Global Category Manager – Capital Projects

Applied Digital; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Digital seeks a Global Category Manager – Capital Projects to lead strategic sourcing for OFCI equipment across multiple data center sites. You will shape category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and negotiate MSAs and SOWs with cross-functional partners.

This role supports Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Finance, driving cost savings, dashboards, and risk management in a fast-paced, travel-friendly environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management.
• Experience supporting data center or mission-critical capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies for capital equipment and services supporting HPC data center builds.
• Lead competitive sourcing events aligned with project schedules.
• Negotiate complex commercial agreements including MSAs and SOWs.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Cost optimization

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

At Applied Digital, we are the epicenter of AI innovation, crafting cutting-edge data center solutions tailored for the demands of high-performance computing. Designed from the ground up to support AI and machine learning workloads, our infrastructure is the backbone of tomorrow’s technological advancements, including AI-driven video and generative platforms.

We are:

• Forward-Thinkers: With a keen eye on current market trends and future innovations, we adapt swiftly and lead technological evolution.
• Resilient: We navigate complex challenges and emerge stronger, delivering robust and reliable solutions for industry pioneers.
• Innovative Designers: Leveraging the latest technologies, we create visionary solutions that redefine industry standards.

At Applied Digital, we are committed to solving intricate problems, advancing business initiatives, maximizing operational efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint. We are a team of resilient, forward-thinking innovators driving the AI revolution.

Position Summary

The Global Category Manager – Capital Projects is responsible for developing and executing global category strategies that support the successful delivery of high-performance computing (HPC) and hyperscale data center projects. This role leads strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, and end-to-end procurement execution for critical Owner-Furnished, Contractor-Installed (OFCI) equipment across multiple active and pipeline data center sites.

Key Responsibilities

Category Strategy & Strategic Sourcing

• Develop and execute global category strategies for capital equipment and services supporting HPC data center builds.
• Conduct market intelligence, supply base analysis, and capacity assessments.
• Lead competitive sourcing events aligned with project schedules.
• Manage procurement of critical OFCI equipment across multiple concurrent projects.
• Coordinate purchase orders, manufacturing milestones, logistics, and site delivery.
• Track long-lead items and proactively mitigate risks.
• Establish and manage strategic supplier relationships.
• Negotiate complex commercial agreements including MSAs and SOWs.
• Partner with Legal and Finance to manage risk and scalability.

Value Delivery & Stakeholder Engagement

• Drive cost savings and value creation initiatives.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and capital spend tracking.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies
• Serve as procurement partner to Engineering, Construction, Operations, and Finance.
• Provide executive-level updates and reporting.
• Prepare dashboards and decision-support materials.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic sourcing or category management.
• Experience supporting data center or mission-critical capital projects.
• Proven ability to manage long-lead capital equipment.
• Strong negotiation and project management skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in hyperscale or HPC data center environments.
• Understanding of electrical and mechanical infrastructure.
• Strong analytical and executive communication skills.
• ERP and procurement system experience.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Please note that Applied Digital is currently unable to sponsor new applicants for employment authorization or provide immigration-related support for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, visa categories such as H-1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1, O-1, and any Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) or other work authorizations that require employer sponsorship.