Senior Hardware Buyer

Paris; Geneva Join Proton and build a better internet where privacy is the default At Proton, we believe that privacy is a fundamental human right and the cornerstone of democracy. Since our inception in 2014, founded by a team of scientists from CERN, we have dedicated ourselves to providing free and open-source technology to millions worldwide, ensuring access to privacy, security, and freedom online. Our journey began with Proton Mail, the largest secure email service globally, and has since expanded to include Proton VPN, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass. These tools empower individuals and organizations to take control of their personal data, break away from Big Tech’s invasive practices, and defeat censorship. Our work impacts hundreds of millions of lives, from activists on the front lines defending freedom to leaders in governments protecting sensitive information. In some cases, Proton’s services have even been instrumental in saving lives by enabling secure and private communications in high-risk situations. Proton is a profitable company that does not rely upon VC funding, supporting over 100 million user accounts with a growing team of over 500 people from over 50 different countries, from the world's top companies and universities. We value intelligence, learning potential, and ambition in our hiring process. Adaptability is key as we navigate uncharted territories and redefine how business is conducted online. Hiring at Proton is highly selective, with less than 1% of candidates hired. We believe smaller teams of exceptional talent will always prevail over larger teams with lower talent density. You will have the opportunity work with many of the world's top minds in their fields ranging from former international math and science olympiad winners to chess champions. We have a global mindset and big ambitions but remain a start-up at heart. We value empowerment and flexibility and keep our structure flat to keep moving fast and avoid unnecessary politics. Tired of blending into the crowd? Join us and do work you can truly be proud of. Purpose of the role: We are looking for a Senior Hardware buyer to lead the hardware sourcing strategy for Proton’s infrastructure, with a focus on compute, storage and network equipment. You will build and scale a procurement function that enables low lead time, high agility, and low CAPEX cost while ensuring Proton stays ahead of market shifts in component availability vendor strategy and technology evolution. This role is both strategic and hands-on. You will own key supplier relationships drive critical negotiations and establish new procurement support model that supports rapid growth without adding unnecessary complexity. What you will do: Strategic sourcing & negotiation: Lead end-to-end negotiations with ODMs OEMs white-box suppliers Tier-1 semiconductor and hardware vendors. You will secure volume discounts favorable terms conditions priority capacity allocation during market shortages. Supply chain resilience: Build a robust diversified supplier network to mitigate geopolitical logistical risks In partnership with Infrastructure team you will develop contingency plans for critical components to ensure uninterrupted operations. Vendor relationship management: Move beyond transactional interactions to build deep strategic partnerships at senior vendor level You will act as primary liaison between Proton’s engineering needs vendor roadmaps. Process optimization: Audit overhaul existing procurement workflows Implement data-driven models on cost availability quality optimize purchasing efficiency velocity. Cross-functional leadership: Collaborate closely Engineering Finance Legal teams define hardware specifications validate technical requirements ensure compliance with Proton’s processes strict security privacy standards. We need you to have: Direct sourcing expertise: Proven track record direct negotiation contracting not only ODMs OEMs white-box infrastructure suppliers but also memory CPU RAM drive manufacturers (not just distributors). You understand nuances wafer capacity yield rates lead times. Scale-up experience: Demonstrated success scaling hardware procurement process team high-growth technology companies managing orders ranging $1M $100M+. Negotiation mastery: Reputation closing complex deals under pressure Comfortable challenging vendors pricing terms achieve best possible outcome for Proton. Data-driven decision making: Ability analyze market trends pricing indices inventory levels make strategic proactive purchasing decisions. Strong ownership mindset: You treat every dollar spent as your own Take full responsibility procurement outcomes do not accept "that’s how it’s always been done" excuse. Communication skills: Exceptional ability translate technical hardware market constraints business value executive stakeholders. Bonus Points For: OCP (Open Compute Project) knowledge: Deep familiarity OCP specifications ecosystem partners ability leverage OCP standards custom hardware solutions. Security-centric procurement experience: Understanding security privacy implications hardware sourcing supply chain management Data center infrastructure experience preferred but not required. Global logistics expertise: Experience managing international trade compliance customs management preferred but not required.