Strategic Sourcing Specialist

The Hardware NPI Program Manager owns the end-to-end schedule and cross-functional execution of server/cloud infrastructure hardware programs, from EVT through mass-production ramp. This is a rolling-up-your-sleeves role: building and maintaining the project schedule, tracking build readiness, and understanding the technical details of server assembly, rack-and-stack integration, and test/validation well enough to make informed calls under pressure - not a role focused on supplier negotiation or portfolio-level strategy.
This role requires in-depth foundational NPI understanding from day one. Internal tools and specific operating procedures will be trained; core NPI concepts, EVT/DVT/PVT structure, and situational problem-solving will not be.
Core Responsibilities
Program & Schedule Ownership
Build, own, and maintain the master program schedule across EVT, DVT, PVT, and ramp milestones.
Independently structure and lead schedule/build reviews; identify slippage risk before it becomes critical.
Create and maintain detailed tracking artifacts (spreadsheets, dashboards, RAID logs) - this is hands-on execution, not delegated.
Technical / Hardware Depth
Understand server assembly processes, rack-and-stack integration, and system-level test/validation well enough to troubleshoot and make technical tradeoff calls with engineering.
Read and work from BOMs, engineering drawings, and build specs.
Coordinate SLT (system-level test), DFx, and qualification activities across builds.
Cross-Functional Execution
Drive alignment across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, and quality through each NPI gate.
Resolve day-to-day build blockers directly - pulling in the right people same-day rather than queuing issues for weekly syncs.
Sourcing Exposure (Not Ownership)
Work closely with sourcing/procurement to understand material readiness, long-lead risk, and supplier constraints as they affect the schedule.
Enough sourcing fluency to ask the right questions and flag risk early - not to run RFQs or own supplier negotiations.
Required Qualifications
3-7 years in hardware NPI program management, ideally in servers, cloud infrastructure, or data center hardware.
Demonstrated ability to independently own and drive a program schedule - not just contribute to one.
Working technical understanding of server/system assembly, rack-and-stack processes, and hardware test/validation.
Strong command of EVT/DVT/PVT structure and can speak fluently and specifically to how each phase was executed in past roles (this will be tested via situational interview questions).
Comfortable being hands-on with spreadsheets, schedules, and tracking tools daily - this is not a delegate-and-oversee role.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Preferred Qualifications
Experience specifically with cloud/server hardware programs (vs. other electronics categories).
Exposure to sourcing/procurement processes (RFQs, BOM cost tracking, supplier readiness) - as a collaborator, not as primary owner.
Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or similar certification.
Experience operating in high-bandwidth, fast-moving teams where you're expected to lead without a long ramp period.
Comments for Suppliers: Job description is updated please review