Senior Category Manager - White Space Hardware

Senior Category Manager – White Space Hardware

We are seeking a Senior Category Manager – White Space Hardware to own and drive the global strategy for White Space Hardware procurement supporting HPC and large‑scale data center deployments. This role is responsible for end‑to‑end category leadership, from market intelligence and sourcing strategy through contracting, supplier management, and competitive benchmarking, managing annual spend ranging from $500 M to $1 B+.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience navigating long lead‑time, high‑demand hardware environments, excels in fast‑paced and complex organizational structures, and has a strong background in supply chain strategy and execution.

• Lead global category management strategy for White Space Hardware used in HPC and data center infrastructure
• Own the full source‑to‑contract lifecycle, including
• Market intelligence and supplier landscape analysis
• RFP/RFQ strategy and execution
• Commercial negotiations and contract development
• Ongoing supplier performance and risk management
• Develop and maintain benchmarking models to assess pricing, commercial terms, and supply strategies against industry competitors
• Partner closely with engineering, infrastructure, finance, legal, and operations teams to align procurement strategy with technical and business requirements
• Design and execute supply chain strategies for long lead‑time, capacity‑constrained, and high‑demand equipment
• Proactively identify and mitigate supply risk, capacity constraints, and geopolitical or macroeconomic impacts
• Manage and optimize annual category spend of $500 M–$1 B+, ensuring cost competitiveness, continuity of supply, and scalability
• Drive continuous improvement across sourcing, contracting, and supplier engagement processes
• Operate effectively within complex, multi‑entity organizational structures, aligning priorities across regions, business units, and legal entities

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a strong preference for Supply Chain Management, Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field
• 12+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain leadership
• Deep understanding of data center, HPC, or infrastructure hardware procurement
• Demonstrated expertise in supply chain strategy and management, particularly for long lead‑time, high‑demand equipment
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of successful negotiations and contract execution
• Experience thriving in fast‑paced, high‑growth, and ambiguous environments
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and executive presence

• Category management or supply chain‑related certifications are a plus (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPM, CIPS, or equivalent)
• Experience working in highly complex, multi‑entity or matrixed organizations
• Background supporting hyperscale, cloud, AI, or HPC infrastructure environments
• Strong analytical skills with experience in cost modeling, benchmarking, and market analysis