Supply Chain Senior Associate Specialist

Make an impact at NTT Global Data Centers

Join NTT Global Data Centers and be part of a team that drives innovation and sustainability in the digital world. With over 150 data centers across more than 20 countries globally, we offer unparalleled opportunities to work on cutting-edge technology and transformative projects. Experience a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive workplace where your ideas are valued, and your growth is supported.

Your role at a glance

The Supply Chain Senior Associate Specialist supports the implementation and day-to-day execution of supply chain and procurement activities for data center construction projects in Japan. The role focuses on Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) equipment and related construction services, including support for sourcing, supplier coordination, purchase order and contract administration, logistics, delivery tracking, cost and schedule reporting, and issue resolution.

Working closely with project, design, finance, legal, construction, operations, global supply chain teams, suppliers, contractors and sub-contractors, the position helps ensure that critical mechanical, electrical, cooling, and power systems are procured and delivered safely, with the required quality, on schedule, and within approved budgets. This is an individual contributor role and does not include people-management responsibility.

What we are looking for

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Support project-specific procurement and OFCI equipment activities, including demand and schedule coordination, supplier market research, sourcing, RFx support, bid analysis, commercial clarification, purchase order and contract administration, logistics, quality coordination, and delivery tracking.
• Maintain procurement plans, supplier lists, quotations, evaluation records, contract and order status, delivery schedules, cost information, risks, and action logs in an accurate and timely manner.
• Coordinate with suppliers, contractors, sub-contractors, buyer’s agents, designers, and internal stakeholders to confirm scope, specifications, required dates, documentation, site delivery conditions, and commissioning requirements.
• Follow up on long-lead equipment and identify schedule, cost, quality, capacity, or logistics risks early. Escalate issues with clear facts, impact assessment, and proposed actions.
• Support commercial negotiations covering pricing, payment terms, lead times, warranties, change orders, logistics, and other relevant conditions, under the guidance of the responsible manager or category lead.
• Assist with supplier qualification, vendor selection, due diligence, onboarding, NDA and agreement processes, and supplier performance reviews.
• Coordinate the impact of design or quantity changes with suppliers and project stakeholders, and support validation of fair and reasonable pricing.
• Partner with project controls and finance to provide visibility of procurement status, commitments, budget utilization, invoices, delivery milestones, and forecasted cash flow.
• Support collection and reporting of supply chain KPIs, including on-time delivery, cost performance, sourcing progress, supplier responsiveness, and risk status.
• Contribute to standardization and continuous improvement of procurement plans, templates, databases, workflows, reporting, and digital tools.
• Communicate and collaborate with regional and global teams in English as needed while managing day-to-day activities with Japanese stakeholders and suppliers in Japanese.
• Visit supplier factories, contractor offices, project sites, and data center locations in Japan as required.

Knowledge and Attributes:

• Working knowledge of procurement processes for mechanical, electrical, construction, or data center-related equipment and services.
• Understanding of sourcing, supplier qualification, vendor selection, pricing evaluation, and contract administration.
• Strong analytical and data-driven problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work with suppliers, contractors, and internal teams.
• Familiarity with data center construction and critical infrastructure environments is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, cross-functional, and multicultural environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing project requirements.

Academic Qualifications and Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience in Supply Chain, Engineering, Construction, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in procurement, project management, or construction are an advantage.

Required Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, construction, engineering, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Professional work experience in Japan and familiarity with Japanese business practices.
• Business-level Japanese and English communication skills (TOEIC 750+ preferred).
• Experience working with suppliers, contractors, manufacturers, or engineering organizations.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequently move about inside and outside of data center, construction, supplier, and factory facilities.
• Remain stationary for extended periods while working on a computer and attending meetings.
• Operate computers, peripherals, and other office equipment.
• Collaborate with regional and global teams across multiple time zones.
• Familiarity with construction site and factory safety requirements, with the ability to navigate project sites safely.

Work Conditions and Other Requirements:

• Attend meetings onsite at data center, construction, supplier, and factory locations as required.
• Occasional domestic travel may be required based on project and business needs.
• Collaborate with regional and global teams across multiple time zones.
• Must be comfortable working in a highly critical, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.
• Comply with company policies, standard operating procedures, applicable regulations, and site safety requirements.

Who we are

As the third largest data center provider, we operate over 150 data centers in more than 20 countries and regions. We understand that every business – large and small – has its own unique needs and goals. We offer local-to-global data center expertise, aligned with our connected platform of AI-ready data centers to create solutions that enable our clients to seamlessly scale their digital businesses, anywhere and anytime.