Procurement - Category Manager - Operations & Asset Lifecyle

Data4; Alcobendas; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

Data4 is seeking a Category Manager – Operations & Asset Lifecycle to oversee supplier relationships and negotiate contracts. This full-time role is based in Alcobendas, Spain, with occasional travel required within Europe.

The successful candidate will be responsible for driving sustainability in procurement processes, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with internal policies. A bachelor's or master's degree in Procurement and a minimum of 5 years in a similar role are required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a similar role covering Opex and Capex procurement.
• Experience managing international tenders and negotiating complex contracts.
• Fluent in English and French.

Responsibilities

• Oversee supplier relationships and negotiate contracts.
• Drive sustainability across the supply chain.
• Manage contracts and monitor supplier performance.

Skills

Negotiation and contract management

Cost analysis (TCO, should-cost analysis)

Risk management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's or master's degree in Procurement

Job description

Position Summary

Category Manager – Operations & Asset Lifecycle. Reports to the Group Procurement Manager. Full‑time role based in Milan, Italy or Marcoussis, France, with travel required within Europe. Department: Finance / Procurement – Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee supplier relationships and negotiate contracts to secure high‑quality equipment and services cost‑efficiently.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders across multiple countries to align procurement strategies with project timelines and objectives.
• Drive sustainability across the supply chain by integrating CSR and ethical practices into procurement processes.
• Define and implement procurement strategies for assigned categories, aligned with the group strategy.
• Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to diversify the network.
• Conduct continuous market intelligence to anticipate trends and mitigate risks.
• Lead RFx processes and tenders for assigned categories in close collaboration with stakeholders.
• Negotiate advantageous contracts while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and internal standards.
• Manage contracts and monitor supplier performance, ensuring delivery aligns with contractual services.
• Monitor and manage procurement budgets, identify cost‑saving opportunities, and provide regular financial reports.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with internal policies, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Identify potential supply‑chain risks and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Distribute comprehensive reports to support informed decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Procurement.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years in a similar role covering Opex and Capex procurement, preferably in data center, infrastructure or large‑scale industrial projects.
• Proven experience managing international tenders and negotiating complex contracts.
• Proven expertise in procuring services and equipment for maintenance, renovation and optimization of existing facilities, including FM, security, connectivity and intellectual services.
• Hard skills: Negotiation and contract management experience; cost analysis (TCO, should‑cost analysis); risk management; strong analytical, detail oriented and problem‑solving skills; strategic planning and execution aligned with procurement objectives.
• Soft skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; strategic vision; collaborative team‑oriented approach; strong organizational skills; high ethical standards and integrity; resilient under pressure.
• Language: Fluent in English and French.
• Working conditions: Occasional travel to supplier locations and group sites in France and internationally; dynamic, fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.