Category Management Direct Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Procurement Category Project Leader plays a key role in helping the company achieve its strategic objectives within specific procurement categories, supporting the rapid growth and expansion of major data center infrastructure projects. This position oversees projects from start to finish, focusing on supply assurance, business continuity, and risk mitigation to ensure project deliverables are completed with measurable results. Serving as the main link between Category Management, the Project Procurement team, and cross-functional project groups handling significant customer orders, this leader fosters collaboration, effective communication, and alignment on supply assurance and risk management strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Management & Implementation
  • Drive supply assurance, continuity, and risk mitigation projects from initiation through full implementation, ensuring timely and successful completion of all deliverables.
  • Develop and manage project schedules, critical timelines, and milestones to keep projects on track.
  • Ensure projects are transitioned into implementation and completed as planned.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Acts as the liaison between Category Management and the Project Procurement team and cross-functional project teams managing major customer orders. Facilitate cross-functional teamwork to align on objectives for supply assurance strategies and supply risks mitigation actions.
  • Communicate project status, results, and sourcing strategies to all relevant stakeholders.
• E-Sourcing & Data Analysis
  • Organize and execute e-sourcing events, including reverse auctions and RFQs.
  • Analyze cost structures, supplier proposals, and sourcing baselines using advanced tools and methodologies (e.g., APRIORI, Should Cost).
  • Track and report savings, project outcomes, and supplier performance.
• Supplier Management & Negotiation
  • Lead negotiations to secure best pricing and terms, review supplier agreements, and support supplier onboarding and second source development.
  • Ensure supplier capacity/readiness and manage risk related to part complexity and supply continuity.
• Process Improvement & Value Creation
  • Identify and lead initiatives for process improvements within procurement and supplier management.
  • Support global procurement strategies at the regional level and drive continuous improvement.
• Project Management & Organization
  • Demonstrated project management skills; ability to organize and schedule people and tasks.
  • Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Proven ability to drive projects into implementation and ensure completion.
• Communication & Collaboration
  • Strong communication skills; able to collaborate effectively across functions and levels.
  • Ability to work within a matrix management environment and build stakeholder relationships.
• Process Improvement
  • Proven ability to identify and lead process improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborative mindset with experience in stakeholder engagement.
  • A strong business acumen
  • Process improvement skills
  • Highly organized and can multi-task

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a Supply chain or equivalent in business, Engineering, or similar field of study (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of experience in supply chain, preferably direct manufacturing.
• Technical & Analytical Skills
• Strong analytical skills; expert user of Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience with e-sourcing platforms and reverse auctions.
• Familiarity with cost modeling and supplier evaluation tools 

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• N/A

TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED: 

• 10%

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv's Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.  

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS:  Safety.  Integrity. Respect.  Teamwork.  Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development
• Promote Transparent and Open Communication

At Vertiv, we're on a mission to empower the people that will power the future. From a simple swipe to life-changing medicines, from push notifications to generative AI. We design, manufacture, and service the products and solutions that keep the world connected.  With $6.9 billion in revenue, a strong customer base and global reach spanning nearly 70 countries, we are uniquely positioned to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people. 

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to  If you are interested in applying for or learning more about this role, please visit the company's career page located on

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability.

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