Data Center Business Operations & Supplier Support Manager

In 2012, Lambda started with a crew of AI engineers publishing research at top machine-learning conferences. We began as an AI company built by AI engineers. That hasn't changed. Today, we're on a mission to be the world's top AI computing platform. We equip engineers with the tools to deploy AI that is fast, secure, affordable, and built to scale. Whether they need powerhouse GPU hardware on-site or the flexibility of cloud-based solutions, we've got the horsepower to make it happen. Lambda’s AI Cloud has been adopted by the world’s leading companies and research institutions including Anyscale, Rakuten, The AI Institute, and multiple enterprises with over a trillion dollars of market capitalization. Our goal is to make computation as effortless and ubiquitous as electricity.

If you'd like to build the world's best deep learning cloud, join us. 

Location:  This position requires presence in our San Francisco office location 4 days per week; Lambda’s designated work from home day is currently Tuesday.

Must be located within a commutable distance to San Jose, CA, or San Francisco, CA.  Remote will be considered. Domestic Travel 15%

Lambda, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Center Business Operations & Supplier Support Manager to join our dynamic team. 

What You’ll Do: 

We are looking for a dynamic and flexible individual to join our Data Center Business Services team as a Business Operations and Supplier Manager. In this dual-role position, you’ll be primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of data center business operations while also providing backup support for networking supplier management when needed. You will play a key role in driving operational excellence, ensuring top performance from both internal teams and external suppliers, and helping implement processes that keep the business running smoothly. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in an evolving environment, capable of quickly adapting to changing priorities, and focused on driving results while remaining hands-on to support the team’s success.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Center Business Operations Management:

  • Oversee day-to-day business operations of the data center suppliers 

  • Continuously evaluate and enhance operational processes, systems, and procedures to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, prioritize, and execute initiatives aimed at improving business operations.

  • Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data center business management and internal operations.

  • Monitor and report on key performance metrics related to data center (SLA’s) operations, such as uptime, power usage, cooling efficiency in connection with contract terms

  • Lead the coordination of all data center-related supplier engagement activities for example, QBRs, supplier scorecards, meetings, partnership growth

  • Invoice Management

  • Contract Management, incl. renewals, and right of first offer (ROFO) agreements 

  • Budget tracking and reporting for internal business and supplier MBRs 

• Networking Business Operations Management:

  • Provide backup support in managing networking suppliers, ensuring adherence to contracts and service level agreements (SLAs).

  • Manage supplier relationships and negotiate contract terms and renewals

  • Coordinate the provisioning of networking services, ensuring alignment with data center requirements.

  • Support Supplier QBRs to assess performance and drive improvements in supplier delivery.

  • Collaborate with the networking team to ensure that service delivery is optimized, and performance metrics are met.

  • Address supplier performance issues and escalate as necessary to resolve problems and prevent delays.

• Documentation & Decision Support:

  • Write clear, actionable documentation including instructional documents, one-pagers, and decision-making documents to support leadership with quick, data-driven decisions.

  • Produce concise and structured reports summarizing key project goals, status updates, and risk assessments to support executive decision-making.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration:

  • Collaborate with various departments including IT, operations, and business teams to ensure alignment between data center operations and overall company objectives.

  • Facilitate meetings and discussions to drive project alignment and ensure successful project execution.

  • Help define, prioritize, and lead projects that directly impact business growth, performance, and efficiency.

• Continuous Improvement:

  • Identify areas for process improvement within the business, including resource utilization, operational efficiencies, and cost-saving opportunities.

  • Drive process changes, working with teams to implement new systems, improve existing ones, and streamline operations for greater effectiveness.

  • Support the team in adapting to changes and growth, maintaining agility while ensuring successful outcomes.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• A hands-on, flexible individual who thrives in dynamic environments and isn’t afraid to take on a wide variety of tasks.

• Strong leadership capabilities, able to manage multiple projects and keep them moving forward despite ambiguity or shifting priorities.

• Proactive, with a focus on continuous improvement and a knack for problem-solving to drive business performance.

• A clear communicator who excels at documenting and presenting key information in ways that make it easier for others to make informed decisions.

• A team player who supports colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders in achieving the business’s operational and strategic goals.

• Experience in data center business operations management is crucial—able to effectively collaborate with operations teams, engineers, and other stakeholders in driving business-focused discussions and decisions.

• Ability to manage and coordinate across departments, ensuring smooth communication and alignment between the business and technical teams.

• Comfortable leading business discussions and decision-making processes related to data center business operations.

• Very open minded

• Willing to take on a challenge and be part of not just the day to day operations, but, also be part of building a foundational structure for scalability and future growth success! 

Top Five Requirements:

1. Communication & Status:

   • Provide clear, consistent communication with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure alignment and successful project outcomes.

   • Timely and accurate status reporting to leadership and stakeholders to ensure project visibility and successful execution.

2. SLAs & Reporting:

   • Ensure strict adherence to SLAs for both data center operations and networking suppliers, proactively addressing any issues that may affect timelines or service quality.

   • Manage reporting and tracking of key metrics, ensuring that all objectives are met and performance targets are achieved.

3. Problem Solving:

   • Identify risks, troubleshoot issues, and drive resolutions in both data center business operations and supplier management.

   • Collaborate with teams to prioritize issues and resolve conflicts quickly, ensuring minimal disruptions to business operations.

4. Organization & Adaptability:

   • Stay adaptable and flexible in a fast-paced environment where priorities may change.

   • Ensure that team members and projects remain organized, with deadlines met and deliverables completed on time, even when faced with evolving challenges.

5. Process Improvement:

   • Drive continuous improvement in operational processes, proactively identifying opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.

   • Implement new processes, adjust existing systems, and manage change effectively to keep the business running smoothly.

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Data Center Business Operations, or a related field, or equivalent experience in data center business operations management, and/or supplier management.

• Strong understanding of data center business operations, including power, capacity, and supplier management.

• Familiarity with networking provisioning and supporting networking suppliers in a secondary capacity is a plus

• Experience managing supplier relationships, including contract management, renewals, and SLAs.

• Experience with Supplier Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and supplier performance management.

• Strong documentation and writing skills, with the ability to create clear, concise project documents, decision-making documents, and instructional materials.

• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and solve complex problems.

• Experience with project management tools and data center management systems is a plus.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams and effectively engage with stakeholders.

Salary Range Information 

Based on market data and other factors, the annual salary range for this position is $125,000 to $180,000. However, a salary higher or lower than this range may be appropriate for a candidate whose qualifications differ meaningfully from those listed in the job description.

About Lambda

• Founded in 2012, ~350 employees (2024) and growing fast

• We offer generous cash & equity compensation

• Our investors include Andra Capital, SGW, Andrej Karpathy, ARK Invest, Fincadia Advisors, G Squared, In-Q-Tel (IQT), KHK & Partners, NVIDIA, Pegatron, Supermicro, Wistron, Wiwynn, US Innovative Technology, Gradient Ventures, Mercato Partners, SVB, 1517, Crescent Cove.

• We are experiencing extremely high demand for our systems, with quarter over quarter, year over year profitability

• Our research papers have been accepted into top machine learning and graphics conferences, including NeurIPS, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, and TOG

• Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents

• Commuter/Work from home stipends for select roles

• 401k Plan with 2% company match (USA employees)

• Flexible Paid Time Off Plan that we all actually use

A Final Note:

You do not need to match all of the listed expectations to apply for this position. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lambda is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and identity, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other factors prohibited by local, state, or federal law.