Category Sourcing Manager

As a global leader in digital infrastructure, QTS designs, builds and operates advanced data centers that support strategic AI, cloud and digital transformation initiatives. We are driven by a mission to connect the world for good and our people make it possible. Every single day, the creativity, dedication and genuine care for our communities are what push us forward and make this a truly special place to be. 

The Category Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing, executing, and managing corporate sourcing initiatives for a variety of direct and indirect categories, depending on expertise. CSM will perform complex data analysis to identify new sourcing & other cost optimisation opportunities to generate cost savings for categories managed. Categories would include, but not limited to: Data Center Design, Construction, Electrical, Mechanical, Capital Improvement and Data Center Infrastructure Fit-outs.

CSM is responsible for negotiating complex/competitive programs & communicating to line of businesses and Senior Management the value propositions associated with Category proposals. CSM will work collaboratively with internal user departments to facilitate, optimize and execute the purchase and corporate governance of these spends categories within organization.

Responsibilities, other duties as assigned:

• Lead ongoing category management activities within assigned scope of 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

• Lead supplier contract negotiation activities

• Develop and execute contracting strategies for highest spend, greatest complexity, and most critical/strategic categories

• Coordinate Facilities’ purchasing activities across national portfolio of data centers

• Support supplier selection & recommendation activities including qualitative/quantitative analysis, selection criteria, long/short lists, RFI/RFP development, and bid analysis

• 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, 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 optimizes indirect sourcing and procurement work practices

• Builds relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements and specifications from departments and category 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

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply-Chain, or Engineering or related field or equivalent professional experience

• Seven or more years of relevant experience in Sourcing / Procurement / Supply-Chain

• Experience in contract development, execution, negotiation and management

• Skilled in building relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements, specifications from departments, and category subject matter experts

• Experience in managing and leading change initiatives involving significant impacts to organization

• Experience developing long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirements

• Demonstrated company-wide procurement leadership experience within one or more indirect categories or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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)

• Experience across development categories, such as construction, EPC, engineering, commissioning.

• Procurement certification (e.g. ISM CPSM)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills with all levels of the organization.

• Use organizational skills to determine prioritization and appropriate multitasking.

• Perform necessary and timely follow-up, escalating appropriately if 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 competing priority.

• Ability to resolve conflicts and solve problems

• Self-motivated and goal driven

Total Rewards:

• 25 days annual leave and public holidays

• 32 paid volunteering hours per year

• Salary sacrifice pension scheme

• Employer paid private medical and dental cover for employees and dependents

• Life assurance

• Illness financial protection including critical illness cover and income protection

• Employee referral bonus equivalent to exchange rates of $2,500 at time of award, subject to eligibility

• This role is bonus and equity eligible

The duties and responsibilities described here are not exhaustive and additional assignments, duties, or responsibilities may be required of this position.  Assignments, duties, and responsibilities may be changed at any time, with or without notice, by QTS in its sole discretion. We provide individuals with disabilities reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable law. Please contact us to request an accommodation on [email protected]