Procurement Category Manager

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services, connecting specialized experts with visionary companies to advance their initiatives through scale, innovation, and speed to market.

About the role

The Procurement Category Manager oversees the purchasing and coordination of machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and services required for data center construction and commissioning. This role ensures the right commissioning equipment is in the right place at the right time, with accurate tracking, reporting, and stakeholder coordination, enabling on-schedule turnover of data center construction to operations.

Responsibilities

• Review and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, and other relevant factors; optimize the supplier base when appropriate.
• Approve purchases of high-quality merchandise at the lowest possible cost while ensuring correct quantities and timely delivery.
• Approve purchase orders, solicit bid proposals, and review requisitions for goods and services needed for data center construction and commissioning.
• Instruct staff on resolving issues related to undelivered or delayed goods and ensure corrective actions are implemented promptly.
• Guide staff on methods of negotiation, renegotiation, and administration of contracts with suppliers, vendors, and other external partners.
• Confer with internal staff, end users, and vendors to discuss defective or unacceptable goods or services and determine appropriate corrective measures.
• Evaluate and monitor contract performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and identify the need for changes or improvements.
• Coordinate procurement activities to ensure commissioning equipment is available at the correct locations and times to support uninterrupted data center commissioning.
• Maintain accurate tracking and reporting of equipment, materials, and related procurement activities to support transparency and timely decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with construction and operations stakeholders to support end-of-construction milestones and on-time turnover of data center facilities to operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in finance or a related business field.
• 10+ years of finance-related experience, including procurement, coordination, tracking, and construction program coordination.
• Experience in analytics and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with fleet management and coordination of equipment logistics.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex information clearly and professionally.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, reporting, and contract administration.
• Proven negotiation skills and interpersonal abilities to build effective relationships with suppliers, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze financial reports, price proposals, and other technical data to support sound purchasing decisions.
• Ability to accurately document and record customer and client information related to procurement and contract performance.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to purchasing and contract management.
• Knowledge of supply chain management principles and best practices.
• Proficiency in computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation, analysis, and reporting.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience working in construction or data center environments is highly beneficial.
• Background in program coordination, particularly involving multiple stakeholders and complex timelines.
• Familiarity with tools such as Bluebeam and Primavera P6 (P6) is advantageous, especially for candidates with prior P6 experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced operational setting.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to implement corrective actions when issues arise with suppliers or equipment availability.

Work Environment

This is a fully remote, contract position based out of Redmond, WA, with an expected schedule of approximately 40 hours per week.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $67.00 per hour.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment. If eligible, benefits may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available.
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents).
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Transportation benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation, or Sick Leave).