Category Sourcing Manager

QTS Realty Trust; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary sacrifice pension

Private medical and dental cover

Life assurance

Illness financial protection

Volunteer hours

Employee referral bonus

Job summary

QTS Realty Trust is seeking a Category Sourcing Manager to lead category management for our data center spend across a national portfolio. You will develop supplier strategies, negotiate complex contracts, and guide cross-functional teams through procurement governance.

The role requires strong spend analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and experience in leading change initiatives within a large corporate environment. This is a mission-critical, full-time position based in the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply-Chain, or Engineering or related field.
• Experience leading category management and supplier negotiations.

Responsibilities

• Lead ongoing category management for data center related spend.
• Develop supplier profiles and category strategies.
• Negotiate complex supplier contracts and pricing.
• Coordinate across national data center portfolio.
• Perform spend analysis and cost optimisation opportunities.
• Provide governance for supplier agreements and contracts.

Skills

Sourcing strategy

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Spend analysis

Project management

Change management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Procurement/Supply-Chain/Engineering

Job description

Who we are: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 targetsDrive development of supplier and industry category profiles and strategies to a “best in class” Supply-Chain for data center providersIdentify and leverage company-wide spend opportunitiesLead supplier contract negotiation activitiesDevelop and execute contracting strategies for highest spend, greatest complexity, and most critical/strategic categoriesCoordinate Facilities’ purchasing activities across national portfolio of data centersSupport supplier selection & recommendation activities including qualitative/quantitative analysis, selection criteria, long/short lists, RFI/RFP development, and bid analysisProvide strategic guidance to profiles and Total Cost of Ownership models used to support sourcing decisionsDevelop implementation strategy, responsibility assignments, communications plans, and timelineLead implementation activities for categories with critical impacts to business and internal customersMonitor compliance with supplier agreements related to high spend scope areaDevelop long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirementsConduct thorough spend analysis, develop methodology and metrics tools to track progressNegotiate, review, and execute implementation of contractual arrangements per company policy and business objectivesIdentify and implement system solutions and best practices that optimizes indirect sourcing and procurement work practicesBuilds relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements and specifications from departments and category subject matter expertsEnsure tactical execution of purchasing activities to meet routine business needsDrive value through innovation and collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal customersBasic Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply-Chain, or Engineering or related field or equivalent professional experienceSeven or more years of relevant experience in Sourcing / Procurement / Supply-ChainExperience in contract development, execution, negotiation and managementSkilled in building relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements, specifications from departments, and category subject matter expertsExperience in managing and leading change initiatives involving significant impacts to organizationExperience developing long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirementsDemonstrated company-wide procurement leadership experience within one or more indirect categories or an equivalent combination of education, training or experiencePreferred Qualifications:MBA or Master’s degree in Supply ChainExperience 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 problemsSelf-motivated and goal drivenTotal Rewards:25 days annual leave and public holidays32 paid volunteering hours per yearSalary sacrifice pension schemeEmployer paid private medical and dental cover for employees and dependentsLife assuranceIllness financial protection including critical illness cover and income protectionEmployee referral bonus equivalent to exchange rates of $2,500 at time of award, subject to eligibilityThis role is bonus and equity eligibleThe 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 [e-mail]