Strategic Sourcing Manager, DC Networking Infrastructure

Responsibilities

• Design and execute strategic roadmaps for next-generation network infrastructure, including long-haul fiber, in-building networking, and optical transport solutions.
• Initiate, negotiate, and manage contracts for critical datacenter domains such as network switches, routers, DWDM/RLS transport solutions, optics, and cabling.
• Partner cross-functionally with engineering, operations, legal, and finance to align sourcing strategies with organizational goals.
• Identify supply chain risks and secure hardware availability across a broad portfolio of backbone and networking components.
• Develop competitive commercial strategies to ensure material readiness and cost efficiency for the Stargate supercomputing platform.
• Provide technical and commercial input during vendor evaluation to ensure alignment with data center operational standards.

Requirements

• 10+ years of strategic sourcing, procurement, and contract management experience, specializing in data center infrastructure and operations.
• Deep technical fluency in networks (e.g., DWDMs, switches, routers, cabling, NICs) and optical transport solutions.
• Proven success in large-scale contract negotiation and vendor management with OEMs and global suppliers.
• Robust knowledge of network hardware and compute platform infrastructure.
• Expertise in structuring complex, multi-equipment capital deals and managing international logistics.
• Strong analytical skills focused on cost optimization, risk mitigation, and long-term value delivery.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced certifications in procurement, project management, or data center operations.
• Hands-on experience with supply chain readiness and manufacturing processes for large-scale infrastructure projects.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $226K – $378K plus generous equity and performance bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid parental leave and flexible PTO.
• Daily meals in the office and mental health support.
• Annual learning and development stipend.

About the Company

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of AI capabilities and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products.