Data Center Category Manager - ELECTRICAL

Spencer Ogden; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading electrical equipment firm is looking for a Category Manager to oversee strategic sourcing and vendor management for electrical systems in data centers. This role demands significant experience in category management and commercial negotiations, specifically in critical infrastructure. The successful candidate will own the category strategy and collaborate with various stakeholders to drive cost optimization and ensure reliability in electrical solutions. Full-time position in Austin, Texas.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of category management or strategic sourcing experience in data centers or critical infrastructure.
• Deep understanding of electrical equipment and systems involved in data centers.
• Excellent communication and contract management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for electrical systems.
• Own the procurement of power distribution and backup power systems.
• Lead commercial negotiations with key suppliers and manage strategic partnerships.

Skills

Category management

Commercial negotiation

Electrical equipment knowledge

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Supply Chain, Business, or related field

Job description

Data Center Category Manager - ELECTRICAL

Base pay range: $180,000.00/yr - $240,000.00/yr

We are looking for an experienced Category Manager – Data Center (Electrical) to lead strategic sourcing, vendor management, and commercial optimization across our global electrical systems portfolio. This role is critical to ensuring reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient electrical infrastructure for our data center developments and operations.

You will own category strategy for major electrical equipment—including switchgear, UPS systems, transformers, power distribution units (PDUs), busways, generators, and associated installation services while partnering closely with engineering, construction, and operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for electrical systems and components used in data centers.
• Own end-to-end procurement of power distribution, backup power, and electrical safety systems.
• Lead commercial negotiations, RFPs, and contracting with OEMs, EPC partners, and key suppliers.
• Drive cost optimization, value engineering, and standardization across projects and regions.
• Monitor supplier performance, implement KPIs, and resolve escalations.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Construction, Operations, Finance, and Legal to ensure alignment.
• Identify emerging technologies and supply chain risks in data center electrical markets.
• Lead supplier business reviews and manage long-term strategic partnerships.
• Develop total cost of ownership (TCO) models and present recommendations to leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field (Engineering preferred).
• 5+ years of category management or strategic sourcing experience in data centers, critical infrastructure, electrical manufacturing, or EPC.
• Deep understanding of electrical equipment: switchgear, transformers, UPS, PDUs, busway, LV/MV distribution, grounding, and backup power systems.
• Strong commercial negotiation experience with Tier 1 OEMs and EPC contractors.
• Proven ability to build category strategies and deliver measurable cost savings.
• Experience working in a fast-growing or global organization is a plus.
• Excellent communication, contract management, and project management skills.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Industry

Electrical Equipment Manufacturing