Description Summary:The Mechanical Procurement Category Manager is responsible for developing and executing procurement strategies for mission-critical mechanical equipment supporting DC BLOX's hyperscale, backbone, and edge data center development programs. This role serves as the subject matter expert for mechanical equipment procurement, leading supplier discovery, commercial negotiations, contract development, and procurement lifecycle management from project inception through final delivery.
Working closely with Engineering, Construction, Legal, Commissioning, Finance, and key equipment manufacturers, the Mechanical Procurement Specialist ensures mechanical systems are procured in alignment with project schedules, technical requirements, quality standards, and corporate procurement objectives while optimizing total cost of ownership and mitigating commercial risk.
Essential Duties:- Develop and execute sourcing strategies for mission-critical mechanical equipment supporting hyperscale and backbone (edge) data center construction projects.
- Lead supplier discovery, qualification, evaluation, and selection for major mechanical equipment packages.
- Develop, negotiate, and manage commercial Terms & Conditions for mechanical equipment procurement agreements.
- Author, negotiate, and administer supply agreements, purchase orders, framework agreements, and long-term supplier contracts.
- Procure mission-critical mechanical equipment including but not limited to:
- Chillers
- Fan Wall Units
- Cooling Distribution Units (CDUs)
- Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAHs)
- Computer Room Air Conditioners (CRACs)
- Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS)
- Mechanical skids and supporting assemblies
- Coordinate procurement activities associated with mechanical piping systems, controls integration, and building automation system interfaces.
- Collaborate closely with Engineering to ensure equipment selections satisfy design intent, performance requirements, constructability, and commissioning objectives.
- Partner with Construction and Project Management teams to support procurement schedules and critical project milestones.
- Lead commercial negotiations including pricing, payment terms, warranties, delivery schedules, liquidated damages, escalation provisions, and supplier performance guarantees.
- Manage supplier relationships throughout procurement, manufacturing, delivery, installation support, commissioning, and warranty periods.
- Coordinate with Corporate Legal Counsel during development and execution of procurement agreements.
- Administer procurement activities through the organization's Procure-to-Pay (P2P) systems, ensuring compliance from requisition through invoice and closeout.
- Evaluate supplier performance, delivery metrics, quality performance, and contractual compliance.
- Support value engineering initiatives while maintaining reliability, operational performance, and project schedules.
- Work with Commissioning teams to ensure procured equipment supports successful startup, testing, and turnover activities.
- Assist with warranty management, aftermarket service agreements, preventative maintenance strategies, and lifecycle planning.
- Maintain current market intelligence regarding mechanical equipment technologies, supplier capabilities, pricing trends, manufacturing capacity, and lead times.
- Support cross-functional initiatives involving Civil, Structural, Electrical, and Controls disciplines as required.
Education/Training/Experience: Required- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electro-Mechanical Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical discipline.
- 10+ years of procurement experience supporting commercial construction, manufacturing, mission-critical facilities, or data center construction.
- Advanced knowledge of mechanical equipment design, operation, and application within mission-critical facilities.
- Demonstrated expertise procuring large-scale mechanical equipment for complex construction projects.
- Thorough understanding of commercial contract development, Terms & Conditions authoring, and contract negotiations.
- Proven experience executing Procure-to-Pay (P2P) processes from sourcing through final payment.
- Working knowledge of mechanical construction practices and commissioning methodologies.
- Knowledge of mechanical construction safety standards and industry best practices.
- Experience collaborating with corporate Engineering organizations.
- Basic understanding of Civil, Structural, and Electrical systems utilized in data center construction.
- Strong commercial negotiation, analytical, and supplier management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications:- Previous procurement experience supporting hyperscale or colocation data center construction.
- Established relationships with major mechanical equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
- Experience negotiating warranty provisions, aftermarket service agreements, lifecycle management, and preventative maintenance contracts.
- Experience coordinating procurement activities with Corporate Legal Counsel.
- Knowledge of EPC contracting models and mission-critical construction delivery methods.
- Professional certifications such as CPSM, CPSD, PMP, CCM, PE, or equivalent are a plus.
