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.