Category Sourcing Manager - Corporate Services

QTS Realty Trust

Duluth (GA)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

9 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching

Bonus or commission eligible

Generous PTO

Volunteer Days & floating holidays

Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

QTS Data Centers is seeking a Category Sourcing Manager to develop and manage corporate sourcing across direct and indirect categories. You will analyze data, negotiate value-driven programs, and partner with internal stakeholders to optimize spend.

Key focus areas include Electrical, IT, Data Center Infrastructure, and Facilities Maintenance. You will lead supplier selection, RFI/RFP processes, and implement sourcing strategies to deliver cost savings and business value.

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
Experience in contract development, execution, negotiation and management
Skilled in building 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
Demonstrated company-wide procurement leadership experience within one or more indirect categories or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience

Responsibilities

Lead ongoing category management activities within assigned scope of spend categories to achieve business objectives and benefit targets
Drive development of supplier and industry category profiles and strategies to a "best in class" Supply-Chain for data center providers
Identify and leverage company-wide spend opportunities
Coordinate Facilities' purchasing activities across national portfolio of data centers
Lead supplier selection & recommendation activities including qualitative/quantitative analysis, selection criteria, long/short lists, RFI/RFP development, and bid analysis
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for highest spend, greatest complexity, and most critical/strategic categories
Provide strategic guidance to profiles and Total Cost of Ownership models used to support sourcing decisions
Develop implementation strategy, responsibility assignments, communications plans, and timeline
Lead implementation activities for categories with critical impacts to business and internal customers
Monitor compliance with supplier agreements related to high spend scope area
Develop long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirements
Conduct thorough spend analysis, develop methodology and metrics tools to track progress
Negotiate, review, and execute implementation of contractual arrangements per company policy and business objectives
Identify and implement system solutions and best practices that optimizes 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

Skills

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation

Data analysis

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply-Chain, or Engineering

MBA or Master’s degree in Supply Chain

Job description

The Category Sourcing Manager ("CSM") 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 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. 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 targets
Drive development of supplier and industry category profiles and strategies to a "best in class" Supply-Chain for data center providers
Identify and leverage company-wide spend opportunities
Coordinate Facilities' purchasing activities across national portfolio of data centers
Lead supplier selection & recommendation activities including qualitative/quantitative analysis, selection criteria, long/short lists, RFI/RFP development, and bid analysis
Develop and execute sourcing strategies for highest spend, greatest complexity, and most critical/strategic categories
Provide strategic guidance to profiles and Total Cost of Ownership models used to support sourcing decisions
Develop implementation strategy, responsibility assignments, communications plans, and timeline
Lead implementation activities for categories with critical impacts to business and internal customers
Monitor compliance with supplier agreements related to high spend scope area
Develop long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirements
Conduct thorough spend analysis, develop methodology and metrics tools to track progress
Negotiate, review, and execute implementation of contractual arrangements per company policy and business objectives
Identify and implement system solutions and best practices that optimizes 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

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
Experience in contract development, execution, negotiation and management
Skilled in building 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
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 #LI-MC1

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.

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 talentacquisition@qtsdatacenters.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

It’s exhilarating to find yourself at a pivotal moment in history- and even more so to be leading the way. At QTS Data Centers, we are proud to stand at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation. Our world‑class data centers empower our customers’ most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us as a global leader in digital infrastructure. As AI and cloud technologies fuel the demand for increased speed, capacity, and innovation, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader. We are committed to connecting the globe for good. Driven by purpose and a spirit of innovation, we design, build, and operate some of the most advanced data centers worldwide. In addition to our cutting‑edge technology, we are dedicated to sustainability, incorporating renewable energy solutions to minimize our environmental footprint and drive meaningful impact.

As a proud portfolio company of Blackstone, QTS is uniquely positioned to achieve ambitious growth and innovation goals. At QTS, we are Powered by People. Our team members are the cornerstone of our culture, innovation, and growth. They are mission‑driven, resourceful, and committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Together, we’re achieving remarkable things and shaping the future of digital infrastructure. And we’d like to invite you to join us.

BENEFITS

Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting
Every employee is bonus or commission eligible
Generous PTO
Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays
Stock Purchase Plan (SPP) 11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when worked
Pet and Legal Insurance
Q-Rest Sabbatical Program
Q-Anniversary Service Award Program
Parental Leave for primary and secondary caregivers
Military Benefits Package
QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program
QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents
QTS Crisis Fund Wellness Program
Tuition Reimbursement Program