Category Management Direct Manager

Job Description

The Procurement Category Project Leader plays a key role in helping the company achieve its strategic objectives within specific procurement categories, supporting the rapid growth and expansion of major data center infrastructure projects. This position oversees projects from start to finish, focusing on supply assurance, business continuity, and risk mitigation to ensure project deliverables are completed with measurable results. Serving as the main link between Category Management, the Project Procurement team, and cross-functional project groups handling significant customer orders, this leader fosters collaboration, effective communication, and alignment on supply assurance and risk management strategies.

Responsibilities

Project Management & Implementation

Drive supply assurance, continuity, and risk mitigation projects from initiation through full implementation, ensuring timely and successful completion of all deliverables.

Develop and manage project schedules, critical timelines, and milestones to keep projects on track.

Ensure projects are transitioned into implementation and completed as planned.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Acts as the liaison between Category Management and the Project Procurement team and cross-functional project teams managing major customer orders. Facilitate cross-functional teamwork to align on objectives for supply assurance strategies and supply risks mitigation actions.

Communicate project status, results, and sourcing strategies to all relevant stakeholders.

E-Sourcing & Data Analysis

Organize and execute e-sourcing events, including reverse auctions and RFQs.

Analyze cost structures, supplier proposals, and sourcing baselines using advanced tools and methodologies (e.g., APRIORI, Should Cost).

Track and report savings, project outcomes, and supplier performance.

Supplier Management & Negotiation

Lead negotiations to secure best pricing and terms, review supplier agreements, and support supplier onboarding and second source development.

Ensure supplier capacity/readiness and manage risk related to part complexity and supply continuity.

Process Improvement & Value Creation

Identify and lead initiatives for process improvements within procurement and supplier management.

Support global procurement strategies at the regional level and drive continuous improvement.

Project Management & Organization

Demonstrated project management skills; ability to organize and schedule people and tasks.

Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Proven ability to drive projects into implementation and ensure completion.

Communication & Collaboration

Strong communication skills; able to collaborate effectively across functions and levels.

Ability to work within a matrix management environment and build stakeholder relationships.

Process Improvement

Proven ability to identify and lead process improvement initiatives.

Collaborative mindset with experience in stakeholder engagement.

A strong business acumen

Process improvement skills

Highly organized and can multi-task

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a Supply chain or equivalent in business, Engineering, or similar field of study (or equivalent experience).

5+ years of experience in supply chain, preferably direct manufacturing.

Technical & Analytical Skills

Strong analytical skills; expert user of Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.

Experience with e-sourcing platforms and reverse auctions.

Familiarity with cost modeling and supplier evaluation tools

Physical & Environmental Requirements: -

None

TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED:

10%

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS: Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Customer Focus

Operational Excellence

High-Performance Culture

Innovation

Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

Own It

Act With Urgency

Foster a Customer-First Mindset

Think Big and Execute

Lead by Example

Drive Continuous Improvement

Learn and Seek Out Development

Promote Transparent and Open Communication

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.