Category Manager - Mechanical

Strategic Procurement Leader

This role combines strategic procurement leadership with advanced supply chain planning and master scheduling responsibilities. You will oversee the planning, sourcing, and procurement of critical data center infrastructure equipment, ensuring supply chain continuity, efficiency, and scalability. This position requires cross-functional collaboration with Engineering, Construction, Finance, Operations, and Supplier teams to support Fluidstack's high-performance infrastructure build-outs. Speed of delivery will be a priority from the supply chain instead of purely cost / TCO optimisation.

Focus

Develop and execute sourcing strategies for critical mechanical systems.

Execute competitive sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and contract management, focusing on resilience, quality, and scalability.

Partner with Engineering and Design to ensure alignment between specifications, project requirements, and supplier capabilities.

Implement supplier risk mitigation strategies, dual-sourcing models, and cost optimization measures.

Oversee the development of Master Production Schedules (MPS) aligned with demand forecasts and capacity constraints.

Focus on optimising speed of delivery not just purely cost / TCO optimisation.

Monitor KPIs such as on-time delivery, inventory turns, and production efficiency to guide planning decisions.

Collaborate with internal teams (Sales, Operations, Procurement, Logistics) to optimize supply and demand balance.

Use APS tools and ERP systems to enhance visibility, forecast accuracy, and scheduling efficiency.

Coordinate the end-to-end lifecycle of Owner-Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) equipment from purchase through commissioning.

Work with construction partners and field operations to ensure timely installation readiness and contractor support.

Monitor inventory locations and recommend capital asset reallocation to maximize cost avoidance.

Oversee shipping, rigging, and storage logistics for major equipment deliveries.

Ensure data integrity across procurement and scheduling systems through documentation, audits, and continuous improvement.

Develop playbooks, training materials, and business process documentation in collaboration with internal stakeholders.

Lead digital transformation initiatives to automate and streamline planning and procurement workflows.

Define and monitor supplier KPIs, SLAs, and business review cadences (weekly check-ins, QBRs, performance improvement plans).

Build strong relationships with external suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure transparency, alignment, and accountability.

Support change management activities for project updates, escalation resolution, and budgetary realignments.

About You

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Mechanical Engineering, Business Administration, Operations, or related field (Master's preferred).

3+ years of experience in inventory management in Cloud Data Center or related industry

Strong understanding of data center construction and critical MEP categories.

Skilled in contract negotiations, supplier management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional coordination.

Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Netsuite), APS tools, and planning software.

Comfortable managing high-value contracts (>

$50M) and leading multi-vendor execution strategies.

Proven ability to implement new processes, lead teams, and drive performance improvement initiatives.

Willingness to travel to data center sites, vendor facilities, and industry events.

Benefits

Competitive total compensation package (salary + equity).

Retirement or pension plan, in line with local norms.

Health, dental, and vision insurance.

Generous PTO policy, in line with local norms.

Fluidstack is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Fluidstack will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.