Director of Global Procurement

The Director of Global Procurement will lead and optimize the procurement function at Axelera AI, ensuring the timely and cost-effective sourcing of materials and components essential for our AI semiconductor and computer systems. We are looking for an inclusive leader who will oversee procurement strategies, nurture diverse supplier relationships, and help scale the global supply chain with a focus on equitable practices, particularly as we expand into new markets such as the USA and APAC. This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and deep experience in managing suppliers across global regions, particularly in the Far East.,

• Procurement Strategy Development: Develop and execute a global procurement strategy that aligns with Axelera AI's business goals, focusing on efficient and cost-effective sourcing of AI semiconductors and building sourcing models to manage risks and ensure supply chain flexibility.
• Supplier Management: Establish strong relationships with key suppliers in the Far East to ensure reliability and quality, while identifying and onboarding new suppliers globally, particularly in the USA and APAC, and negotiating contracts to secure optimal terms and performance.
• Operational Efficiency & Risk Management: Implement best practices in procurement and supply chain management to reduce lead times and improve vendor performance, while identifying supply chain risks and collaborating with operations, R&D, and logistics teams to align procurement with production schedules.
• Leadership & Team Development: Lead and mentor a diverse procurement team, fostering a culture of inclusion and professional growth, and collaborate with cross-functional teams across Europe, the USA, and APAC to ensure alignment on supply chain objectives.
• Budget & Cost Management: Develop and manage the procurement budget to ensure cost-effectiveness in line with company financial goals, while driving cost-saving initiatives and optimizing procurement processes to achieve margin targets.
• Compliance & Sustainability: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to procurement and promote sustainable sourcing practices, aligning with Axelera AI's sustainability goals and enhancing the company's reputation for ethical operations.
  
  Bachelor's or Master's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• 10+ years of proven experience in procurement, preferably within the semiconductor or high-tech industries.
• Expertise in managing suppliers, especially in the Far East, with a deep understanding of the global supply chain.
• Strong knowledge of procurement and contract management principles, including cost analysis and supplier negotiation.
• Experience expanding procurement operations across multiple regions, including Europe, the USA, and APAC.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into actionable procurement plans.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, including experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Familiarity with procurement software and tools to streamline operations.
• Experience in AI, semiconductor, or hardware industries is a strong plus, along with knowledge of compliance and regulatory standards in the semiconductor supply chain.
  
  Axelera AI is not your regular deep-tech startup. We are creating the next-generation AI platform to support anyone who wants to help advancing humanity and improve the world around us.
In just three years, we have raised a total of $120 million and have built a world-class team of 180+ employees (including 55+ PhDs with more than 40,000 citations), both remotely from 11 different countries and with offices in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, the UK, headquartered at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven, Netherlands. We have also launched our Metis AI Platform, which achieves a 3-5x increase in efficiency and performance, and have visibility into a strong business pipeline exceeding $100 million. Our unwavering commitment to innovation has firmly established us as a global industry pioneer., At Axelera AI, we wholeheartedly embrace equal opportunity and hold diversity in the highest regard. Our steadfast commitment is to cultivate a warm and inclusive environment that empowers and celebrates every member of our team. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join us in shaping the future of AI.

We offer a flexible working arrangement, with options to:
• Work from one of our Axelera AI offices (Leuven in Belgium, Amsterdam and Eindhoven in the Netherlands, Zurich in Switzerland, Florence and Milan in Italy or Bristol in the United Kingdom) if you're already based in the vicinity.
• Work fully remotely from any European country (incl. the UK) you are already in.
• Relocate with us and work from Amsterdam or Eindhoven (Netherlands) or Florence (Italy).
What we offer This is your chance to shape and be part of a dynamic, fast-growing, international organization. We offer an attractive compensation package, including a pension plan, extensive employee insurances and the option to get company shares. An open culture that supports creativity and continual innovation is awaiting you. Collaborative ownership and freedom with responsibility is characteristic for the way we act and work as a team.