Procurement Specialist

About ai& ai& is a new global AI technology company dedicated to meeting the world's growing demand for AI. Our vision is twofold: to serve as a premier AI lab specializing in localization, and to act as a global infrastructure and compute provider. We are building a unified, optimized global platform that integrates next-generation data centers and infrastructure, heterogeneous compute serving, and advanced model services. We believe that the most effective way to build and scale AI is to own the stack from top to bottom. At ai&, we empower small teams with the autonomy needed to tackle significant challenges. Our approach is to deconstruct large problems into manageable components and solve complex issues collaboratively. We seek highly motivated, mission-driven individuals who demonstrate strong personal agency. We value curiosity as the foundation of talent, and we are looking for people eager to develop alongside our evolving technology and expanding business. We are actively hiring worldwide, with presence in Tokyo, SF, Austin, and Toronto. We are more than happy to meet exceptional talent where they are. About the Role Join ai& as a Procurement Specialist and play a key role in building a scalable, efficient, and technology-enabled procurement function. In this role, you will manage procurement activities across the full purchasing lifecycle, from sourcing and supplier evaluation to negotiation, contracting, purchasing, and supplier performance management. You will work closely with internal stakeholders, global suppliers, distributors, and business partners to ensure procurement activities are cost-effective, timely, compliant, and aligned with business needs. As an AI-driven company, ai& encourages the use of AI, automation, and data to improve decision-making, streamline procurement workflows, and reduce repetitive operational work. You will have the opportunity to contribute not only to day-to-day procurement operations, but also to the continued development and improvement of our procurement processes. Key Responsibilities Manage end-to-end procurement activities, including supplier sourcing, RFQ/RFP processes, quotation comparison, supplier evaluation, negotiation, purchasing, and order follow-up. Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements, specifications, budgets, and timelines, and recommend appropriate procurement solutions. Identify, evaluate, onboard, and manage suppliers, distributors, and service providers across local and international markets. Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, service levels, and other commercial terms to achieve the best overall value for the company. Coordinate the preparation, review, execution, renewal, and tracking of supplier contracts in partnership with Legal, Finance, and relevant business teams. Prepare and manage purchase orders, quotations, supplier documentation, and other procurement-related records. Analyze procurement and spend data to identify cost-saving opportunities, supplier consolidation opportunities, purchasing trends, and areas for process improvement. Monitor procurement spend against approved budgets and track key procurement KPIs, including cost savings, purchasing cycle time, supplier performance, and contract status. Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and work with suppliers to address issues related to pricing, quality, delivery, specifications, and service levels. Serve as a key point of contact for supplier inquiries and support the resolution of purchasing, delivery, invoicing, and commercial issues. Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement data in ERP, procurement, and internal management systems to support reporting, audit readiness, and compliance. Identify opportunities to standardize, automate, and improve procurement workflows through AI tools, automation, and better use of data. Support the development and continuous improvement of procurement policies, processes, templates, documentation standards, and best practices. Required Qualifications 2–4 years of experience in procurement, purchasing, sourcing, supply chain, vendor management, or a related commercial operations role. Hands-on experience managing or supporting supplier sourcing, quotation processes, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and purchasing activities. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret procurement, pricing, supplier, and spend data. Strong negotiation and commercial judgment, with an understanding of cost, quality, service, risk, and business requirements. Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with both internal teams and external suppliers. Experience preparing or managing purchase orders, supplier documentation, contracts, or related procurement records. Proficiency with Google Workspace and/or Microsoft 365, particularly spreadsheets, presentations, and documentation tools. Experience using ERP, procurement, purchasing, or other business management systems. Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple procurement activities and deadlines in a fast-changing environment. Ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned procurement activities, and follow through from request to completion. Preferred Qualifications Experience in IT, software, SaaS, cloud services, technology, professional services, or other fast-growing business environments. Experience working with international suppliers, distributors, resellers, or cross-border business partners. Experience with supplier onboarding, contract management, vendor performance management, procurement compliance, or purchasing policies. Experience conducting spend analysis, procurement reporting, budget tracking, or KPI management. Business-level English proficiency, particularly for supplier communication, negotiations, contracts, documentation, and email correspondence. Experience using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Notion AI, Gemini, or similar tools to improve productivity and streamline workflows. Interest in using AI, automation, and data analytics to improve sourcing, supplier management, reporting, and procurement decision-making. Familiarity with procurement best practices, internal controls, audit requirements, or compliance standards. Who You Are Proactive and solutions-oriented: You identify issues early, take ownership, and look for practical ways to improve procurement outcomes and processes. Commercially minded: You understand that the lowest price is not always the best decision and consider cost, quality, service, risk, and long-term value. Reliable and detail-oriented: You can be trusted to manage contracts, supplier information, budgets, purchase orders, and commercial data accurately. Confident in negotiation: You are comfortable communicating with suppliers, asking the right questions, and negotiating terms that support business objectives. Data-driven: You use data to identify trends, evaluate suppliers, track performance, and support procurement decisions. Comfortable with change: You thrive in a fast-moving environment where priorities, processes, and business needs continue to evolve. Technology curious: You actively explore AI, automation, and new tools that can make procurement work faster, smarter, and more scalable. Collaborative: You build strong relationships across teams and understand how to balance stakeholder needs with procurement discipline. Business enabling: You see procurement as a strategic business function that helps teams move quickly while maintaining appropriate cost, quality, risk, and operational controls.