About Riot Platforms
Riot’s (NASDAQ: RIOT) vision is to be the world’s most trusted platform for powering and building digital infrastructure. Riot’s mission is to empower the future of digital infrastructure by positively impacting the sectors, networks, and communities that we touch. We believe that the combination of an innovative spirit and strong community partnership allows us to achieve best-in-class execution and create successful outcomes.
Who we are
At Riot, we’re building the future of digital infrastructure. Our team members have unparalleled opportunities to work on groundbreaking initiatives. Through technical excellence and strategic execution, Riot has positioned itself as a leader in the industry driving advancements that continue to set new benchmarks in digital infrastructure.
We are trailblazers. Problem solvers. People who thrive in fast paced environments, communicate clearly, and bring relentless focus to efficiency and execution.
About the role
The Principal Category Manager – Data Center Cooling drives the global end-to-end category strategy, strategic sourcing, and supplier development for hyper-scale data center mechanical infrastructure. In this senior role, you will manage a multi-hundred-million-dollar annual spend across key mechanical cooling systems, including Chillers, Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAHs), Air Handling Units (AHUs), Containment, etc
You will act as the primary commercial authority for critical thermal suppliers, aligning engineering roadmaps, securing manufacturing capacity, and establishing resilient, cost-optimized supply chains to support rapid global data center deployment.
What you'll do
- Category Strategy & Execution: Develop and execute multi-year global strategic sourcing strategies for mechanical cooling commodities to ensure capacity, quality, and total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization.
- Supplier Relationship & Development: Manage executive-level relationships with Tier-1 and Tier-2 cooling OEMs. Drive supplier capacity expansion, technical innovation, and performance scorecards.
- Commercial Negotiation & Contracting: Lead complex negotiations for Master Purchasing Agreements, Capacity Agreements, and SLA frameworks.
- Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner closely with Data Center Design Engineering, Operations, and Construction teams to align cooling technology roadmaps with future compute architectures (e.g., high-density AI/HPC workloads).
- Risk Management & Supply Resiliency: Map multi-tier supply chains to identify and mitigate single-point-of-failure risks, lead-time bottlenecks, and geopolitical constraints across raw materials and components (e.g., compressors, fans, coils).
- Market Intelligence: Monitor market trends, commodity price fluctuations (copper, aluminum, steel), refrigerant regulations (e.g., HFC phase-downs, low-GWP transitions), and vendor capacity constraints to inform executive decision-making.
What you'll bring
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related technical discipline. Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
- 10+ years of strategic sourcing or supply chain management experience, with at least 5 years specifically dedicated to critical data center infrastructure, industrial HVAC, or heavy mechanical capital equipment.
- Deep technical and commercial understanding of mechanical cooling systems (Chillers, CRAHs, AHUs, Liquid Cooling, Cooling Towers, CDUs).
- Demonstrated track record of structuring complex, high-value contracts and capacity reservation agreements with global OEMs.
- Strong cross-functional leadership, communication, and executive presentation skills. Proven ability to influence internal engineering stakeholders and external vendor leadership.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive Salary: $169,000 - $208,000 (commensurate with experience) + bonus + sign-on equity grant.
- Long-Term Growth: Eligible to participate in Riot’s equity incentive programs and share in the success you help build.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan: Incudes a generous company match.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple medical plan options, including 100% company-paid plans.
- Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy free gym memberships, pet insurance, childcare discounts, and more to support your life both in and out of work.
Riot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related technical discipline
- Master's degree or MBA
- 10+ years of strategic sourcing or supply chain management experience
- At least 5 years of experience with critical data center infrastructure, industrial HVAC, or heavy mechanical capital equipment
- Deep technical and commercial understanding of chillers, CRAHs, AHUs, liquid cooling, cooling towers, and CDUs
- Experience structuring complex, high-value contracts and capacity reservation agreements with global OEMs
- Strong cross-functional leadership, communication, and executive presentation skills
- Ability to influence internal engineering stakeholders and external vendor leadership
Riot Platforms, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Affordable Benefits — Company materials state most medical, dental, and vision plans cover 100% of employee premiums, with options for dependents. This structure meaningfully reduces out-of-pocket costs for core coverage.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with company matching is paired with company‑paid disability, life and AD&D coverage and access to Morgan Stanley planning tools. These elements reinforce longer‑term financial security.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid family leave for all parents and “generous” parental leave are featured alongside childcare and family support through Bright Horizons and partners like Cleo. This breadth offers tangible help for caregivers at different life stages.
Riot Platforms, Inc. Insights
What We Do
Riot’s (NASDAQ: RIOT) vision is to be the world’s most trusted platform for powering and building digital infrastructure. Riot’s mission is to empower the future of digital infrastructure by positively impacting the sectors, networks, and communities that we touch. We believe that the combination of an innovative spirit and strong community partnership allows us to achieve best-in-class execution and create successful outcomes.
Why Work With Us
Our culture is rooted in extreme ownership. That means every challenge is an opportunity, and every team member is empowered to lead, innovate, and execute. We believe in moving fast, thinking boldly, and owning outcomes because that’s how we operate.
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Riot Platforms, Inc. Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
