Mechanical Category Lead

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. in Phoenix is seeking a Category Lead, Mechanical to own the MP systems strategy across megaprojects. You will drive standardization, supplier management, and cross-functional collaboration with design, prefab, and operations teams.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in mechanical systems with procurement, strong leadership, and data analytics to optimize margin, performance, and lifecycle costs across projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in mechanical systems with category management, procurement, or strategic sourcing.
• Proven track record in supplier negotiations and contract management.
• Experience implementing sourcing technology and analytics tools.
• CPSM, PMP, or similar certification preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Deep technical knowledge of mechanical systems and equipment.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing and category management within mechanical systems.
• Ability to bridge engineering, construction, prefabrication, and procurement perspectives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, total cost of ownership, should-cost models, and supplier performance metrics.
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values: Genuine, We, Not I and All In

Responsibilities

• Defines holistic strategies for major MEP systems and standardized system families.
• Evaluates make-vs-buy and prefab vs field-build decisions in concert with Prefab and Design Phase teams.
• Aligns with Self-Perform Mechanical, National Water, mission critical / healthcare, and national MEP leadership.
• Builds and maintains material taxonomy, spend views, and should-cost models for major mechanical components.
• Tracks mechanical market conditions including lead times, AHUs, chillers, boilers, pumps, ductwork, piping systems, controls pricing, standards, codes, tariffs.
• Builds TCO models reflecting equipment, installation, commissioning, lifecycle energy/maintenance.
• Tracks OEM and integrator landscapes and partners with subs.
• Co-leads sourcing events with Strategic Sourcing for OEMs and subcontractors; establishes partnering frameworks.
• Owns SRM for strategic mechanical suppliers and ensures warranty, commissioning, and support.
• Leads risk assessments for long lead items and defines mitigation and alternate OEMs.

Skills

Category management

Supplier negotiations

Leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Data analysis

Contracting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

CPSM or PMP preferred

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Coupa

SAP Ariba

Job description

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is America's premier, 100% employee-owned commercial construction company. With offices nationwide, we specialize in a wide range of project types that are as diverse and wide-ranging as the communities in which we build. Our innovative teams collaborate with clients and industry partners throughout the project life cycle, starting in the earliest stages of design, throughout construction and beyond project completion. McCarthy’s reputation for tackling the toughest building challenges starts with our focus on developing high-performing individuals and teams. We do this through our award-winning training programs, a best-in-class Total Rewards benefits program, and a focus on equipping diverse teams of employee owners through a connected and inclusive culture aligned with our core values of: Genuine. We, Not I. All In.

• We Live Our Core Values: We do whatever it takes to deliver on our promises with honesty and integrity.
• We are Employee Owned: We are personally invested in building the things people need in our communities.
• We Feel Like a Family: We value genuine connections and help each other succeed in an inclusive environment.
• We are Builders: We respect the work we do and everyone who helps make it happen safely.

How do McCarthy partners define our culture?

Position Summary

The Category Lead, Mechanical owns the Mechanical and Plumbing (MP) systems category where integration of labor, materials, and prefab is critical (e.g., air handling units, chillers, boilers, pumps, ductwork, piping systems, plumbing fixtures, controls). Focuses on system level optimization, rather than individual components, to support complex building and industrial projects.

Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Roadmap
  • Defines holistic strategies for major MEP systems (mechanical plants, distribution systems, plumbing systems, controls), including:
    • Establishes standardized system “families” and preferred solutions by market and building type.
    • Evaluates make‑vs‑buy and prefab vs. field‑build decisions, in concert with Prefab and Design Phase teams.
  • Aligns with Self‑Perform Mechanical, National Water, mission critical / healthcare, and national MEP leadership.
• Spend & Market Intelligence
• Builds and maintains material taxonomy, spend views, and should cost models for major mechanical components.
• Tracks mechanical market conditions including lead times, air handling units, chillers, boilers, pumps, ductwork, piping systems, plumbing fixtures, controls pricing, standards, codes, tariffs, and informs early buy down opportunities.
• Builds TCO models that reflect equipment + piping/duct + installation + commissioning + lifecycle energy/maintenance.
• Tracks OEM and integrator landscapes, including design assist partners and MEP subs capable of supporting national or regional programs.
• Sourcing & Contracting
  • Co‑leads sourcing events with Strategic Sourcing for:
  • Key MEP OEMs including HVAC equipment, controls, specialty systems.
  • Strategic MEP subcontractors and integrators (design‑build/design‑assist).
  • Establishes partnering frameworks (e.g. framework agreements, preferred partner programs) emphasizing:
  • Standardization and repeatability
  • Early collaboration in design and precon
  • Alignment with prefab and logistics models

Supplier & Risk Management

• Owns SRM for strategic mechanical suppliers, ensuring:
• Capacity and prioritization for megaprojects and program work.
• Robust warranty, commissioning, and technical support.

