Category Sourcing Manager - IT

Who we are: 

It's pretty exciting, to find yourself standing in a pivotal moment in time. It’s even more exciting to be out front leading it. At QTS, our world-class data centers are supporting our customers’ most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation.  

As AI and cloud drive the demand for increased speed, capacity and capability, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader, committed to connecting the world for good. Driven by purpose and fueled by a spirit of innovation, QTS designs, builds and operates some of the world’s most advanced, forward-thinking data centers. QTS is a portfolio company of Blackstone.

QTS is Powered by People. People who play a vital role in our company’s culture, innovation and growth. People who are committed to contributing to the communities where we operate and work. People who are knowledgeable, resourceful and mission driven. Together, we do great things. 

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 target

• Drive development of supplier and industry category profiles and strategies to a “best in class” Supply-Chain for data center providers

• Identify and leverage company-wide spend opportunities

• Coordinate Facilities’ purchasing activities across national portfolio of data centers

• Lead supplier selection & recommendation activities including qualitative/quantitative analysis, selection criteria, long/short lists, RFI/RFP development, and bid analysis

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for highest spend, greatest complexity, and most critical/strategic categories

• Provide strategic guidance to profiles and Total Cost of Ownership models used to support sourcing decisions

• Develop implementation strategy, responsibility assignments, communications plans, and timeline

• Lead implementation activities for categories with critical impacts to business and internal customers

• Monitor compliance with supplier agreements related to high spend scope area

• Develop long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirements

• Conduct thorough spend analysis, develop methodology and metrics tools to track progress

• Negotiate, review, and execute implementation of contractual arrangements per company policy and business objectives

• Identify and implement system solutions and best practices that optimizes indirect sourcing and procurement work practices

• Builds relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements and specifications from departments and category subject matter experts

• Ensure tactical execution of purchasing activities to meet routine business needs

• Drive value through innovation and collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal customers

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply-Chain, or Engineering or related field or equivalent professional experience

• Seven or more years of relevant experience in Sourcing / Procurement / Supply-Chain

• Experience in contract development, execution, negotiation and management

• Skilled in building relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements, specifications from departments, and category subject matter experts

• Experience in managing and leading change initiatives involving significant impacts to organization

• Experience developing long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirements

• Demonstrated company-wide procurement leadership experience within one or more indirect categories or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MBA or Master’s degree in Supply Chain

• Experience 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 ABILITIES

• Exhibit 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 problems

• Self-motivated and goal driven

We 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-Formatted

QTS 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 [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.