Procurement Category Manager

Job Title: Procurement Category Manager Job Description The Procurement Category Manager oversees the purchasing and coordination of machinery, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and services required for the successful operation of data center construction and commissioning activities. This role focuses on ensuring the right commissioning equipment is in the right place at the right time, with accurate tracking, reporting, and stakeholder coordination, so that data center construction can be turned over to operations on schedule. Responsibilities Review and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, selection, service, support, availability, and other relevant factors, and 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 that 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. Essential 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.Previous experience using computer applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel for documentation, analysis, and reporting.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. Additional Skills & 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 remote role with an expected schedule of approximately 40 hours per week. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA. Pay And Benefits The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $67.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 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) Workplace Type This is a fully remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Aug 15, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.