Mechanical Category Lead

POSITION SUMMARYThe 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.RESPONSIBILITIESCategory Strategy & RoadmapDefines 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 IntelligenceBuilds 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 & ContractingCo-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 repeatabilityEarly collaboration in design and preconAlignment with prefab and logistics modelsSupplier & Risk ManagementOwns 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 & PlaybooksDevelops 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 InterfacesInternal: 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. QUALIFICATIONSBachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field5+ years of progressive experience in mechanical systems and equipment, with category management experience, procurement, or strategic sourcing managementProven track record in supplier negotiations and contract managementExperience implementing sourcing technology and analytics toolsCPSM, PMP, or similar certification preferredStrong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skillsDeep technical knowledge of mechanical systems and equipment.Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing and category management within mechanical systemsAbility 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 metricsDemonstrates behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values: Genuine, We, Not I and All InPreferred SkillsExperience in Category Management and Procurement within the Design and Construction IndustryUnderstanding 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 AcumenAbility to align sourcing strategies with broader business goals and financial targets.Strong understanding of project-based procurement and margin optimization.Advanced Data AnalyticsProficiency in spend analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Coupa, SAP Ariba).Experience with data visualization and presenting actionable insights to executives.Category Management ExpertiseKnowledge of category strategy development and lifecycle management.Familiarity with market intelligence tools and supplier benchmarking.Contracting & Legal AcumenUnderstanding of contract law, risk mitigation, and compliance across jurisdictions.Experience partnering with legal teams on complex negotiations.Supplier Relationship ManagementExperience building strategic partnerships and conducting performance reviews.Familiarity with SRM platforms and joint innovation initiatives.Technology & Digital ProcurementExperience implementing e-sourcing platforms and digital procurement workflows.Familiarity with AI-driven sourcing tools and automation technologies.Leadership & Change ManagementProven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.Strong stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills.Communication & InfluenceExcellent presentation and storytelling skills for executive-level audiences.Ability to influence decisions across diverse teams and senior leadership.Indicative KPIsMEP 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. NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy’s Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.