Senior Hardware Buyer

Proton seeks a Senior Hardware Buyer to lead sourcing strategy for compute, storage, and network infrastructure. This hybrid role in Geneva combines strategic planning with hands-on vendor negotiations.

The company is looking for a strategic and operational leader to define and execute its hardware sourcing strategy, specifically for compute, storage, and network equipment. The position involves building a procurement function that ensures low lead times, high agility, and minimized capital expenditure while serving as the key link between engineering requirements and vendor roadmaps.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end negotiations with ODMs, OEMs, white-box suppliers, and Tier-1 semiconductor vendors.
• Secure volume discounts, favorable terms, and priority capacity during market shortages.
• Develop a diversified supplier network to reduce geopolitical and logistical risks.
• Create contingency plans for critical components to maintain operational continuity.
• Establish strategic partnerships at the senior level with key vendors.
• Serve as the main liaison between Proton’s engineering needs and vendor development plans.
• Audit and improve existing procurement workflows.
• Implement data-driven models to optimize cost, availability, and quality.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Finance, and Legal teams to define hardware specifications.
• Validate technical requirements and ensure compliance with security and privacy standards.

Requirements

• Proven experience negotiating and contracting with ODMs, OEMs, white-box infrastructure suppliers, and manufacturers of memory, CPU, RAM, and drives.
• Strong understanding of wafer capacity, yield rates, and lead times.
• Demonstrated success in scaling hardware procurement processes and teams for high-growth technology companies.
• Experience managing orders ranging from $1M to over $100M.
• Ability to analyze market trends, pricing indices, and inventory levels for strategic purchasing decisions.
• Exceptional ability to translate technical hardware and market constraints into business value for executive stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Deep familiarity with OCP specifications, ecosystem partners, and leveraging OCP standards for custom hardware solutions.
• Familiarity with supply-chain security for procurement of privacy-focused, security-sensitive distributed infrastructure environments.
• Experience with large-to-hyperscale data center deployments or colocation provider negotiations.
• Familiarity with international trade compliance, customs, and logistics for hardware shipments across EU, US, and APAC regions.

What the company offers

• Hybrid work model with in-person collaboration and up to 30% remote work.
• Provision of all necessary devices and software.
• Daily lunch and snacks provided at offices.
• Support for transport costs via public transport subsidies, bike allowances, or parking.
• Stock options upon joining.
• Flexible working hours, subject to team meeting availability.
• Learning opportunities including training programs, conferences, and events.
• Comprehensive health insurance, retirement savings options, generous vacation and leave policies, and wellness programs.

About the company

Proton is a community-first organization that started with crowdfunding support and continues to be shaped by user input. With over 100 million users, the company relies solely on user subscriptions for revenue, ensuring that user trust and community needs remain at the center of all decisions.

• Community-first organization built with user input.
• Revenue model based solely on user subscriptions.
• Over 100 million users trust and support the company.