Category Sourcing Manager

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The Category Sourcing Manager ("CSM") is responsible for developing, executing, and managing corporate sourcing initiatives for a variety of direct and indirect categories. CSM performs complex data analysis to identify new sourcing and cost optimization opportunities, generating cost savings for managed categories. Categories include Electrical, Mechanical, Capital Improvement Projects, SG&A, IT, MRO, Facilities Maintenance, Data Center Infrastructure Fit‑outs, and Data Connectivity.

CSM negotiates complex/competitive programs and communicates value propositions to line of businesses and Senior Management. CSM collaborates with internal user departments to facilitate, optimize, and execute purchase and corporate governance of these spend categories within the organization.

• Lead ongoing category management activities within assigned spend categories to achieve business objectives and benefit targets
• Drive development of supplier and industry category profiles and strategies to a "best in class" Supply‑Chain for data center providers
• Identify and leverage company‑wide spend opportunities
• Coordinate Facilities’ purchasing activities across national portfolio of data centers
• Lead supplier selection & recommendation activities including qualitative/quantitative analysis, selection criteria, long/short lists, RFI/RFP development, and bid analysis
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for highest spend, greatest complexity, and most critical/strategic categories
• Provide strategic guidance to profiles and Total Cost of Ownership models used to support sourcing decisions
• Develop implementation strategy, responsibility assignments, communications plans, and timeline
• Lead implementation activities for categories with critical impacts to business and internal customers
• Monitor compliance with supplier agreements related to high spend scope area
• Develop long‑range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirements
• Conduct thorough spend analysis and develop methodology and metrics tools to track progress
• Negotiate, review, and execute implementation of contractual arrangements per company policy and business objectives
• Identify and implement system solutions and best practices that optimize indirect sourcing and procurement work practices
• Build relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements and specifications from departments and subject‑matter experts
• Ensure tactical execution of purchasing activities to meet routine business needs
• Drive value through innovation and collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal customers

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply‑Chain, Engineering, or related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Seven or more years of relevant experience in Sourcing, Procurement, or Supply‑Chain
• Experience in contract development, execution, negotiation, and management
• Skilled in building relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements and specifications
• Experience managing and leading change initiatives with significant organizational impact
• Experience developing long‑range sourcing plans to reduce costs, optimize supplier value, and meet customer requirements
• Demonstrated corporate procurement leadership experience within one or more indirect categories or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience

• MBA or Master’s degree in Supply Chain
• Experience working for or supporting a data center provider (multi‑tenant data center, hyperscale user, or equipment provider)
• Procurement certification (e.g., ISM CPSM)

• Excellent interpersonal skills with all organizational levels
• Organizational skills to determine prioritization and multitasking
• Timely follow‑up and escalation when necessary
• Strong planning, organization, decision‑making, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision on multiple, concurrent projects of varying complexity and priority
• Conflict resolution and problem‑solving abilities
• Self‑moti…