Senior Mechanical Systems Category Lead

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

Job summary

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is seeking a Category Lead, Mechanical to own the MP systems category, integrating labor, materials, and prefab for complex projects. This role focuses on system-level optimization and strategic sourcing.

You will develop category strategies, manage spend, lead supplier relations and risk management across national programs, and drive standardized solutions with cross‑functional teams.

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

Responsibilities

• Category Strategy & Roadmap: Defines holistic strategies for major MEP systems (mechanical plants, distribution systems, plumbing systems, controls), including 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 emphasizing standardization and early collaboration.
• 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.

Skills

Category Management

Strategic Sourcing

Procurement

Data Analytics

Leadership

Tableau

Power BI

SAP Ariba

Coupa

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Coupa

SAP Ariba

Job description

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is seeking a Category Lead, Mechanical to own the MP systems category, integrating labor, materials, and prefab for complex projects. This role focuses on system-level optimization and strategic sourcing.

You will develop category strategies, manage spend, lead supplier relations and risk management across national programs, and drive standardized solutions with cross‑functional teams.