Procurement Category Manager, Data Center Cooling

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

JOB TITLE: Procurement Category Manager, Data Center Cooling

REPORTS TO: Director, Platform Procurement

SUMMARY: The Procurement Category Manager works with internal and external partners to manage all aspects of the owner furnished equipment (“OFE”) supply chain relating to data center cooling across our project portfolio, from initial strategic planning to completion of commissioning. This position is a hybrid strategic purchasing and project management role. This position requires excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to work successfully in a team environment under limited supervision. Excellent organizational, time management, and teamwork abilities are a must.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (to include, but not limited to):

• Manages strategic purchasing, planning, and project management of owner furnished equipment related to data center cooling, including chillers, buffer tanks, Delta Cube/Delta Flow, containerized electrical room/control house HVAC, CRAHs, CRACs, RTUs and humidifiers.

• Leads collaborative effort between engineering, procurement, technical program management, and construction teams.

• Manages owner furnished equipment from forecasting and strategic planning through delivery, installation, commissioning and turnover.

• Oversees relevant strategic vendor relationships – leading the effort to plan and purchase underlying equipment.

• Presents purchasing strategy to senior leadership in connection with underlying funding requests.

• Manages, tracks and reports production/delivery schedules and logistics, submittal review and approval, factory acceptance tests, and vendor field service scope.

• Manages and supports vendor relationships, ensuring the manufacturing production plans support the individual projects as well as the overall program.

• Assists in the management of project budgets according to project controls and processes.

• Set up, manage, and track project costs, schedules, and documentation history.

• Own and maintain all administrative duties associated with project financials, to include but not limited to, requests for proposals, change orders, requests for POs, and invoice reconciliation.

• Collaborate with project site construction managers and procurement project managers to successfully deliver data center projects.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or equivalent (degree or experience).

• Experience with data center cooling equipment design, installation and commissioning strongly preferred.

• Data center experience and knowledge of the developing data center cooling market is a plus.

• Experience managing large projects with many key stakeholders.

• Strong commercial skills required, including negotiation, planning and forecasting, budgeting, and reporting.

• 25% travel required, with regular visits to project sites and vendor factories. Some international travel may be required.

• High proficiency with computers and industry systems and programs, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office products (especially Excel), Construction programs (such as Procore, Helix, etc), database systems, financial systems, scheduling programs, etc.

• Superb written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to multi-task, with strong time management and organizational skills.

• Desire to work in an extremely fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

• Must have a strong attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses intuition and experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures.

• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Demonstrates knowledge of market and competition; Aligns work with strategic goals.

• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results

• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.

• Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.

• Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.

• Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; Measures self against standard of excellence; Takes calculated risks to accomplish goals.

• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.

• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.

• Project Management - Develops project plans; Coordinates projects; Communicates changes and progress; Completes projects on time and budget; Manages project team activities.

• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

• Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; Understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; Analyzes market and competition; Identifies external threats and opportunities; Adapts strategy to changing conditions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Frequently required to stand

• Frequently required to walk

• Frequently required to sit

• Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity

• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

At Aligned, we are committed to transparency and fostering a positive employee experience from your very first interaction with us. In compliance with Illinois pay disclosure requirements, when you join Aligned, you’ll have access to the following benefits: medical, dental, vision, short and long disability, life insurance and other voluntary benefits, 401k with employer match, bonus opportunities, paid time off, wellness benefits and professional development opportunities, all designed to support your well-being and career growth. We want you to have a clear understanding of what we offer, so you can make informed decisions about your future with us.

Aligned is equally committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and providing equal employment opportunities for all employees. We ensure that all applicants and team members are considered for employment, advancement, and all other employment-related matters without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of your job due to a disability or medical condition, please contact our People & Culture team. Accommodation requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws. Aligned will make reasonable accommodations where necessary to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their role.