Strategic Operations Procurement Manager

The Strategic Operations Procurement Manager is responsible for developing, executing, and managing corporate initiatives that enable effective operations and improvements of new and existing data centers. Responsibilities will extend beyond facilities project procurement, to include support for strategic initiatives such as customer fit-out, site engineering partnerships, and spare parts programs.

The Strategic Operations Procurement Manager will perform complex data analysis to support strategies for new sourcing & other cost optimization opportunities to generate cost savings for categories managed. Categories would include, but not limited to: Electrical, Mechanical, Capital Improvement Projects, SG&A, IT, MRO, Facilities Maintenance, Data Center Infrastructure fit-outs and Data Connectivity. The Manager is responsible for negotiating complex/competitive programs & communicating to line of businesses and Senior Management the value propositions associated with Category proposals. The Strategic Operations Procurement Manager will work collaboratively with internal user departments to facilitate, optimize and execute the purchase and corporate governance of these spends categories within the organization.
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Other duties may be assigned. 

• Support facilities management procurement strategy in partnership with the development, implementation, sourcing, and operations procurement teams to enable success for facilities operations.
• Foster strong stakeholder support and cooperation on assigned projects, which can range from facilities and construction services along with equipment and material support.
• Develop supply chain strategies that optimize spending, minimize risk, and ensure the successful delivery of facilities projects within budget and on time.
• Support development of pre-approved supplier list utilizing input from internal stakeholders and external engagement.
• Synthesize supplier, industry and market research for key facilities spend categories to develop pricing for equipment and labor contracts lead by the sourcing team.
• Administer, facilitate and answer vendor exchanges as part of the competitive bidding process, to mitigate QTS's exposure to risk and consolidate suppliers spend.
• Support development & execution of procurement programs to optimize regional spend leverage across site services and consumable materials.
• Maintain day-to-day supplier relationships, act as the lead point of contact for all commercial issues.
• Support negotiations of commercial cost reduction opportunities and provide analytical support for Total Cost of Ownership models used to support sourcing decisions.
• Identify and implement system solutions and best practices that optimize 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.
• Identify and leverage company-wide spend opportunities.
• Coordinate Facilities’ purchasing activities across national portfolio of data centers.

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.
• Skilled in building strong 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.
• Experience in contract development, execution, negotiation and management.
• 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).
• Procurement certification (e.g. ISM CPSM).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND 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 

This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits. This role is bonus eligible and may be eligible for equity.

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action.  We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings.  We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.  We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:

Know Your Rights (English)

Know Your Rights (Spanish)

The pay transparency policy is available here:

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted

QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.