Senior Procurement Manager - Design and Consultancy Services, NA

About Vantage Data Centers

Vantage is committed to being a workplace of inclusion, equity, respect and acceptance. We celebrate diversity and intentionally seek out opportunities to learn from one another’s experience.

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

Procurement Department

The Procurement team is responsible for the management of delivering data centers from conception through commissioning, working with Sales, Operations, Development, and Engineering along the way. Procurement also works closely with partner Designers and General Contractors to come up with a vertically integrated solution and manages these partners to deliver the projects on schedule and budget. Many times, a role like this at other companies is purely oversight. One thing that distinguishes Vantage is that our technical staff is given the responsibility and authority to directly drive the process. When compared to external resources, our internal team can align long-term operational sustainability with value engineering and cost metrics to deliver products aligned with corporate goals. This approach empowers each member of the team to drive high-impact decisions and even more impactful results.

Position Overview

This is a remote role based in the USA (preference of CO, TX, VA). #LI-Remote

The Senior Procurement Manager of Design and Consultancy Services’ main role is to lead procurement of design, engineering and professional services in the North American business region. This member will provide direct leadership, oversight and manage procurement of these categories in support of broad initiatives as well as individual project scopes and requirements. The Sr. Procurement Manager will be responsible for overseeing procurement strategy and execution for a total spend portfolio of roughly $200m (which is rapidly growing). Scopes of work include but are not limited to architecture, engineering (various), Geotech, environmental, seismic, site investigation (ALTA/EDS), overall due diligence, MEP coordination, project management services and commissioning. As the Sr. Procurement Manager, you will be accountable for supporting the roll-out of new processes and tools to enable scaling of the business which may include CLM, TPRM, P2P, & Source-to-Contract. This role will lead all aspects of Design and Consultancy Services for North America procurement and be the main POC to enable regional and corporate metrics and increase the agility needed to support business growth. The ideal candidate will exhibit strong leadership skills, deep expertise and experience in procurement (primary), experience in design, engineering and professional services categories, critical thinking, superior negotiation abilities, excellent financial acumen, and exceptional communication skills.

Essential Job Functions

• Procurement Strategy & Leadership: Oversee and lead the procurement process for North American Design and Consultancy services. Develop and implement effective procurement strategies that align with Vantage’s objectives regionally across a spend scope that includes Design/Consultancy Services (architecture, engineering (various), Geotech, environmental, seismic, site investigation (ALTA/EDS), overall due diligence, MEP coordination, project management services and commissioning).

• Construction Market Intelligence: Monitoring and reporting of engineering and construction trends within our space Collaborate with regional engineering and construction teams to establish short- and long-term procurement needs.

• Supplier Relationship Management: Directly lead, develop and organize supplier quality executive level business review program and meetings. Maintain and strengthen relationships with key suppliers, ensuring they meet Vantage’s standards for cost, quality, and delivery. Lead contract negotiations to secure favorable terms and conditions for Vantage. Assess risks related to vendors, developing strategies to mitigate potential issues and ensure consistent delivery.

• Operational Efficiency: Leading supplier on-boarding and on-going compliance. Ensure efficient and effective purchasing processes and systems are in place, driving optimal performance while understanding and implementing key technologies to improve efficiencies. Monitor changes in industry trends and evolving market opportunities, implementing necessary changes to procurement strategies.

• Performance Monitoring & Reporting: Develop and monitor procurement metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Regularly report procurement status and performance to the senior executive team, providing insights and recommendations for strategic decisions.

• Compliance & Ethics: Ensure all procurement activities adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and company policies, promoting ethical practices in all activities. Lead initiatives to foster a culture of integrity and compliance within the procurement team and across the organization.

• Additional Duties: Handle additional duties as assigned by Management.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, engineering, or a related technical field (required). MBA or similar post graduate qualification or equivalent experience (highly preferred).

• 10+ years of experience in Procurement roles, with 3+ years experience in a leadership role.

• Sector exposure and experience in sourcing, procurement or delivery within the engineering, architecture, construction professional services or construction delivery fields within data center, mission critical, industrial and commercial construction/developer verticals.

• Specific experience with sourcing, procuring, supporting or managing design consultants in the architecture, engineering, Geotech, environmental, seismic, site investigation (ALTA/EDS), overall due diligence, MEP coordination and commissioning fields.

• Experience managing complex initiatives/projects with consideration time scope development, schedule, stakeholder, risk and change management

• Deep understanding of market dynamics and procurement expertise

• Subject matter expert with various delivery models including but not limited to DB, DBB, CMAR, IPD under various financial models including but not limited to Fixed price, cost plus, GMP, T&M

• Ability to self perform and lead teams in development and delivery of a design or professional services requirement through the full procurement life cycle

• Superior leadership skills, with a track record of leading teams effectively

• Deep understanding of contract structure, language and ability to directly and with support from legal, negotiate and finalize contract scopes, terms and conditions

• Highly proficient in cost management and financial analysis

• Ability to develop and deliver supplier quality development program (SQD) inclusive of KPIs, vendor feedback, evaluations and scorecards

• Strong analytical skills and a strategic thinker

• Outstanding negotiation and communication skills

• Sound knowledge of industry-related procurement practices and policies with respect to architecture, engineering and construction professional services scopes

• Problem-solving mentality, able to effectively troubleshoot issues as they arise

• Proficiency in the Microsoft suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), solicitation tools, Procure-To-Pay tools and dashboarding tools. Supplier performance and score carding experience preferred

• Travel required is expected to be up to 15% but may increase over time as the business evolves

Physical Demands and Special Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Details

• Salary Range: $155,000 - $170,000 base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)

• This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long-term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.

• Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. #LI-AP2

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.