Global Supply Chain Category Manager

The Global Supply Chain Category Manager is accountable for development and deployment of the Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) equipment program supporting global data center construction. The OFCI Program includes procurement of critical mechanical, electrical and power systems, ensuring quality, on-time, and on-budget delivery to construction projects worldwide. The Global Category Manager works closely with design engineering, construction management, project controls, and operations teams to develop and deliver supply chain strategies aligned with global data center build schedules, design and capacity targets. Global CM also collaborates with stakeholders to develop internal processes and procedures that can be used to drive consistent supply chain programs across all Global Data Center regions. This role requires an understanding of both construction project delivery and capital supply chain management in mission-critical environments

• KEY responsibilities
• Develop and execute optimized supply chain strategies for OFCI equipment supporting global DC construction projects.
• Plan and execute all phases of the procurement life cycle including market intelligence, multi-year projections, sourcing, vendor selection, contract negotiations, supplier management and CIP
• Standardize sourcing and procurement processes across global regions to ensure scalability and consistency.
• Translate construction pipeline and capacity roadmaps into long-range procurement plans for key equipment (e.g., generators, UPS systems, switchgear, chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, transformers, busways).
• Collaborate with Design team to incorporate Global Reference Design (GRD) standards into all sourcing strategies and effectively manage change
• Partner with project controls and finance to share procurement status, contract pricing and lead times, ensuring transparency and cost accountability.
• Implement best practices and process improvements to optimize supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, lead times, and mitigate risks
• Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage. Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to supply continuity, logistics constraints, and geopolitical disruptions
• Build and maintain partnerships with critical strategic suppliers to secure production capacity and priority delivery. Implement supplier management program in conjunction with cross regional supply chain leaders to effectively manage global supplier relationships
• Develop and implement a global standard supplier performance management program, including supplier business reviews (SBRs), KPIs, improvement plans, innovation in sustainability, modularization, and prefabrication to accelerate construction schedules
• Coordinate with Regional Category Managers and GDC stakeholders on supply chain functions including demand planning, sourcing strategies, vendor selection, allocation strategies, mitigating late deliveries, ensuring market pricing
• Collaborate with Regional Category Managers to ensure consistent execution of global program standards including provision of project specific KPI data supporting standard dashboard outputs
• Be an escalation point for Regional Category Managers to address supply chain/supplier performance issues (change orders, late deliveries, disputes, etc.) with suppliers; provide leadership working internally and with suppliers to address and resolve issues
• Team with Facilities Engineering and Operations groups to communicate GDC strategies and develop integration plans between construction and operations for commissioning support, warranty, maintenance, obsolete components, supplier performance, QBRs
• Develop early engagement and pre-qualification strategies for suppliers in new markets using standard pre-qualification process
• Implement total cost of ownership (TCO) models to drive lifecycle cost optimization
• Drive digital transformation of the capital equipment supply chain through advanced planning tools and analytics and employ an analytics-based approach to develop executive briefings used in decision making, updating health of the supply chain and managing complex data and dashboards
• KNOWLEDGE & ATTRIBUTES
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of best practice procurement processes for Mechanical, Electrical and Data Center-specific equipment and support services.
• Possesses industry expertise negotiating Agreement terms and conditions, pricing, cost adjustments, supplier qualification processes, vendor selection, account relationship development, logistics, and sourcing.
• Superior communication and analytical skills to prepare and present product demand forecasts to best meet company strategic plan and roadmaps. Presentation skills must include familiarity with presenting complex options and alternatives to Senior Management team for decisions and support of overall program goals.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Overall expertise in Data Center construction preferred.
• Excellent data driven problem solving skills.
• Proven history of year-over-year (YOY) cost and/or time to market (TTM) reductions through continual improvement or innovation.
• Able to work in a team environment. Even-tempered and able to work through conflict with others. Manage stress and/or fast pace effectively
• ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or relevant field; master’s degree preferred.
• LEAN/Six Sigma training
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
• REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
• 10+ years’ experience in supply chain, procurement, or project management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. Two years in mission critical/data center construction support including Capital Equipment procurement, and program leadership is preferred.
• Experience working with electrical and/or mechanical system suppliers, with additional specific experience with system integrators (modules, skids, etc.) required.
• Demonstrated success managing multimillion-dollar CAPEX portfolios and large-scale supplier agreements.
• Knowledge of construction sequencing, logistics coordination, and project controls.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), construction management tools (Primavera, Procore), and digital procurement platforms.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Understanding of sustainability and ESG requirements within capital supply chains.
• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Frequently move about inside and outside of data center / facility
• Remain stationery for long periods of time.
• Operate computer, peripherals, and other office equipment.
• Perform work during US business hours and global time zones
• Work conditions & other requirements
• Attend meetings onsite at a data center location
• Travel required 25% of time.
• Perform work from a remote location with stable internet connection
• Must be comfortable working in a highly critical, fast paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Must be available by phone during assigned work schedule and after hours for emergency situations.
• On occasions, must be willing to work outside normal business hours, including weekends, late nights, holidays, and on-call support.
• Must wear close-toed shoes with solid leather or composite sole or steel toed boots as needed in construction environment