Category Manager, Infrastructure Cooling Equipment

SB Energy

Location not specified

Full Time

Posted June 1, 2026

$140k - $170k

Energy Management

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Job Description

SB Energy is seeking a strategic and technically capable Category Manager, Infrastructure Cooling Equipment (HVAC/Thermal) to lead sourcing, supplier management, manufacturing coordination, and category execution activities for mission-critical electrical infrastructure supporting next-generation AI factory and advance

Key Responsibilities

Lead sourcing and category management activities for mechanical, HVAC infrastructure equipment supporting AI factory and advanced data center deployment programs
Develop and execute sourcing strategies across categories including: Liquid cooling systems Chillers CRAH/CRAC systems Cooling towers Heat exchangers Pumping systems Hydronic systems Thermal skids and modular cooling infrastructure
Support supplier selection, bid evaluations, commercial negotiations, and contract execution activities
Develop long-term supplier relationships and strategic sourcing plans supporting infrastructure growth and deployment scalability
Identify opportunities to improve supply continuity, supplier competitiveness, deployment velocity, and commercial performance
Manage supplier relationships and ongoing commercial coordination activities across thermal infrastructure suppliers
Monitor supplier manufacturing schedules, production readiness, lead times, and delivery commitments
Coordinate with suppliers regarding: Manufacturing status Capacity planning Forecast alignment Delivery schedules Operational risks Escalation management
Support supplier operational reviews, performance management, and continuous improvement initiatives
Assist with supplier onboarding, qualification, and manufacturing readiness evaluations
Collaborate with engineering and design teams to align sourcing activities with standard OFCI Basis of Design requirements
Support technical review and procurement coordination for equipment specifications, supplier submittals, and performance requirements
Participate in supplier technical review meetings and equipment evaluation activities
Coordinate with procurement engineering and commissioning teams supporting FAT, SAT, and equipment validation activities
Support standardization initiatives and technology evaluation efforts across thermal infrastructure systems
Supply Planning, Logistics & Deployment Coordination
Support long-range supply planning and integrated business planning (IBP) activities related to thermal infrastructure deployment forecasts
Coordinate closely with Supply Chain Operations & Control Tower teams regarding: Delivery schedules Logistics coordination Inventory visibility Deployment readiness Site sequencing requirements
Monitor market conditions, manufacturing constraints, commodity exposure, and supply chain risks impacting thermal equipment availability
Support risk mitigation planning and contingency strategies related to critical thermal equipment deployment
Support management of purchase commitments, commercial obligations, and supplier performance metrics
Develop reporting and analytics related to:
Develop reporting and analytics related to: Supplier performance Manufacturing readiness Delivery reliability Lead time trends Capacity constraints Commercial exposure
Coordinate with finance, sourcing, operations, and project controls teams to support forecasting and deployment planning activities
Maintain accurate supplier documentation, procurement records, and operational reporting data

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required
5+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement, or supply chain operations within infrastructure, industrial, manufacturing, HVAC, thermal systems, or mission-critical environments
Minimum 7+ years of professional experience
Strong understanding of thermal management infrastructure systems supporting data centers, industrial facilities, energy infrastructure, or large-scale construction projects
Experience sourcing or managing categories such as chillers, cooling systems, HVAC infrastructure, liquid cooling technologies, or related thermal equipment preferred
Strong supplier management, commercial negotiation, and operational coordination capabilities
Familiarity with manufacturing operations, lead time management, supplier capacity planning, and deployment coordination processes
Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering, construction, logistics, operations, and supplier organizations
Experience supporting large-scale infrastructure, hyperscale data center, industrial, or mission-critical deployment programs strongly preferred
Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced infrastructure deployment environment
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, CA, or Denver, CO. Hybrid.
Remote locations within the United States will also be considered on a case by case basis.
Base Pay - $140,000-$170,000
The pay range mentioned above is a guideline. We tailor each offer based on your unique skills, experience, location, and market benchmarks—while ensuring internal parity across our teams. The compensation range provided reflects base pay. Total rewards may also include performance-based bonuses, equity grants, and a market leading comprehensive health and wellness benefits package. Final details will be discussed during the later stages of the hiring process.

Benefits & Perks

At SB Energy, we invest in our people and their families with benefits designed for flexibility, support, and peace of mind. Full-time employees enjoy:
100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)
401(k) with Company Match
Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
12 Weeks Parental Leave
Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)
Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)
Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits
Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data
Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans
Device Purchase Support
At SB Energy, the success of our projects is driven by a desire to see our projects benefit as many people as possible. We work to serve local communities through volunteering, fundraising, and much more. For example, we’re proud to support access and opportunity in engineering and clean energy through impactful mentorship programs and workforce training. When you join SB Energy, you can become a part of these efforts, collaborating with team members who share a vision of building a better future now!
To learn more about us, visit www.sbenergy.com .
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