Global Supply Chain Category Manager

Socket.dev; Illinois; Hybrid; USD 136,000 - 194,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work stipend

Annual bonus

Job summary

NTT Global Data Centers Americas, Inc. is seeking a Global Supply Chain Category Manager to lead OFCI equipment procurement for data center construction worldwide.

You will collaborate with design, construction, project controls, and operations to craft scalable sourcing strategies and ensure on-time delivery. Responsibilities include supplier relationship management, cost control, ESG considerations, and implementing TCO models while aligning with global standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Engineering, or relevant field; master’s degree preferred.
• LEAN/Six Sigma training.
• PMP (Project Management Professional).
• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management).
• 10+ years’ experience in supply chain, procurement, or project management with leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute optimized supply chain strategies for OFCI equipment for global DC construction.
• Plan and manage all procurement lifecycle phases: market intel, sourcing, vendor selection, negotiations, supplier management.
• Standardize sourcing processes across regions for scalability and consistency.
• Collaborate with design to integrate Global Reference Design standards into sourcing strategies.
• Manage supplier performance and drive cost reductions and lead-time improvements.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Contract negotiation

Supplier relationship mgmt

Data center construction

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in supply chain or engineering

LEAN/Six Sigma

PMP

CPSM

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Primavera

Procore

Job description

Make an impact at NTT Global Data Centers

Join NTT Global Data Centers and be part of a team that drives innovation and sustainability in the digital world. With over 150 data centers across more than 20 countries globally, we offer unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and transformative projects. Experience a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported.

Your role at a glance

The Global Supply Chain Category Manager is accountable for development and deployment of the Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) equipment program supporting global data center construction. The OFCI Program includes procurement of critical mechanical, electrical and power systems, ensuring quality, on-time, and on-budget delivery to construction projects worldwide. The Global Category Manager works closely with design engineering, construction management, project controls, and operations teams to develop and deliver supply chain strategies aligned with global data center build schedules, design and capacity targets. Global CM also collaborates with stakeholders to develop internal processes and procedures that can be used to drive consistent supply chain programs across all Global Data Center regions. This role requires an understanding of both construction project delivery and capital supply chain management in mission-critical environments

What we are looking for

KEY responsibilities

• Develop and execute optimized supply chain strategies for OFCI equipment supporting global DC construction projects.
• Plan and execute all phases of the procurement life cycle including market intelligence, multi-year projections, sourcing, vendor selection, contract negotiations, supplier management and CIP
• Standardize sourcing and procurement processes across global regions to ensure scalability and consistency.
• Translate construction pipeline and capacity roadmaps into long‑range procurement plans for key equipment (e.g., generators, UPS systems, switchgear, chillers, cooling towers, CRAC/CRAH units, transformers, busways).
• Collaborate with Design team to incorporate Global Reference Design (GRD) standards into all sourcing strategies and effectively manage change
• Partner with project controls and finance to share procurement status, contract pricing and lead times, ensuring transparency and cost accountability.
• Implement best practices and process improvements to optimize supply chain efficiency, reduce costs, lead times, and mitigate risks
• Monitor industry trends, market conditions, and emerging technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage. Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to supply continuity, logistics constraints, and geopolitical disruptions
• Build and maintain partnerships with critical strategic suppliers to secure production capacity and priority delivery. Implement supplier management program in conjunction with cross regional supply chain leaders to effectively manage global supplier relationships
• Develop and implement a global standard supplier performance management program, including supplier business reviews (SBRs), KPIs, improvement plans, innovation in sustainability, modularization, and prefabrication to accelerate construction schedules
• Coordinate with Regional Category Managers and GDC stakeholders on supply chain functions including demand planning, sourcing strategies, vendor selection, allocation strategies, mitigating late deliveries, ensuring market pricing
• Collaborate with Regional Category Managers to ensure consistent execution of global program standards including provision of project specific KPI data supporting standard dashboard outputs
• Be an escalation point for Regional Category Managers to address supply chain/supplier performance issues (change orders, late deliveries, disputes, etc.) with suppliers; provide leadership working internally and with suppliers to address and resolve issues
• Team with Facilities Engineering and Operations groups to communicate GDC strategies and develop integration plans between construction and operations for commissioning support, warranty, maintenance, obsolete components, supplier performance, QBRs
• Develop early engagement and pre‑qualification strategies for suppliers in new markets using standard pre‑qualification process
• Implement total cost of ownership (TCO) models to drive lifecycle cost optimization
• Drive digital transformation of the capital equipment supply chain through advanced planning tools and analytics and employ an analytics‑based approach to develop executive briefings used in decision making, updating health of the supply chain and managing complex data and dashboards

