Strategic Category Manager - Capital Projects (HPC Data Centers)Location: Flexible / Hybrid (Travel Required)
Position Summary
The Global Category Manager - Capital Projects is responsible for developing and executing global category strategies that support the successful delivery of high-performance computing (HPC) and hyperscale data center projects. This role leads strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and end-to-end procurement execution for critical Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed (OFCI) equipment across multiple active and pipeline data center sites.
Key Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing
- Develop and execute global category strategies for capital equipment and services supporting HPC data center builds.
- Conduct market intelligence, supply base analysis, and capacity assessments.
- Lead competitive sourcing events aligned with project schedules.
- Manage procurement of critical OFCI equipment across multiple concurrent projects.
- Coordinate purchase orders, manufacturing milestones, logistics, and site delivery.
- Track long-lead items and proactively mitigate risks.
- Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships.
- Negotiate complex commercial agreements including MSAs and SOWs.
- Partner with Legal and Finance to manage risk and scalability.
Value Delivery & Stakeholder Engagement
- Drive cost savings and value creation initiatives.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and capital spend tracking.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies
- Serve as procurement partner to Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Finance.
- Provide executive-level updates and reporting.
- Prepare dashboards and decision-support materials.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
- 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management.
- Experience supporting data center or mission-critical capital projects.
- Proven ability to manage long-lead capital equipment.
- Strong negotiation and project management skills.
Preferred Skills
- Experience in hyperscale or HPC data center environments.
- Understanding of electrical and mechanical infrastructure.
- Strong analytical and executive communication skills.
- ERP and procurement system experience.
- Willingness to travel as needed.