Leads risk assessments for long lead / critical items (e.g., AHUS, chillers, boilers) and defines mitigation including alternate OEMs, standardization, and early commitment.

Identifies high risk MEP scopes (e.g., mission critical, healthcare, water/process, large industrial) and design sourcing and contracting to address:

• Capacity and qualified labor availability.
• Commissioning, warranty, and performance guarantees.
• Coordination risk among trades and suppliers.

Governance, Standards & Playbooks

• Develops and maintains Mechanical Category Playbook:
  • Preferred specifications, OEMs, channel strategy, ordering rules, lead time guidance.
  • Ensures integration with VDC, design standards, and prefab assemblies.

Partners with 02S Solutions Integration to embed mechanical procurement workflows in project intake and margin planning.

Key Interfaces

• Internal: Self‑Perform Mechanical, National Water & Process Pipe, regional MEP leaders, Design Phase / VDC, Prefab Leadership, 02S Logistics, 02S Buyers, Project Ops.
• External: MEP OEMs, integrators, key MEP subs, commissioning agents, controls vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in mechanical systems and equipment, with category management experience, procurement, or strategic sourcing management
• Proven track record in supplier negotiations and contract management
• Experience implementing sourcing technology and analytics tools
• CPSM, PMP, or similar certification preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Deep technical knowledge of mechanical systems and equipment.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing and category management within mechanical systems
• Ability to bridge engineering, construction, prefabrication, and procurement perspectives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, total cost of ownership, should-cost models, and supplier performance metrics
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values: Genuine, We, Not I and All In

Preferred Skills

• Experience in Category Management and Procurement within the Design and Construction Industry
  • Understanding of vendor sourcing, solicitation, negotiation, bidding, and purchasing process.
  • Knowledge of operational work flows across construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors, distributors, and manufacturers.
• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen
  • Ability to align sourcing strategies with broader business goals and financial targets.
  • Strong understanding of project-based procurement and margin optimization.
• Advanced Data Analytics
  • Proficiency in spend analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Coupa, SAP Ariba).
  • Experience with data visualization and presenting actionable insights to executives.
• Category Management Expertise
  • Knowledge of category strategy development and lifecycle management.
  • Familiarity with market intelligence tools and supplier benchmarking.
• Contracting & Legal Acumen
  • Understanding of contract law, risk mitigation, and compliance across jurisdictions.
  • Experience partnering with legal teams on complex negotiations.
• Supplier Relationship Management
  • Experience building strategic partnerships and conducting performance reviews.
  • Familiarity with SRM platforms and joint innovation initiatives.
• Technology & Digital Procurement
  • Experience implementing e-sourcing platforms and digital procurement workflows.
  • Familiarity with AI-driven sourcing tools and automation technologies.
• Leadership & Change Management
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills.
• Communication & Influence
  • Excellent presentation and storytelling skills for executive-level audiences.
  • Ability to influence decisions across diverse teams and senior leadership.
• Indicative KPIs
  • MEP system‑level savings and cost predictability vs. estimates.
  • Reduction in MEP‑driven schedule risk (e.g. improved lead‑time adherence, fewer change‑driven delays).
  • Increased standardization and reuse of system archetypes and prefab content.
  • Improved system performance outcomes including energy, reliability, and warranty claims, on key programs.

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Pending CA location and experience, the salary range for this position is: $165,000 - $200,000. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.

For Colorado locations only, in accordance with Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (SB19-085), we are including McCarthy’s good‑faith and reasonable estimate of a range of entry level base compensation at the time of the posting. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Given the dynamic nature of the large‑scale commercial construction industry, a candidate’s project portfolio and background can change the role and compensation for which that candidate might be qualified. The title and pay range for this role could change based on candidate qualifications and experience. Pay Range: $150,000 - 180,000.