KNOWLEDGE & ATTRIBUTES

• Demonstrates a working knowledge of best practice procurement processes for Mechanical, Electrical and Data Center‑specific equipment and support services.
• Possesses industry expertise negotiating Agreement terms and conditions, pricing, cost adjustments, supplier qualification processes, vendor selection, account relationship development, logistics, and sourcing.
• Superior communication and analytical skills to prepare and present product demand forecasts to best meet company strategic plan and roadmaps. Presentation skills must include familiarity with presenting complex options and alternatives to Senior Management team for decisions and support of overall program goals.
• Expertise in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Overall expertise in Data Center construction preferred.
• Excellent data driven problem solving skills.
• Proven history of year‑over‑year (YOY) cost and/or time to market (TTM) reductions through continual improvement or innovation.
• Able to work in a team environment. Even‑tempered and able to work through conflict with others. Manage stress and/or fast pace effectively

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or relevant field; master’s degree preferred.
• LEAN/Six Sigma training
• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years’ experience in supply chain, procurement, or project management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. MUST have no less than two years in mission critical/data center construction support including Capital Equipment procurement, and program leadership.
• Experience working with electrical and/or mechanical system suppliers, with additional specific experience with system integrators (modules, skids, etc.) required.
• Demonstrated success managing multimillion-dollar CAPEX portfolios and large‑scale supplier agreements.
• Knowledge of construction sequencing, logistics coordination, and project controls.
• Familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, Oracle), construction management tools (Primavera, Procore), and digital procurement platforms.
• Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and cross‑functional leadership skills.
• Understanding of sustainability and ESG requirements within capital supply chains.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Frequently move about inside and outside of data center / facility
• Remain stationery for long periods of time.
• Operate computer, peripherals, and other office equipment.
• Perform work during US business hours and global time zones

Work conditions & other requirements

• Attend meetings onsite at a data center location
• Travel required 25% of time.
• Perform work from a remote location with stable internet connection
• Must be comfortable working in a highly critical, fast paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Must be available by phone during assigned work schedule and after hours for emergency situations.
• On occasions, must be willing to work outside normal business hours, including weekends, late nights, holidays, and on‑call support.
• Must wear close‑toed shoes with solid leather or composite sole or steel toed boots as needed in construction environment

Compensation Pay Range

For roles residing in the US, we share pay and benefit levels to support pay transparency requirements. For other countries, we are more than happy to share our competitive pay and benefit levels during the interview process.

This is a remote position that requires reliable internet connection and electricity. A monthly stipend is provided to cover expenses associated with working remotely and use of a personal mobile device, if applicable.

NTT Global Data Centers Americas, Inc. offers competitive compensation based on experience, education, and location. Base salary for this position is:

$135,500 - $193,500.

All regular full‑time employees are eligible for an annual bonus; payout is dependent upon individual and company performance.

Employees receive paid time‑off, medical, dental, and vision benefits, life and supplemental insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, flexible spending account, and 401k retirement plan to create a rich Total Rewards package.

Who we are

As the third largest data center provider, we operate over 150 data centers in more than 20 countries and regions. We understand that every business – large and small – has its own unique needs and goals. We offer local‑to‑global data center expertise, aligned with our connected platform of AI‑ready data centers to create solutions that enable our clients to seamlessly scale their digital businesses, anywhere and anytime.

NTT Global Data Centers is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category. Join our growing global team and accelerate your career with us.