Vice President of Procurement - Data Centers

Accountabilities:: Build, establish, and lead the procurement department, developing procurement policies, processes, governance frameworks, and organizational structures while recruiting, coaching, and developing a high-performing team. Develop and execute multi-year strategic sourcing plans for critical data center equipment, construction services, and specialized trade packages, aligning purchasing milestones with development, engineering, design, construction, commissioning, and project turnover schedules. Oversee the procurement of critical electrical and mechanical infrastructure, including generators, switchgear, transformers, UPS systems, busways, chillers, air handling units, and cooling distribution equipment. Work closely with engineering teams to evaluate technical proposals, validate equipment specifications, and ensure purchased equipment meets project requirements, including voltage, amperage, power ratings, and capacity. Lead contractor selection processes and major commercial negotiations, evaluating different contracting structures such as lump-sum, guaranteed maximum price, cost-plus, and design-build agreements in collaboration with Construction and Legal teams. Define and implement direct-purchase versus contractor-supplied equipment strategies, addressing logistics, storage, installation interfaces, warranties, delivery schedules, and accountability. Manage commercial and contractual matters throughout the project lifecycle, including change orders, claims, cost and schedule impacts, disputes, and final project closeout. Secure supplier capacity and optimize procurement costs through portfolio purchasing, equipment standardization, early supplier commitments, design-to-cost initiatives, prefabrication strategies, and long-term industry partnerships. Establish supplier performance standards and contractual obligations covering delivery, service, quality, and safety requirements. Monitor supplier performance through audits, site visits, business reviews, and ongoing performance assessments, ensuring compliance with contractual and operational expectations. Maintain accurate procurement documentation, sourcing records, supplier information, and contract management systems. Analyze procurement spending, market conditions, supply chain constraints, and project execution risks to identify opportunities for cost optimization and operational improvement. Develop contingency plans, recommend procurement policy enhancements, and present business cases, strategic recommendations, and risk assessments to executive leadership. Coordinate purchasing activities, invoice resolution, and procurement-related financial matters with Finance and project teams. Collaborate across departments to ensure procurement activities support business objectives, project delivery requirements, and long-term infrastructure development. Promote a professional, collaborative, and inclusive working environment based on accountability, sound judgment, effective communication, and continuous improvement. Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business Administration, Analytics, Finance, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience. Typically, at least 10 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain operations; candidates with a relevant master's degree may qualify with 8 or more years of experience. Comprehensive hands-on experience across procurement planning, strategic sourcing, supplier negotiations, logistics, and fulfillment. Professional experience in data centers, automotive, aerospace, electrical equipment, heavy equipment manufacturing, or other industries involving complex equipment relevant to critical infrastructure. Strong understanding of electrical equipment specifications, including voltage, amperage, power ratings, and capacity, with the ability to interpret technical proposals and collaborate with engineering teams on equipment requirements. Demonstrated experience developing and managing multi-year category strategies involving substantial procurement budgets, constrained supply markets, and complex sourcing requirements. Proven track record of personally leading major commercial negotiations, securing supplier agreements, and managing strategic sourcing initiatives. Extensive experience in construction procurement and contract administration, working with general contractors, construction managers, designers, engineers, and specialty trades. Strong knowledge of construction delivery models and commercial agreements, including general contractor (GC) and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts, change orders, claims management, and project closeout. Experience sourcing long-lead electrical and mechanical equipment for complex capital projects and coordinating procurement schedules with construction and installation milestones. Demonstrated ability to establish procurement policies, governance structures, and operational controls that strengthen compliance and reduce business risks. At least 3 years of direct or indirect leadership experience, including team development, coaching, cross-functional collaboration, and stakeholder influence. Strong analytical capabilities, with the ability to use procurement data to anticipate supply chain risks, evaluate change-order impacts, optimize spending, and support strategic business decisions. Excellent executive communication, negotiation, presentation, and business-case development skills, with the ability to align diverse stakeholders around procurement priorities. Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced and uncertain environments, manage tight deadlines and supply constraints, and balance hands-on procurement responsibilities with strategic leadership and team development. Willingness to travel as required and relocate to Texas or Georgia if business needs demand. Ability to meet applicable vehicle insurance requirements if the position involves operating company vehicles or traveling between project sites. Preferred Qualifications: Previous experience in data center equipment category management or program delivery, covering the full procurement lifecycle from sourcing through construction execution. Familiarity with AI infrastructure, advanced computing environments, and specialized data center cooling systems. Experience establishing and scaling procurement functions within growing organizations. Demonstrated expertise negotiating master agreements and resolving complex commercial disputes in collaboration with legal teams. Experience leveraging artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced analytics to optimize procurement processes and supply chain workflows. Benefits: Annual base salary ranging from $275,000 to $325,000, depending on qualifications, experience, and other relevant factors. Full-time remote working opportunity within the United States. Executive-level leadership opportunity with direct responsibility for building and developing a strategic procurement function. Opportunity to influence large-scale data center infrastructure investments and procurement strategies. Exposure to complex electrical, mechanical, energy, and advanced computing infrastructure projects. Opportunity to establish strategic supplier partnerships and lead high-value commercial negotiations. Professional growth through executive collaboration, organizational development, and large-scale infrastructure initiatives. Travel opportunities associated with supplier engagement, project sites, and business operations.