Senior Technical Sourcing Manager, Optics and Switches

Socket.dev; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

IREN is seeking a Technical Sourcing Manager, Optics & Switches to own data center switching and optics sourcing. You will be the commercial and technical owner of the switch, transceiver, and cabling relationships that keep our network fast and reliable.

You’ll report to the Director, Network Sourcing and collaborate with Network Engineering, Data Center Operations, and PM to align sourcing with build and go-live milestones.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in technical sourcing or procurement.
• Experience sourcing networking hardware from major switch OEM/ODM.
• Strong negotiation and vendor relationship skills.
• Understanding of data center switch architectures and optics.

Responsibilities

• Own switch and optics sourcing relationships end-to-end.
• Drive sourcing of top-of-rack, leaf, and spine switching, optical transceivers, and DAC/AOC cabling.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes, cost modeling, and total-cost-of-ownership analysis.
• Negotiate master purchase agreements, pricing schedules, SLAs, and support/maintenance contracts.
• Track vendor roadmaps and shape sourcing strategy for next-gen platforms.
• Collaborate with Network Engineering, Data Center Operations, and Program Management.
• Build demand forecasts with capacity planning and PO timing.
• Hunt for cost-savings and mitigations: dual-sourcing, strategic buys, contract restructuring.

Skills

Technical sourcing

Networking hardware sourcing

Switch architectures

Optical transceivers

DAC/AOC cabling

Vendor management

Cost modeling & TCO

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field

Job description

IREN is building the infrastructure behind the next era of AI. We design, build, and operate massive-scale data centers, and we're racing to deploy some of the largest fleets of GPU and CPU compute on the planet. This isn't incremental growth — it's a full-throttle sprint to power the frontier of AI and high-performance computing. Our Network Sourcing team sits at the center of that mission, securing the switches, optics, fiber, and backbone infrastructure that let IREN's data centers come online and stay connected as fast as anyone in the industry.

The Role

IREN is looking for a Technical Sourcing Manager, Optics & Switches to take full ownership of our data center switching and optics category. This is not a support role — you'll be the commercial and technical owner of the switch, transceiver, and cabling relationships that let IREN's network keep pace with an explosive data center build schedule. If you love the adrenaline of a supply-constrained market, know your way around a leaf-spine architecture, and want to see your negotiations show up as switches racked and lit within weeks of your decisions — this is the seat for you. You'll operate with real autonomy, direct visibility to the Director, Network Sourcing, and the mandate to shape how IREN sources switching and optics at scale.

• 7+ years of experience in technical sourcing, procurement, or category management, with direct experience sourcing networking hardware from a major switch OEM and/or ODM.
• Proven track record sourcing switching/optics hardware in a data center, hyperscale, cloud, or AI/HPC environment.
• Deep understanding of switch architectures (ToR/leaf/spine), optical transceivers (SFP/QSFP), and DAC/AOC cabling, including relevant standards and interoperability.
• Demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial agreements and managing high-value vendor relationships.
• Battle-tested experience navigating supply-constrained/allocation-based markets and building mitigation strategies that actually work.
• Sharp analytical instincts — comfortable building cost models, TCO analyses, and forecasts under pressure.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills; equally at home with network engineering, operations, finance, and legal.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Preferred

• Existing relationships with major switch/optics vendors and ODM/whitebox suppliers.
• Experience sourcing for AI/HPC infrastructure at scale.
• Deep familiarity with data center commissioning timelines and how network hardware delivery integrates with provisioning and rack integration schedules.

• Own switch and optics sourcing relationships end-to-end: commercial negotiations, pricing, quoting, contracting, and account governance.
• Drive sourcing and procurement of top-of-rack, leaf, and spine switching, optical transceivers, and DAC/AOC cabling for general data center networking.
• Stay ahead of a tightening supply market: track switch silicon, optics, and component allocation, and get out in front of shortages before they become blockers.
• Partner directly with Network Engineering, Data Center Operations, and Program Management to keep sourcing timelines locked in step with build and go-live milestones.
• Lead RFQ/RFP processes, cost modeling, and total-cost-of-ownership analysis for switching and optics programs.
• Negotiate master purchase agreements, pricing schedules, SLAs, and support/maintenance contracts that protect IREN's speed and margins.
• Track switch and optics vendor and ODM/whitebox roadmaps closely and shape sourcing strategy around the next generation of platforms before the market catches up.
• Own supplier performance — delivery, quality, escalations, and quarterly business reviews — and hold vendors to a standard worthy of IREN's growth.
• Build and maintain demand forecasts with capacity planning to drive purchase order timing and volume commitments.
• Hunt for cost-savings and risk-mitigation opportunities: dual-sourcing, strategic buys, contract restructuring — anything that gives IREN an edge.

The IREN Package

At IREN, we offer a highly competitive compensation package that includes base salary, annual performance incentives, and opportunities to build long-term wealth through equity programs. These offerings are part of our broader Total Rewards package, thoughtfully designed to support your health, well-being, and long-term success.

Compensation

• The expected base salary for this role USD$200,000-250,000/annum.
  • Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and market data for the region.
• Total Compensation package may be inclusive of annual incentive bonus, equity (long-term incentive).
• Relocation or Living-out-allowance / per diem (as appliable and based on successful candidate circumstances)

Health & Wellness

• 100% company paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for employees, 75% company paid coverage for dependents
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage available
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) – when combined with the High Deductible Health Plan
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Retirement & Financial Wealth

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Access to financial planning and legal services

Time Off & Leave Programs

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

Growth & Development

• Internal skills training and advancement pathways
• Professional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role related training

Community & Culture

• Company events and team-building activities

We value diverse perspectives and believe that skills can be developed. If you’re passionate about this role, we want to hear from you — whether you meet every criteria or not. Your unique experiences might be exactly what we need!

IE US Operations Inc., the employing entity and proud member of the IREN group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We are committed to evaluating qualified applicants and do not discriminate against protected characteristics under applicable legislation.

IE US Operations, Inc. “IREN” participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.

By applying for this position and submitting your resume and application materials, you consent to the processing of your personal information in accordance with our Job Applicant Privacy Statement available on our website at www.iren.com.