Technical Sourcing Manager, Fiber & Backbone Infrastructure

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Take full ownership of sourcing for fiber and backbone infrastructure from start to finish, encompassing commercial negotiations, pricing, contracting, and vendor/contractor governance.

• Lead the sourcing and procurement of bulk fiber cables, connectors, passive components, and installation/splicing services for intra-data-center and hall-to-hall runs.

• Strategize and implement sourcing for the construction of new long-haul routes, including the procurement of OSP contractors, coordination of permitting/right-of-way processes, and engineering for route diversity.

• Monitor the availability of cables and high-density MPO/MTP/MMC, and proactively anticipate any shortages.

• Collaborate with Facilities, Construction, Network Engineering, and Legal teams to synchronize fiber and backbone timelines with building, permitting, and go-live milestones.

• Oversee RFQ/RFP processes and perform cost modeling for fiber materials, splicing labor, and OSP construction contracts.

• Negotiate supply agreements, unit-price construction contracts, and establish quality/testing standards including OTDR, insertion loss, and return loss metrics.

• Manage supplier and contractor performance, focusing on delivery, quality, escalations, and conducting business reviews.

• Develop and maintain rolling demand forecasts for fiber materials, labor, and route construction over the next 12 to 24 months.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and risk mitigation through route diversity, dual sourcing, and restructuring construction contracts.

• Operate independently while maintaining direct visibility with the Director of Network Sourcing.

• Influence the way IREN sources and constructs owned fiber infrastructure on a large scale.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience in sourcing or procurement related to fiber optic cables, structured cabling, and outside-plant/long-haul telecommunications infrastructure.

• Preferably possess data center, hyperscale, or telecom carrier experience.

• Strong comprehension of various fiber types, connector standards such as MPO/MTP, polarity, splicing techniques, and OTDR/insertion loss testing and certification requirements.

• Proven track record of successfully negotiating complex commercial and construction agreements, particularly those involving unit-based per-mile/per-foot contract structures.

• Familiarity with permitting, easements, and right-of-way processes, including those involving municipalities, utilities, and railroad crossings.

• Experience in navigating supply-constrained material markets along with long lead-time construction and permitting cycles.

• Capability to size fiber counts and route capacity in alignment with multi-site buildout plans.

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Preferred existing relationships with fiber and cable manufacturers, as well as OSP construction contractors.

• Experience in planning for route diversity and redundancy in owned backbone networks is preferred.

• Acquaintance with data center commissioning timelines and the integration of fiber with facility construction and rack integration schedules is preferred.

• Must possess authorization to work in the United States.

🏝️ Benefits

• Annual performance incentives.

• Equity programs and long-term incentives.

• Relocation or living-out allowances and per diem based on candidate circumstances.

• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees.

• 75% company-paid coverage for dependents.

• Company-funded short-term and long-term disability insurance.

• Optional life, critical illness, and accident coverage.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) available with the High Deductible Health Plan.

• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.

• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions.

• Financial planning and legal services.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) along with paid holidays.

• Opportunities for internal skills training and advancement pathways.

• Support for professional development, including certifications, continuing education, or role-specific training.

• Company-sponsored events and team-building activities.