Senior Direct Procurement Manager, Compute

The posting, as Groq wrote it

About Groq
Inference 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, lea

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ied 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 talent@groq.com . 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 ta-operations@groq.com.