Category Manager, Data Center Electrical Equipment

NextGenEnergyJobs; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off & holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

SB Energy seeks a Category Manager, Electrical Equipment to craft and execute sourcing strategies for critical electrical infrastructure supporting AI factories and data centers.

You will lead supplier selection, negotiations, and long-term planning, coordinating with engineering and project teams to meet standards and schedules. Travel domestically and internationally as required; hybrid work options available in the U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or procurement.
• 5+ years in category management within infrastructure, industrial, or mission-critical environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across electrical equipment categories (switchgear, UPS, busway, transformers, etc.).
• Lead supplier selection, commercial negotiations, contract execution and long-term planning.
• Monitor market trends, capacity, and supply risks to inform strategy.
• Build and manage relationships with key manufacturers and drive supplier performance.
• Collaborate with engineering, construction, and procurement teams to align standards and project requirements.
• Coordinate readiness, production schedules, capacity planning, and logistics for deployment.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Contract management

Electrical equipment knowledge

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Electrical/Industrial Engineering

Job description

Category Manager, Data Center Electrical Equipment

SB Energy is seeking a strategic and technically capable Category Manager, Electrical Equipment to develop and execute sourcing strategies for mission-critical electrical infrastructure supporting next-generation AI factories and advanced data centers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across electrical equipment categories including: Medium-voltage switchgear Low-voltage switchgear Transformers UPS systems STS / ATS PDUs and RPPs Busway systems Protection and control systems
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for mission-critical electrical infrastructure equipment supporting AI factory and advanced data center deployment programs.
• Lead supplier selection, commercial negotiations, contract execution, and long-term category planning to improve cost, supply continuity, and deployment scalability.
• Monitor market trends, manufacturing capacity, and supply chain risks to support strategic sourcing decisions.
• Build and manage strategic relationships with key electrical equipment manufacturers, driving supplier performance across quality, cost, delivery, and capacity.
• Partner with engineering, construction, commissioning, and procurement teams to align sourcing strategies with equipment standards, Basis of Design (BOD), and project requirements.
• Lead efforts for technical evaluations, supplier submittals, equipment validation, and standardization initiatives across electrical equipment.
• Coordinate manufacturing readiness, production schedules, capacity planning, logistics, and long-range supply planning to support project deployment.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and operational risks that could impact equipment availability, project schedules, or supplier performance.
• Manage supplier performance metrics, commercial commitments, and reporting related to delivery, lead times, manufacturing readiness, and capacity.
• Partner with finance, operations, and project controls to support forecasting, deployment planning, and procurement documentation.

Requirements

• At least 7+ years of professional experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required
• 5+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement, or supply chain operations within infrastructure, industrial, manufacturing, electrical equipment, or mission-critical environments
• Experience sourcing or managing categories such as switchgear , UPS , switchboards , busway , or related equipment preferred
• Strong commercial negotiation, supplier relationship management, and contract management skills
• Working knowledge of electrical equipment manufacturing, supplier capacity planning, lead-time management, and supply chain risk mitigation
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities
• Experience supporting hyperscale data centers, utility-scale energy, industrial infrastructure, or other mission-critical facilities is strongly preferred
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to supplier facilities, manufacturing sites, and project locations as required
• Location: San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, CA, Phoenix, AZ or Denver, CO. Hybrid.
• Remote locations will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Base Pay - $140,000 - $170,000
• The pay range mentioned above is a guideline. We tailor each offer based on your unique skills, experience, location, and market benchmarks—while ensuring internal parity across our teams. The compensation range provided reflects base pay. Total rewards may also include performance-based bonuses, equity grants, and a market leading comprehensive health and wellness benefits package. Final details will be discussed during the later stages of the hiring process.
• At SB Energy, we invest in our people and their families with benefits designed for flexibility, support, and peace of mind. Full-time employees enjoy:
• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• 12 Weeks Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)
• Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)
• Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits
• Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data
• Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans
• Device Purchase Support
• At SB Energy, the success of our projects is driven by a desire to see our projects benefit as many people as possible. We work to serve local communities through volunteering, fundraising, and much more. For example, we’re proud to support access and opportunity in engineering and clean energy through impactful mentorship programs and workforce training. When you join SB Energy, you can become a part of these efforts, collaborating with team members who share a vision of building a better future now!
• To learn more about us, visit www.sbenergy.com .