Director, Vendor Management - Data Centers

Responsibilities We are looking for a seasoned procurement and vendor strategy leader to join our growing data center development platform. This is a high-impact role responsible for building and owning the equipment vendor ecosystem and strategic sourcing program that underpins our ability to deliver critical infrastructure at gigawatt scale. This role is the company's authority on the global equipment supply chain — who the right vendors are, whether they can perform, and how we secure the best pricing, lead times, and supply access across a multi-GW portfolio. Equipment Vendor Vetting & Qualification Proactively investigate and qualify equipment vendors across all critical data center categories. Develop and maintain a tiered vendor registry that evaluates manufacturing capacity, financial health, quality systems, safety record, and demonstrated data center-specific experience. Ensure the company maintains a qualified, competitive vendor pool across every major equipment category and is never exposed to single‑source dependency on mission‑critical supply. Strategic Sourcing & Portfolio Alignment Partner closely with Procurement, Development, and Construction leadership to align vendor selection, master supply agreements, and equipment standardization with the long‑term capacity goals of a multi‑GW development portfolio. Leverage the company's growing volume commitments and preferred vendor relationships to secure favourable pricing, lead‑time advantages, and priority allocation during supply‑constrained periods. Drive frame agreements and preferred vendor programs that create durable commercial leverage across the portfolio rather than project‑by‑project purchasing. OFCI Asset Tracking & Delivery Management Own the tracking and visibility of all Owner‑Furnished/Contractor‑Installed (OFCI) equipment from factory production through witness testing, logistics, site delivery, and installation handoff. Develop and maintain a real‑time asset tracking program that gives project teams and senior leadership full visibility into equipment status at every stage of the delivery lifecycle. Coordinate with vendors, logistics partners, and on‑site construction teams to ensure sequenced, on‑time delivery that never becomes the reason a project misses a milestone. This includes managing factory acceptance testing (FAT) schedules, resolving shipping and customs issues, and maintaining a clear chain of custody for all critical assets. Market Intelligence & Supply Chain Risk Continuously monitor the global equipment supply landscape — including manufacturing capacity constraints, geopolitical risks, tariff exposure, and lead‑time trends — for critical categories such as transformers, switchgear, generators, UPS systems, and cooling infrastructure. Translate that intelligence into sourcing strategies and procurement timing recommendations that protect project schedules and budgets across the portfolio. Qualifications 10+ years of progressive experience in vendor management, equipment procurement, or supply chain, with at least 5 years in data center development, construction, or mission‑critical infrastructure. Deep familiarity with the data center equipment supply chain and vendor landscape, including transformers, switchgear, generators, UPS systems, cooling infrastructure, and other long‑lead critical assets. Demonstrated experience negotiating and managing large‑scale vendor contracts, master supply agreements, and frame pricing arrangements at a portfolio or enterprise level. Strong commercial acumen with the ability to translate sourcing strategy into measurable cost savings, lead‑time improvements, and supply security outcomes. Experience operating in a high‑growth, fast‑paced development environment where the ability to build programs from scratch is as important as managing existing ones. Proven ability to build cross‑functional relationships with Construction, Engineering, Finance, and Legal stakeholders. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to vendor facilities and emerging markets as needed. Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, or a related field; advanced degree or relevant certifications (CPSM, CSCMP) a plus. Overview Related Digital is a leading vertically integrated data center development and investment platform. We deliver digital infrastructure solutions to hyperscale technology companies so they can accelerate artificial intelligence and cloud computing ambitions. Founded by Related Companies, one of the most prominent, privately‑owned real estate development firms in the United States, Related Digital uniquely combines Related’s 50‑year+ history of executing complex real estate and infrastructure projects with its track record in real estate investing and clean energy solutions. With a multi‑billion‑dollar, near‑term development pipeline in the U.S., Related Digital has the expert capabilities, depth of expertise and national scale to help hyperscale companies significantly grow their data center capacity on a rapid timeframe. Strategic Advantage: Related Digital harnesses expertise across real estate development and investment, data center development, complex infrastructure construction and clean energy development to bring differentiated solutions to hyperscale technology companies. National Footprint: Related Digital is based in New York and Dallas with operations across the United States. Related Companies has offices in gateway cities across the U.S. and London, and developments in 28 states and the District of Columbia, and boasts 4,000 employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are deliberate about the team and culture we are building. We aim to ensure competitive total compensation that is commensurate with experience, workplace geography, and market standards. For information about how we use your personal information, please review our Privacy Policy at #J-18808-Ljbffr RELATED