Category Sourcing Manager

Manager, Category Sourcing

Job Profile Summary

The Manager, Category Sourcing is responsible for executing corporate sourcing initiatives for assigned direct or indirect categories that support data center development and operations. The Manager will facilitate sourcing and cost optimization opportunities to generate cost savings and mitigate risk for category spend under management.

Categories may include, but are not limited to: Electrical, Mechanical, SG&A, IT, MRO, Facilities Maintenance, and Data Connectivity, depending on assignment.

This role is responsible for negotiating competitive programs, supporting enterprise agreements, and communicating category value propositions to lines of business. The Manager will lead sourcing initiatives within assigned categories and collaborate closely with senior leadership to support broader category strategy and process improvement initiatives.

This role reports to the Senior Manager, Category Sourcing.

Responsibilities (other duties as assigned)

• Execute category management strategies across assigned spend categories.
• Lead sourcing events (RFI/RFP/RFQ), including qualitative and quantitative bid analysis.
• Develop and maintain supplier and industry category profiles.
• Negotiate supply agreements and commercial terms within assigned authority levels.
• Manage assigned contract portfolio to ensure agreements are current and optimized.
• Identify and implement cost savings and value improvement initiatives.
• Support enterprise-level agreements in partnership with senior leadership.
• Participate in QBRs and performance reviews with key suppliers.
• Monitor supplier performance and escalate issues when necessary.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure alignment with sourcing strategies.
• Provide reporting on savings, risk mitigation, and category performance.
• Stay informed on market dynamics and industry intelligence to proactively address risks and opportunities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, Finance, Operations, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Five or more years of relevant experience in Sourcing, Procurement, and/or Supply Chain.
• Experience leading sourcing initiatives and managing vendor relationships.
• Experience in contract development, negotiation, and execution.
• Experience managing vendor relationships with meaningful annual spend responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to independently manage multiple sourcing initiatives.
• Strong analytical and negotiation skills.
• Effective prioritization and time management skills.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and drive results.
• Self-motivated and goal-driven.
• Skilled in building relationships with cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience executing sourcing plans to reduce total cost and optimize supplier value.
• Ability to work with moderate supervision on complex category initiatives.