Director, Commodity Management & NPI

WEKA is transforming how organizations build, run, and scale AI and accelerated compute workflows with NeuralMesh™, our intelligent, adaptive mesh storage system. Unlike traditional data infrastructures, which become more fragile as compute environments grow and performance demands increase, NeuralMesh becomes faster, stronger, and more efficient as it scales, providing a flexible, adaptable foundation for enterprise and agentic AI innovation that maximizes GPU utilization, accelerates time to first token, and lowers the cost of innovation. WEKA is a growth-stage company backed by world-class venture capital investors and AI infrastructure industry leaders. Our technology, purpose-built for AI, has garnered over 140 patents and is trusted by more than 30% of Fortune 50 enterprises, as well as the world’s leading hyperscalers, neoclouds, and AI innovators. Our team is customer-obsessed and works accountably, boldly, and collaboratively to ensure their success. If we sound like your kind of people, join us! About the Role: The Director of Commodity Management & NPI is responsible for leading WEKA’s supplier strategy, cost structure, and hardware readiness across key component categories, including SSDs, memory, and networking. This leader will own long-term supplier partnerships, roadmap alignment, cost models, and KPI development to ensure optimal availability, quality, and competitiveness in a dynamic market. They will also drive strategic oversight of WEKA’s NPI pipeline, partnering cross-functionally with engineering, product, and operations to manage program timelines, risk, and execution. By combining deep domain expertise with operational discipline, the Director will help shape WEKA’s market agility, influence hardware innovation, and ensure new products launch seamlessly and efficiently. Key Responsibilities Ownership of the supply chain strategies across multiple commodities. Focus on ssd’s, memory products and networking. Partnership with key suppliers - roadmap reviews, communication of NPI activities, etc Management of NPI processes that related to Operations. Partner with integration partners to ensure product availability and quality Communication across the company on key activities related to supply chain and NPI projects. Strong communication skills are a must. Collaboration with engineering and product management on supplier trends, roadmaps and cost models Management of supplier performance and cost models. Consistent focus on driving down costs in a challenging market. Development of KPI’s with key suppliers Management of multiple NPI programs - project timeline management and cross functional management within projects Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in engineering, Operations or related topic. 10+ years related experience in Manufacturing, Operations, Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, or related field. Domain knowledge expertise in data storage, ssd and memory markets. Experience with start-up’s - ability to work in unstructured environments and knows how to put in “just enough” processes. Ability to work cross functionally with sales, finance, engineering and product teams. Strong organizational skills, ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and communicate at all levels in the company How We Work: The WEKA Way We are Accountable: We take full ownership, always–even when things don’t go as planned. We lead with integrity, show up with responsibility & ownership, and hold ourselves and each other to the highest standards. We are Brave: We question the status quo, push boundaries, and take smart risks when needed. We welcome challenges and embrace debates as opportunities for growth, turning courage into fuel for innovation. We are Collaborative: True collaboration isn’t only about working together. It’s about lifting one another up to succeed collectively. We are team-oriented and we communicate with empathy and respect. We challenge each other and conduct positive conflict resolution. We are being transparent about our goals and the results we achieve. Together, we’re unstoppable. We are Customer Centric: Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We actively listen and prioritize the success of our customers, and every decision we make is driven by how we can better serve, support, and empower them to succeed. When our customers win, we win. Concerned you don’t meet every qualification? Don’t let it stop you from applying! Studies have shown that traditionally underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t meet every qualification specified. WEKA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are excited about this position but are concerned your past work experience doesn’t match up perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway – you may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at WEKA. WEKA is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Why Join WekaIO? Weka IO is a leading provider of AI infrastructure software, working with some of the best known AI model developers, inference providers, NeoClouds/Hyperscalers, as well as the biggest enterprises. This is a unique opportunity to build a critical function from the ground up at a fast-growing, innovative company. You will have a direct impact on our ability to deliver our cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for operational excellence and a knack for negotiation, we encourage you to apply.