June 3, 2025

Sr. Category Sourcing Manager, InterDC Optical (DWDM)

Senior • On-site

$133,200 - $220,200/yr

Seattle, WA , +1

DESCRIPTION

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we’re the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on. We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain — and we’re looking for talented people who want to help.

You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides a highly reliable, scalable, and low-cost cloud platform that powers thousands of businesses in over 190 countries. AWS’ Infrastructure Supply Chain & Procurement (ISCaP) organization works to deliver cutting-edge solutions to source, build and maintain our socially responsible data center supply chains. We are a team of highly-motivated, engaged, and responsive professionals who enable the core sustainable infrastructure of AWS. Come join our team and be a part of history as we deliver results for the largest cloud services company on Earth!

The Networking team is looking for a results-oriented individual to own technical sourcing activities for InterDC Optical technology. This individual will drive development and execution of sourcing strategies and supplier management activities for DWDM and Coherent InterDC optical components and systems. Thisndividual will partner closely with hardware engineering and network engineering teams to define hardware development and sourcing strategies to take our center networks to the next generation of optical interconnect technology. Our Category Sourcing Managers are experts in their industries and drive the explosive growth of AWS by enabling disruptive technologies through responsible and strategic sourcing.

Key job responsibilities
- Develop sourcing strategies for InterDC Optical (DWDM and Coherent) hardware to deliver against business and engineering objectives and achieve sustainable relationships with strategic suppliers
- Partner closely with the Network Product Development and Network Engineering teams to identify define hardware development and product launch plans in the form of a multi-year technology strategy
- Own and manage both ODM and OEM supplier relationships
- Analyze industry trends and evolving technology to proactively identify supply base opportunities to minimize risk, protect continuity of supply, optimize cost, and utilize industry developments that benefit Amazon
- Influence suppliers' manufacturing processes, technology decisions, and policies in ways that are mutually beneficial and sustainable for both organizations by leveraging the growth of Amazon's spend.
- Negotiate and implement supplier agreements/contracts by working with cross-functional business partners and suppliers to reach agreement on contract terms and conditions. - Analyze and determine cost reduction opportunities by leveraging volumes, optimizing the supplier base and reducing total cost of ownership.
- Lead sourcing engagements and competitive bidding (RFI, RFQ, and RFP).
- Track internal metrics for executing projects and sourcing plans.
- Make optimal trade-offs between schedule, resources, and scope, and apply advanced technical and business knowledge to address major risks, challenges, and obstacles.
- Help develop long-term department strategies and significantly influence the cross-company project development and delivery processes and standards.
- Be a subject matter expert for the customers, technologies, and markets in which you engage

A day in the life
You will be working closely with several business partners to manage the InterDC Optical business on a day to day basis, but will be heavily focused on mid and long-term technology sourcing strategies. You will partner closely with a very capable hardware engineering team to devise sourcing and technology development plans to launch next generation custom hardware as well as off-the-shelf DWDM systems. This will include interactions with hardware development teams, network design and deployment engineering teams, rack integration, finance, legal, and others. You will also manage working and executive level supplier relationships with multiple ODM and OEM suppliers. You will be heavily focused on roadmap planning and execution against a technology migration strategy. You will work with closely with two individuals from your immediate core category team (GSM and PLM) to drive and execute a well-rounded category strategy (GCM = You, GSM = Global Supply Manager, PLM = Product Lifecycle Manager). You will leverage your expertise to build supplier relationships and architect agreements to support AWS' growing network. You will make responsible sourcing decisions that consider customer security, time to market, technology benefit, quality and cost.

About the team
The Networking team is made up of global category managers (Procurement), supply chain managers (Supply Chain), product lifecycle managers (Lifecycle) and technical product/program managers (Automation/Tools) who manage the broad base of networking suppliers and internal amazon initiatives that help build the AWS cloud. We drive supply continuity, technology development and adoption, cost optimization, and internal supply chain systems development for Optical and Routing categories. We are located throughout multiple regional hubs in the united states and work with suppliers and business partners globally. We are a mix of industry experts and those aspiring to grow our industry expertise. We all bring something valuable to the table from our unique backgrounds; we highlight and celebrate our diverse backgrounds and leverage them to our collective benefit as a team.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- 6+ years of developing, negotiating and executing business agreements experience
- 6+ years of professional or military experience
- Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, Quantitative, Technical or quantitative field
- 6+ years of experience working with engineering teams to develop technology roadmaps and supporting sourcing strategies
- 6+ years of experience working with executive business partners both internally and externally to drive alignment to strategies
- Must be able to present complex technology and business objectives in concise and understandable manner
- Must have backbone to push back on decisions that do not align with business objectives and propose alternate solutions

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- MBA or advanced degree
- Background in Optical technology (direct detect, DWDM, coherent)
- Experience in Cloud Computing/Networking, Enterprise Networking
- Experience working at, for, or with Hyperscale cloud provider
- Background in semiconductor industry
- Strong understanding of customer hardware development and off-the-shelf hardware sourcing

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $133,200/year in our lowest geographic market up to $220,200/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.