Procurement & Vendor Relations Specialist
San Jose, CA (On-site)
About the role
We are seeking a Procurement & Vendor Relations Specialist to join our operations team. In this role, you will be the primary point of contact for all hardware and software procurement activities, with a particular focus on GPU servers, networking equipment, storage systems, and management infrastructure sourced from NVIDIA and leading OEM partners.
This is a highly strategic and relationship-driven role. You will work closely with our engineering, finance, and legal teams to ensure that every procurement decision is executed with precision, speed, and full compliance — helping Ricloud AI build world-class AI infrastructure on time and within budget.
Responsibilities
Vendor Procurement & Management
Lead end-to-end procurement of GPU servers (including NVIDIA DGX and HGX systems), high-speed networking equipment, storage servers, and management servers from NVIDIA and authorized OEM partners.
Develop, maintain, and deepen strategic relationships with NVIDIA account teams, authorized resellers, and OEM manufacturers to ensure priority access, favorable pricing, and reliable supply.
Negotiate contracts, pricing, delivery terms, and service-level agreements with vendors on behalf of the company.
Manage the full vendor lifecycle, including vendor qualification, onboarding, performance evaluation, and ongoing relationship management.
Procurement Operations
Process and manage purchase orders, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with project requirements and budgets.
Coordinate with engineering and infrastructure teams to understand hardware specifications, lead times, and deployment schedules.
Track order status, manage delivery timelines, and proactively resolve any supply chain issues or delays.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records, contracts, and vendor documentation.
Compliance & Due Diligence
Ensure all procurement activities comply with applicable U.S. regulations, export control laws, and company policies.
Conduct thorough vendor compliance reviews, including verification of authorized reseller status, product authenticity, and regulatory certifications.
Collaborate with the legal and finance teams to review and execute vendor agreements in a timely and compliant manner.
Stay current with NVIDIA partner program requirements, OEM certification standards, and relevant industry regulations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with the finance team to manage procurement budgets, forecasts, and cost optimization initiatives.
Partner with the engineering team to evaluate new hardware products and vendor offerings as the technology landscape evolves.
Support the broader operations team with any additional procurement or administrative needs as the company grows.
Required Qualifications
Experience
3–7 years of experience in hardware procurement, vendor management, or supply chain operations, ideally within the data center, AI infrastructure, or enterprise technology industry.
Prior experience working at or directly with NVIDIA, a NVIDIA-authorized partner, or a major OEM manufacturer (such as Dell Technologies, HPE, Supermicro, Lenovo, or Inspur) is strongly preferred — as this role requires an immediate, deep understanding of vendor processes, partner programs, and procurement channels.
Demonstrated experience procuring large-scale GPU systems, server hardware, networking equipment, or storage solutions.
Familiarity with NVIDIA's product portfolio (DGX, HGX, networking, software licensing) and partner ecosystem is a significant advantage.
Skills & Competencies
Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage confidently and warmly with vendor representatives, account managers, and executive stakeholders.
Strong negotiation skills with a track record of securing favorable terms and pricing.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple procurement processes simultaneously without losing accuracy or urgency.
Solid understanding of U.S. procurement compliance, export control regulations, and vendor due diligence best practices.
Proficiency with procurement tools, ERP systems, and standard office productivity software.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Personal Qualities
A proactive, self-motivated professional who takes ownership and follows through with care and accountability.
A collaborative team player who thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Someone who genuinely enjoys building long-term relationships and takes pride in being a trusted partner — both internally and with our vendor community.