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Sr. Sourcing Specialist

Memphis, TN

About xAI

xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge.

Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity.

We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important.

All engineers and researchers are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

About the Role

As a Sr. Sourcing Specialist at xAI, you’ll be a pivotal force in building and managing the supply chain that powers our cutting-edge AI infrastructure. Based in Memphis, you’ll drive strategic sourcing initiatives to secure high-quality, cost-effective materials and services, ensuring xAI’s rapid growth and operational excellence. This role demands a dynamic, results-driven professional who can navigate complex supplier negotiations, optimize procurement processes, and deliver under pressure in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the development and scaling of AI systems that redefine human discovery.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute sourcing strategies to secure critical materials, equipment, and services for xAI’s AI infrastructure, optimizing cost, quality, and delivery timelines.
  • Negotiate and manage high-stakes supplier contracts, including Master Service Agreements (MSAs), ensuring favorable terms, risk mitigation, and alignment with xAI’s strategic goals.
  • Collaborate with engineering, finance, and operations teams to align procurement strategies with technical requirements and business objectives.
  • Conduct advanced supplier analysis, benchmarking, and market research to identify new suppliers, reduce costs, and ensure supply chain resilience.
  • Own end-to-end supplier relationship management, including performance monitoring, KPI tracking, and quarterly business reviews to drive continuous improvement.
  • Streamline procurement processes, reduce transaction volumes, and implement automation to enhance efficiency and scalability.
  • Deliver data-driven insights and recommendations to leadership, leveraging tools like Excel, SQL, or PowerBI to quantify financial and operational impacts.
  • Manage capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx) projects, ensuring budget adherence and timely execution.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, supply chain management, or contract negotiation; or 6+ years of equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
  • Proven track record in managing high-spend portfolios ($100M+) and negotiating complex supplier contracts in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional analytical skills, with proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, or PowerBI for cost modeling and performance tracking.
  • Elite communication skills, capable of translating technical and financial data into clear, actionable insights for diverse stakeholders.
  • Self-starter with a bias for action, able to prioritize and execute multiple projects under tight deadlines with minimal direction.
  • Experience in technology, AI, or R&D-driven industries is preferred, with familiarity in sourcing for compute infrastructure, facilities, or indirect categories (e.g., IT, services).
  • Strong problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to tackle ambiguous challenges and drive measurable results.
  • Uncompromising integrity and a relentless drive to deliver excellence in a high-pressure, mission-driven environment.

xAI is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate based on race, color, religion, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, medical conditions, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristics. 

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act. 

For Los Angeles County (unincorporated) Candidates:

xAI reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: 

  • Access to information technology systems and confidential information, including proprietary and trade secret information, and/or user data;
  • Interacting with internal and/or external clients and colleagues; and
  • Exercising sound judgment.

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