Procurement Manager

Diraq is building scalable quantum computing technology using silicon quantum dot qubits. Born from more than two decades of research at UNSW Sydney, we combine world-class science with engineering excellence to advance quantum computers designed to solve problems beyond the reach of classical systems. With teams across Australia and the United States, Diraq is building the capabilities, systems and partnerships needed to support a growing global organisation.

The opportunity

This is a builder role for a procurement leader who can create clarity where none exists yet. As Diraq’s first Procurement Manager, you will establish a practical, scalable procurement function for the United States while connecting effectively with colleagues and suppliers across our global organization. You will set up the strategy, design the operating rhythm, and stay close enough to execution to ensure critical equipment, materials and services arrive when teams need them.

You will partner across engineering, research, operations, finance, facilities, IT, legal and project teams. Your work will protect speed without sacrificing discipline, strengthen our supplier ecosystem and turn procurement into a business enabler for ambitious technical programs.

Responsibilities

Build the function

• Design and implement a fit-for-purpose US procurement operating model, governance, policies, approval pathways and controls.
• Create practical playbooks, templates and guidance that make good procurement easy for internal teams.
• Establish procurement reporting, spend visibility and supplier management frameworks that scale with Diraq.

Lead strategic sourcing

• Develop category and sourcing strategies across technical equipment, laboratory needs, facilities, IT, professional services and capital projects.
• Lead market assessments, supplier discovery, RFPs, RFQs, tenders and supplier selection.
• Evaluate suppliers for technical fit, total cost, delivery, quality, risk, compliance and partnership potential.

Shape strong commercial outcomes

• Lead negotiations covering price, service levels, lead times, delivery terms, warranties, risk allocation and contractual protections.
• Partner with legal, finance and business stakeholders on agreements, renewals and contract governance.
• Identify cost, cash-flow, efficiency and risk-reduction opportunities while protecting technical outcomes.

Run disciplined procurement operations

• Own the purchasing lifecycle from demand planning and requisition through purchase order, receipt and payment coordination.
• Support complex and time-sensitive purchases for technical programs, laboratories, offices and infrastructure.
• Track activity, commitments and metrics to support budgeting, forecasting and informed decisions.

Strengthen supply-chain resilience

• Coordinate domestic and international freight, shipping and logistics with internal teams and external providers.
• Partner with internal specialists on customs, import/export and trade-compliance requirements.
• Monitor lead times, concentration risk, obsolescence and other supply risks, then build practical mitigation plans.

Requirements

Essential experience

• 7+ years of progressive experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, supply chain or commercial management.
• Experience building or materially improving procurement frameworks, policies and governance.
• Strong supplier evaluation, commercial negotiation and contract-management capability.
• Experience influencing technical and non-technical stakeholders across functions and locations.
• Sound analytical judgement and the ability to turn spend, risk and supplier data into action.
• A hands-on, organised approach in a fast-moving environment, supported by clear communication and relationship skills.

Experience that would set you apart

• Experience in deep technology, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, hardware, research or another technically complex environment.
• Experience sourcing laboratory, cryogenic, RF, electronics, fabrication, test or specialised engineering equipment.
• Knowledge of global logistics, freight, customs and import/export coordination.
• Experience implementing procurement technology, purchasing workflows or supplier-management tools.
• Exposure to government-funded programs, grants, regulated environments or audit requirements.
• Relevant certification such as CPSM, CPSD, C.P.M. or an equivalent credential.

Benefits

• Build a mission-critical function from the ground up and shape how procurement works as the organisation scales.
• Work in our brand-new office space in LA
• Work alongside scientists, engineers and business leaders in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
• Develop a global supplier ecosystem that turns advanced research and engineering plans into delivered capability.
• Competitive compensation, benefits and equity participation opportunities, subject to role level and applicable plan terms.