Technical Sourcing Manager, Fiber & Backbone Infrastructure

IREN

• $200K — $250K *
Telecommunications & Hardware
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of experience in sourcing or procurement for telecommunications infrastructure, preferably in data center or telecom environments.
  • In-depth knowledge of fiber optics, connector standards, and splicing methods.
  • Proven track record in negotiating complex commercial and construction agreements.
  • Understanding of permitting and right-of-way processes affecting construction timelines.
  • Experience with supply-constrained markets and long lead-time cycles.
  • Strong analytical skills for managing fiber counts and route capacity.
  • Excellent collaboration abilities across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

  • Own fiber and backbone sourcing from commercial negotiations to vendor governance.
  • Drive procurement of bulk fiber cables, connectors, and installation services.
  • Plan sourcing for new long-haul construction including contractor procurement and permitting.
  • Monitor market availability of fiber and connectors to proactively address shortages.
  • Collaborate with multiple departments to synchronize build, permitting, and launch timelines.
  • Lead RFQ/RFP processes and cost modeling for fiber-related projects.
  • Manage supplier performance and hold partners accountable for quality and delivery.

Benefits

  • 100% company-paid health insurance premiums for employees and 75% for dependents.
  • Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Access to financial planning and legal services.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays.
  • Opportunities for internal training and professional development.
Full Job Description
Job description

The Role
IREN is looking for a Technical Sourcing Manager, Fiber & Backbone Infrastructure to take full ownership of the physical fiber network IREN builds and owns end-to-end - from intra-data-center and hall-to-hall fiber through the long-haul backbone routes connecting IREN's sites. This is not a support role - you'll own the manufacturers, connector and passive suppliers, and outside-plant construction and permitting relationships that keep fiber ahead of, not behind, IREN's build schedule. If you love solving problems where construction, permitting, and materials sourcing all collide, and want to see your work show up as a hall lighting up on schedule or a new route connecting two sites - this is the seat for you. You'll operate with real autonomy, direct visibility to the Director, Network Sourcing, and the mandate to shape how IREN sources and builds owned fiber infrastructure at scale.

Job requirements

  • Own fiber and backbone infrastructure sourcing end-to-end: commercial negotiations, pricing, contracting, and vendor/contractor governance.
  • Drive sourcing and procurement of bulk fiber cable, connectors and passive components, and installation/splicing services for intra-DC and hall-to-hall runs.
  • Plan and execute sourcing for new long-haul route construction, including outside-plant (OSP) contractor procurement, permitting/right-of-way coordination, and route-diversity engineering.
  • Stay ahead of a supply-constrained fiber and connector market: track cable and high-density MPO/MTP/MMC availability and get out in front of shortages before they become blockers.
  • Partner directly with Facilities, Construction, Network Engineering, and Legal to keep fiber and backbone timelines locked in step with build, permitting, and go-live milestones.
  • Lead RFQ/RFP processes and cost modeling for fiber materials, splicing labor, and OSP construction contracts, including unit-based (per-mile/per-foot) pricing structures.
  • Negotiate supply agreements, unit-price construction contracts, and quality/testing standards (OTDR, insertion loss, return loss) that protect IREN's speed and build quality.
  • Own supplier and contractor performance - delivery, quality, escalations, and business reviews - and hold partners to a standard worthy of IREN's growth.
  • Build and maintain rolling 12-24 month demand forecasts for fiber materials, labor, and route construction with facilities and network engineering.
  • Hunt for cost-savings and risk-mitigation opportunities: route diversity, dual-sourcing of materials, and construction contract restructuring - anything that gives IREN an edge.


Job responsibilities

  • 7+ years of experience in sourcing or procurement spanning fiber optic cable, structured cabling, and outside-plant/long-haul telecommunications infrastructure; data center, hyperscale, or telecom carrier experience strongly preferred.
  • Deep understanding of fiber types, connector standards (e.g., MPO/MTP), polarity, splicing methods, and OTDR/insertion-loss testing and certification requirements.
  • Demonstrated success negotiating complex commercial and construction agreements, including unit-based (per-mile/per-foot) contract structures.
  • Working knowledge of permitting, easements, and right-of-way processes (municipal, utility, and railroad crossings) and their impact on construction timelines.
  • Battle-tested experience navigating supply-constrained materials markets and long-lead-time construction/permitting cycles.
  • Sharp analytical instincts - comfortable sizing fiber counts and route capacity against multi-site buildout roadmaps.
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills; equally at home with facilities, construction, network engineering, and legal.
  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Preferred
  • Existing relationships with fiber and cable manufacturers (e.g., Corning, OFS, Fujikura, Prysmian, Sumitomo) and OSP construction contractors.
  • Experience planning route diversity and redundancy for owned backbone networks.
  • Deep familiarity with data center commissioning timelines and how fiber delivery integrates with facility construction and rack integration schedules.


Job benefits

The IREN Package
At IREN, we offer a highly competitive compensation package that includes base salary, annual performance incentives, and opportunities to build long-term wealth through equity programs. These offerings are part of our broader Total Rewards package, thoughtfully designed to support your health, well-being, and long-term success.
Compensation
  • The expected base salary for this role USD $200,000 - 250,000/annum.
    • Actual compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and market data for the region.
  • Total Compensation package may be inclusive of annual incentive bonus, equity (long-term incentive).
  • Relocation or Living-out-allowance / per diem (as appliable and based on successful candidate circumstances)
Health & Wellness
  • 100% company paid health insurance premiums (medical, dental, and vision) for employees, 75% company paid coverage for dependents
  • Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Voluntary life, critical illness, and accident coverage available
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSA) - when combined with the High Deductible Health Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
Retirement & Financial Wealth
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Access to financial planning and legal services
Time Off & Leave Programs
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
Growth & Development
  • Internal skills training and advancement pathways
  • Professional development to support certifications, continuing education, or role related training
Community & Culture
  • Company events and team-building activities
We value diverse perspectives and believe that skills can be developed. If you're passionate about this role, we want to hear from you - whether you meet every criteria or not. Your unique experiences might be exactly what we need!

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