THE ROLE: Samples Analyst — Datacenter Enterprise Business Group
We are seeking a proactive Samples Analyst to manage and drive sample and platform hardware flows with external development partners (OEMs, ODMs, ISVs, IHVs) to keep platform and ecosystem development on schedule. This role is the operational lead for sample requests, development partner schedules, shipments, and requires strong analytics, excellent stakeholder communication, and a sense of urgency. The Samples Analyst will lead weekly status meetings, synthesize information from daily operational updates, and push for timely resolution of blockers, including with more senior stakeholders..
THE CANDIDATE:
The ideal Samples Analyst will be someone who can jump in quickly and take ownership. This person is action-oriented and comfortable leading operational tasks end-to-end: tracking requests, driving status, and closing the loop with partners and internal stakeholders. Excellent written and verbal communication is essential—they must be able to interact professionally with external development partners and internal senior leaders and convey clear, concise status updates and escalation rationales.
BEHAVIORS AND COMPETENCIES
• Highly organized and process-oriented; documents work and improves processes.
• Responsive and reliable under pressure; treats partner requests as high priority.
• Collaborative team player; builds strong working relationships with partners and internal teams.
• Problem solver with practical, data-driven approach to resolving logistics and coordination issues.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Act as the primary coordinator for sample hardware and platform components between company and external development partners (ODMs, OEMs, ISV,IHVs).
• Collect, validate, and maintain partner requirements and sample requests (specs, quantities, priority, destination, commit timelines).
• Build and maintain accurate trackers and dashboards (Excel and planning tools) to monitor sample request status, shipments, and replacement requirements.
• Prepare, process, and expedite shipping requests; coordinate with internal logistics, carriers, and partner contacts to meet delivery timelines.
• Monitor inbound and outbound shipments end-to-end; proactively identify and resolve delays, customs holds, or paperwork issues and escalate when required.
• Maintain tight cadence with development partners and internal stakeholders (engineering, product management) to ensure sample availability for key milestones.
• Respond rapidly and clearly to partner inquiries about status, configuration, or delivery; maintain high sense of urgency and customer service.
• Leverage Planning Analytics tools to produce regular reports and KPIs for portfolio managers: on-time delivery rates, root causes, and cost impacts.
• Support process improvements for sample request, shipping, and returns flows; create and document standard operating procedures.
• Stride to deliver stakeholder satisfaction from development partners and internal teams
PREFERRED SKILLS
• Advanced Excel skills: pivot tables, conditional formatting, macros; ability to build dashboards and automated reports.
• 2+ years’ experience in sample logistics, hardware coordination, program coordination, supply chain support, or similar roles supporting product development with external partners.
• Practical experience with planning/forecasting/reporting platforms (IBM Planning Analytics strongly preferred; alternatives like advanced Excel models acceptable).
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple concurrent requests under tight timelines.
• Excellent communication skills; able to interact professionally with external partners and cross-functional internal teams.
• Demonstrated ability to triage issues, escalate appropriately, and follow through to resolution.
• Comfort working with shipment carriers, logistics providers, and basic knowledge of international shipping and customs procedures.
• Proactive, customer-service mindset and willingness to work with urgency and flexibility.
ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree, preferably in technical related discipline.
