPUs or other AI accelerators and compute servers, with a strong understanding of the accelerator market, silicon vendors, and OEM/ODM supplier landscapes. Experience working with a systems integrator or channel partner is helpful, as is familiarity with networking, storage, and data center infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of supplier management, lead times, allocation, multi-sourcing, and supply continuity for constrained components, including semiconductor supply chain dynamics.
• Track record negotiating large, multi-million-dollar supply and allocation agreements with silicon vendors, OEMs, or ODMs.
• Experience managing CapEx purchasing and executing against complex hardware deployment plans.
• Able to translate engineering requirements, qualification cycles, and BOMs into clear sourcing strategies and procurement actions.
• Able to build scalable frameworks and long-term sourcing strategies while remaining highly engaged in day-to-day execution. IC role today with a path to building the team.
• Strong cross-functional partner who can work effectively with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and other technical stakeholders.
• Commercially rigorous, with strong judgment around cost, supplier risk, lead time, and sourcing tradeoffs.
• High degree of ownership and accountability, with the ability to drive procurement work from ambiguous requirements through execution.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced environment where deployment needs, supply conditions, and priorities can change quickly.
• Clear and concise communicator who can influence decisions with both technical and business stakeholders.
• Experience at a hyperscaler, cloud or AI infrastructure company, semiconductor company, OEM/ODM, or another capital-intensive technical environment is preferred.

Why Join Us:

• Purposeful Hiring: You’re not here by accident, and neither is anyone else. Every teammate is handpicked with intention because who we build with matters.
• Builders Wanted: You’re not just riding the rocket ship, you’re building it. Your work directly shapes the trajectory of our company.
• Mission-Driven Work: We’re here to make a real impact. Our mission fuels everything we do.
• Tackling Hard Problems: If easy isn’t your thing, you’re in the right place. We solve some of the most complex and exciting challenges in our space.
• Excellence Is The Standard: High performance isn’t just encouraged, it’s the baseline. And it’s contagious.

CompensationGroq is committed to providing competitive compensation through our Total Cash philosophy, which incorporates potential bonus value directly into base pay. The total cash salary ranges for this position, which is inclusive of the potential bonus value, is dependent by level:- Sr./Lead(IC): $127,500-$172,500- Staff/Manager(IC): $154,300-$208,700Individual placement within these ranges is determined by your geographic location, experience, skills, and alignment with internal compensation standards. These ranges are specific to candidates located in the United States. Compensation for international candidates will vary based on local market dynamics. Beyond cash compensation, Groq also offers a Long-Term Incentive (LTI) Program and a robust suite of employee benefits.


US Job PostingThis position may require access to technology and/or information subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To comply with these requirements, candidates for this role must meet certain citizenship or residency criteria. Specifically, they must qualify as U.S. Persons for export control purposes (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3) such as a refugee or asylee), or otherwise be eligible for an applicable export license.
Non-US Job PostingsThis position may require access to technology and/or information subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, as well as applicable local laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). To comply with these requirements, candidates for this role must meet all relevant export control eligibility criteria.
Groq is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Groq complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any protected characteristic.
Groq is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application or to participate in the hiring process, please contact us at [email protected]. This contact is for accommodation requests only, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
All offers of employment are contingent upon verification of the applicant’s identity and employment authorization in accordance with federal law.
Groq encourages people with criminal record histories to apply for employment, and values diverse experiences, including prior contact with the criminal legal system.  To that end, Groq welcomes such applicants in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles City Fair Chance Act Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Act Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Act Ordinance.  Philadelphia applicants can review information pertaining to Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance here: https://www.phila.gov/documents/fair-chance-hiring-law-poster.
As part of our hiring process, Groq may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) tools or automated systems to assist with activities such as reviewing applications, evaluating qualifications, scheduling interviews, analyzing assessment responses, or supporting recruiting operations. These tools are designed to assist—not replace—human decision-making, and hiring decisions are subject to human review. We may process information you provide during the application process, including resumes, application materials, interview responses, assessments, and, where applicable, audio, video, or transcript data. If legally required, we will request consent before using technologies that analyze biometric or video interview data. Candidates may request reasonable accommodations, an alternative evaluation process, additional information regarding the use of AI in the hiring process, or review of certain automated decisions by contacting [email protected].