Sr. Director, Indirect Procurement

At d-Matrix, we are focused on unleashing the potential of generative AI to power the transformation of technology. We are at the forefront of software and hardware innovation, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our culture is one of respect and collaboration. We value humility and believe in direct communication. Our team is inclusive, and our differing perspectives allow for better solutions. We are seeking individuals passionate about tackling challenges and are driven by execution. Ready to come find your playground? Together, we can help shape the endless possibilities of AI. POSITION SUMMARY d-Matrix is seeking a Senior Director, Indirect Procurement to own and scale our indirect and corporate procurement function. This individual-contributor role covers IP and software licensing, consulting and professional services, engineering lab equipment, and corporate services. Direct materials procurement is handled separately by Supply Chain; this role supports Operations tangentially but does not own component or wafer sourcing. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in contract negotiation, vendor management, and IP licensing within a semiconductor or AI hardware environment, and is comfortable building scalable procurement infrastructure in a high-growth startup. SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY - IP & Software Licensing: Negotiate and manage semiconductor IP core licenses (EDA tools, processor IP, embedded memory, security IP) with vendors such as Synopsys, Cadence, Ansys, and Arm. Administer software license agreements; track entitlements and renewals. Manage end-to-end IP negotiations including royalty structures, per-unit pricing, and MFN provisions. Support Legal and Engineering on FOSS compliance and IP onboarding diligence. - Consulting & Professional Services: Source and contract engineering consulting firms, including offshore/nearshore providers under MSA/SOW structures. Negotiate and manage MSAs, SOWs, and amendments; benchmark rates and oversee milestone tracking. Manage temporary staffing contracts in coordination with HR and Legal. - Engineering Lab & Hardware Equipment: Procure lab hardware for AI inference development (servers, GPUs, FPGAs, test cards, rack infrastructure) and test/measurement equipment from vendors such as Keysight and Tektronix. Manage capital equipment workflows including approvals, asset tagging, and depreciation in NetSuite. Coordinate with Engineering and Lab Operations to forecast needs against tape-out and bring-up schedules. - Corporate & Facilities Services: Manage procurement for facilities, IT equipment, SaaS, insurance, travel, and other corporate overhead. Support lease-related vendor agreements (movers, contractors, FF&E) in coordination with Finance and Facilities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and implement procurement strategies, policies, and governance frameworks across all indirect and corporate spend categories. - Lead RFQ/RFP processes and competitive bidding; evaluate vendors on cost, quality, risk, and strategic fit. - Negotiate and execute IP license agreements, MSAs, SOWs, and capital equipment contracts to secure favorable terms while managing legal and operational risk. - Own the end-to-end procure-to-pay process via Zip and NetSuite; maintain supplier records, renewal dates, spend analytics, and performance scorecards. - Drive year-over-year cost reduction through renegotiation, consolidation, and volume leverage. - Collaborate with Engineering, Finance, Legal, HR, and Operations to align procurement timelines to project milestones and function as a proactive business partner. - Ensure compliance with trade regulations, export controls, and ethical sourcing standards across all engagements. REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field; MBA a plus. CPSM, CSCP, or CPIM valued. - 7+ years of progressive procurement experience across at least two of: IP/software licensing, engineering services contractin…