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Technical Sourcing Manager

Graphcore·Bristol·Posted today

Graphcore designs intelligence processing units (IPUs), purpose-built processors for AI and machine learning workloads. They're hiring a Technical Sourcing Manager, based in Bristol. This engineering role sits within the UK's growing technology sector.

About us

Graphcore is one of the world’s leading innovators in Artificial Intelligence compute. It is developing hardware, software and systems infrastructure that will unlock the next generation of AI breakthroughs and power the widespread adoption of AI solutions across every industry. As part of the SoftBank Group, Graphcore is a member of an elite family of companies responsible for some of the world’s most transformative technologies. Together, they share a bold vision: to enable Artificial Super Intelligence and ensure its benefits are accessible to everyone. Graphcore’s teams are drawn from diverse backgrounds and bring a broad range of skills and perspectives. A melting pot of AI research specialists, silicon designers, software engineers and systems architects, Graphcore enjoys a culture of continuous learning and constant innovation.

Job Summary

Our team is at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution, enabling innovators from all industries and sectors to expand human potential with technology. The availability of specialised artificial intelligence compute will be a decisive factor in AI’s rate of progress. Graphcore allows innovators to go further, faster. What we do, really makes a difference.

We are looking for a Technical Sourcing Manager who will report to the Procurement Manager and will have accountability for the delivery of project and programme procurement and cost services

The Team

The role will be as part of the Supply Chain team at Graphcore. This team is part of the Operations group and has members in Bristol and Taiwan. The team is responsible for developing and maintaining a robust manufacturing subcontract supply chain for Graphcore.

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Collaborate with the Graphcore engineering team to identify and source key electrical commodities and critical components (capacitors, resistors, memory, PCBs, cabling, etc.), ensuring alignment with Graphcore’s technical roadmap and business objectives.
  • Manage purchase orders and deliveries
  • Negotiate, purchase, and expedite production components in support of NPI builds and business requirements
  • Research and qualify new suppliers to expand the supply base
  • Drive cost reduction initiatives and shorten delivery lead times
  • Navigate and manage complex, multi-layer BOMs with confidence
  • Monitor supplier performance and provide constructive feedback
  • Track and report actual vs. planned costs (PPV)
  • Partner with other operations stakeholders to maintain accurate BoM cost updates
  • Verify NDA status with suppliers and coordinate renewals or execution of new agreements

Candidate Profile

Essential:

  • Strong technical / electronics background
  • Experienced in EE component sourcing
  • Degree/HNC or equivalent level in an Engineering/Technical Subject
  • Will have experience in applying budgeting and cost control techniques within a complex environment.
  • Advanced knowledge of cost management techniques
  • Have intermediate / advanced Excel skills, good knowledge of MS Office and ERP systems

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About Graphcore

Graphcore is a Bristol-based AI semiconductor company founded in 2016 by serial semiconductor entrepreneurs Nigel Toon and Simon Knowles. Toon previously led XMOS and Picochip, while Knowles co-founded Element14 (acquired by Broadcom) and Icera (acquired by NVIDIA for $435M). The company developed Intelligence Processing Units (IPUs), novel AI accelerators designed from the ground up for machine learning workloads, alongside the proprietary Poplar graph programming framework. Graphcore raised $767M in total funding, reaching a $2.77B valuation, with backing from Sequoia Capital, Atomico, Amadeus, Microsoft, and others. In July 2024, SoftBank Group acquired Graphcore for approximately $500M to $600M. The company continues to operate from Bristol with plans to expand its UK headcount to 750.

Stage: AcquiredBristol
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