At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for cutting-edge AI infrastructure and optimise asset lifecycle.
- Company: Join Nscale, a fast-growing tech startup revolutionising AI with innovative GPU cloud solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, flexible work environment, and tailored career progression.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace encouraging diverse perspectives and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of AI while collaborating with brilliant minds.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in procurement with strong leadership and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
About Nscale
Nscale is the GPU cloud engineered for AI. We provide cost-effective, high-performance infrastructure for AI start-ups and large enterprise customers. Nscale enables AI-focused companies to achieve superior results by reducing the complexity of AI development. Our GPU cloud bolsters technical capabilities and directly supports strategic business outcomes, including cost management, rapid innovation, and environmental responsibility.
At Nscale, our Procurement and Supply Chain team sits at the center of how we buy, build, and operate our data centers, securing the equipment, services, and supplier partnerships that keep our global fleet scaling. We thrive on a culture of relentless innovation, ownership, and accountability, where every team member takes pride in their work and drives it with excellence and urgency. As an Nscaler, you'll build trust through openness and transparency, where everyone is inspired to do their best work. If you join our team, you'll be contributing to building the technology that powers the future.
About The Role
Nscale is scaling its global data center footprint fast, and our Owner Furnished, Contractor Installed (OFCI) program is the engine behind how we buy, build, and operate those facilities. We're looking for a Senior Director of Operational Procurement to make sure Operations is a primary stakeholder from inception, not the recipient of decisions made elsewhere. In this global role you'll bridge Construction, Engineering, and Operations, making sure the entire asset lifecycle is optimized for long-term performance. You won't just manage contracts; you'll build the strategy, playbooks, and teams that define how our infrastructure evolves. This is a high-impact builder role for a leader who thrives on cross-functional alignment and commercial excellence.
What You'll be Doing
- Operational integration. Embed operability, serviceability, and total cost of ownership into early-stage sourcing and technical specifications.
- OFCI operating model. Standardize the OFCI operating model and RACI so hand-offs between Construction and Operations are unambiguous.
- Turnover to steady state. Secure asset-data continuity, warranty protection, and spare parts availability as facilities move into steady-state operations.
- Category strategy. Execute global category strategies for OFCI equipment, long-lead plant, and critical operating services.
- Market intelligence. Use market intelligence to optimize make-vs-buy decisions and secure capacity in constrained supply markets.
- Contract structuring. Structure and negotiate capital, construction, and facilities works agreements, including SLAs and performance regimes.
- Commercial resolution. Own change orders, back-charges, and renewals across the global operating fleet.
- Supplier performance. Establish a supplier performance framework built on scorecards, QBRs, and rigorous escalation paths.
- Supply chain risk. Mitigate risk through dual-sourcing, capacity reservations, and comprehensive compliance onboarding.
- Team building. Build and mentor a high-performing procurement team while implementing scalable governance and approval workflows.
- Cross-functional alignment. Drive alignment on cost savings, cash flow outcomes, and capacity schedule objectives.
About You
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field.
- 12+ years in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supply chain, with significant time in data center, mission-critical, construction, or infrastructure environments.
- Demonstrated ownership of OFCI or MEP equipment procurement, including the coordination challenges of owner-furnished / contractor-installed delivery.
- Deep experience negotiating and administering both capital / construction contracts and operating / facilities-services contracts.
- Proven people leadership, with the ability to build teams, processes, and playbooks from the ground up.
- Strong commercial and analytical capability across cost modeling, benchmarking, and total cost of ownership.
- A track record of building and scaling procurement processes and governance in hyper-growth environments.
- Excellence in cross-functional influence and transparent communication, particularly when managing complex stakeholder relationships.
Nice to Have
- MBA or Master's in a related field; CPSM, CIPS, or equivalent certification.
- Experience at a hyperscale, colocation, or infrastructure provider, or in a high-growth / start-up environment.
- Experience managing long-lead electrical and mechanical plant in a capacity-constrained market.
- Familiarity with global sourcing and multi-region contract structures while executing regionally in North America.
Why this role matters
Every megawatt we bring online depends on equipment being specified, sourced, and handed over in a way Operations can run for the next decade. Get that right and we protect uptime, cost, and schedule at the same time; get it wrong and we inherit a decade of workarounds. This role decides which of those happens, and it does so by design rather than by default.
What We Can Offer You
At Nscale, you'll find a collaborative, supportive, and innovative environment where your contributions spark real impact. We're building something extraordinary, and we want you at the core.
- Highly competitive package (base + equity) with reviews every 12 months.
- Join the fastest-growing tech startup, your chance to push boundaries, collaborate with brilliant minds, and make your mark on cutting-edge AI.
- Expect a dynamic progression plan tailored to your ambitions. Grow by trying new things, leading, challenging the status quo, and owning your impact, always with our full support.
- Human-First Flexibility: We treat you as humans first. Our flexible workplace trusts Nscalers to deliver, giving you the autonomy to shape your day around life's moments.
Equal Opportunities Statement
At NScale, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our work environment, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neurodivergent people, parents, carers, and people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. If there's anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let us know.
Senior Director, Operational Procurement employer: Nscale
Nscale is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, ideal for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the field of network architecture. With a focus on employee growth, Nscale offers ample opportunities for professional development and hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies, all while being located in a vibrant tech hub that encourages creativity and networking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Director, Operational Procurement
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Nscale.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director, Operational Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Nscale:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Nscale. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Nscale.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nscale
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Nscale!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Nscale. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Nscale's culture.
