Category Sourcing Manager

Category Sourcing ManagerAt QTS Data Centers, we are proud to stand at the forefront of today's dynamic digital transformation. Our world-class data centers empower our customers' most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us as a global leader in digital infrastructure. As AI and cloud technologies fuel the demand for increased speed, capacity, and innovation, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader. We are committed to connecting the globe for good. Driven by purpose and a spirit of innovation, we design, build, and operate some of the most advanced data centers worldwide. In addition to our cutting-edge technology, we are dedicated to sustainability, incorporating renewable energy solutions to minimize our environmental footprint and drive meaningful impact. As a proud portfolio company of Blackstone, QTS is uniquely positioned to achieve ambitious growth and innovation goals.At QTS, we are Powered by People. Our team members are the cornerstone of our culture, innovation, and growth. They are mission-driven, resourceful, and committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Together, we're achieving remarkable things and shaping the future of digital infrastructure.And we'd like to invite you to join us.The Category Sourcing Manager ("CSM") is responsible for developing, executing, and managing corporate sourcing initiatives for a variety of direct and indirect categories, depending on expertise. CSM will perform complex data analysis to identify new sourcing & other cost optimization opportunities to generate cost savings for categories managed. Categories would include, but not limited to: Electrical, Mechanical, Capital Improvement Projects, SG&A, IT, MRO, Facilities Maintenance, Data Center Infrastructure Fit-outs and Data Connectivity. CSM is responsible for negotiating complex/competitive programs & communicating to line of businesses and Senior Management the value propositions associated with Category proposals. CSM will work collaboratively with internal user departments to facilitate, optimize and execute the purchase and corporate governance of these spends categories within organization.Responsibilities, other duties as assigned.Lead ongoing category management activities within assigned scope of spend categories to achieve business objectives and benefit targetsDrive development of supplier and industry category profiles and strategies to a "best in class" Supply-Chain for data center providersIdentify and leverage company-wide spend opportunitiesCoordinate Facilities' purchasing activities across national portfolio of data centersLead supplier selection & recommendation activities including qualitative/quantitative analysis, selection criteria, long/short lists, RFI/RFP development, and bid analysisDevelop and execute sourcing strategies for highest spend, greatest complexity, and most critical/strategic categoriesProvide strategic guidance to profiles and Total Cost of Ownership models used to support sourcing decisionsDevelop implementation strategy, responsibility assignments, communications plans, and timelineLead implementation activities for categories with critical impacts to business and internal customersMonitor compliance with supplier agreements related to high spend scope areaDevelop long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirementsConduct thorough spend analysis, develop methodology and metrics tools to track progressNegotiate, review, and execute implementation of contractual arrangements per company policy and business objectivesIdentify and implement system solutions and best practices that optimizes indirect sourcing and procurement work practicesBuilds relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements and specifications from departments and category subject matter expertsEnsure tactical execution of purchasing activities to meet routine business needsDrive value through innovation and collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal customersBasic QualificationsBachelor's degree in Procurement, Supply-Chain, or Engineering or related field or equivalent professional experienceSeven or more years of relevant experience in Sourcing / Procurement / Supply-ChainExperience in contract development, execution, negotiation and managementSkilled in building relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements, specifications from departments, and category subject matter expertsExperience in managing and leading change initiatives involving significant impacts to organizationExperience developing long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirementsDemonstrated company-wide procurement leadership experience within one or more indirect categories or an equivalent combination of education, training or experiencePreferred QualificationsMBA or Master's degree in Supply ChainExperience working for or supporting a data center provider (multi-tenant data center, hyperscale user, or equipment provider)Procurement certification (e.g. ISM CPSM)Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesExhibit excellent interpersonal skills with all levels of the organization.Use organizational skills to determine prioritization and appropriate multitasking.Perform necessary and timely follow-up, escalating appropriately if necessary.Strong planning, organization, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, on multiple, concurrent projects of varying complexity and competing priority.Ability to resolve conflicts and solve problemsSelf-motivated and goal drivenWe conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:Know Your Rights (English)Know Your Rights (Spanish)The pay transparency policy is available here:Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-FormattedQTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.