Strategic sourcing manager Jobs in Kansas City, MO

Learn what makes QTS a unique place to grow your career! ()

Who we are :

It's pretty exciting, to find yourself standing in a pivotal moment in time. It’s even more exciting to be out front leading it. At QTS, our world-class data centers are supporting our customers’ most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation.

As AI and cloud drive the demand for increased speed, capacity and capability, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader, committed to connecting the world for good. Driven by purpose and fueled by a spirit of innovation, QTS designs, builds and operates some of the world’s most advanced, forward-thinking data centers. QTS is a portfolio company of Blackstone.

QTS is Powered by People. People who play a vital role in our company’s culture, innovation and growth. People who are committed to contributing to the communities where we operate and work. People who are knowledgeable, resourceful and mission driven. Together, we do great things.

The Category Sourcing Manager (“CSM”) is responsible for developing, executing, and managing corporate sourcing initiatives for a variety of direct and indirect categories, depending on expertise. CSM will perform complex data analysis to identify new sourcing & other cost optimization opportunities to generate cost savings for categories managed. Categories would include, but not limited to : Electrical, Mechanical, Capital Improvement Projects, SG&A, IT, MRO, Facilities Maintenance, Data Center Infrastructure Fit-outs and Data Connectivity. CSM is responsible for negotiating complex / competitive programs & communicating to line of businesses and Senior Management the value propositions associated with Category proposals. CSM will work collaboratively with internal user departments to facilitate, optimize and execute the purchase and corporate governance of these spends categories within organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES, other duties as assigned.

Lead ongoing category management activities within assigned scope of spend categories to achieve business objectives and benefit targets

Drive development of supplier and industry category profiles and strategies to a “best in class” Supply-Chain for data center providers

Identify and leverage company-wide spend opportunities

Coordinate Facilities’ purchasing activities across national portfolio of data centers

Lead supplier selection & recommendation activities including qualitative / quantitative analysis, selection criteria, long / short lists, RFI / RFP development, and bid analysis

Develop and execute sourcing strategies for highest spend, greatest complexity, and most critical / strategic categories

Provide strategic guidance to profiles and Total Cost of Ownership models used to support sourcing decisions

Develop implementation strategy, responsibility assignments, communications plans, and timeline

Lead implementation activities for categories with critical impacts to business and internal customers

Monitor compliance with supplier agreements related to high spend scope area

Develop long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirements

Conduct thorough spend analysis, develop methodology and metrics tools to track progress

Negotiate, review, and execute implementation of contractual arrangements per company policy and business objectives

Identify and implement system solutions and best practices that optimizes indirect sourcing and procurement work practices

Builds relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements and specifications from departments and category subject matter experts

Ensure tactical execution of purchasing activities to meet routine business needs

Drive value through innovation and collaboration with strategic suppliers and internal customers

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply-Chain, or Engineering or related field or equivalent professional experience

Seven or more years of relevant experience in Sourcing / Procurement / Supply-Chain

Experience in contract development, execution, negotiation and management

Skilled in building relationships with key stakeholders to gather category requirements, specifications from departments, and category subject matter experts

Experience in managing and leading change initiatives involving significant impacts to organization

Experience developing long range sourcing plans for assigned categories to reduce total costs, optimize value from suppliers, and meet internal customer requirements

Demonstrated company-wide procurement leadership experience within one or more indirect categories or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

MBA or Master’s degree in Supply Chain

Experience working for or supporting a data center provider (multi-tenant data center, hyperscale user, or equipment provider)

Procurement certification (e.g. ISM CPSM)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Exhibit excellent interpersonal skills with all levels of the organization.

Use organizational skills to determine prioritization and appropriate multitasking.

Perform necessary and timely follow-up, escalating appropriately if necessary.

Strong planning, organization, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, on multiple, concurrent projects of varying complexity and competing priority.

Ability to resolve conflicts and solve problems

Self-motivated and goal driven

TOTAL REWARDS

This role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes : medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits.

This position is bonus eligible

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here :

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Know Your Rights (Spanish)

The pay transparency policy is available here :

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QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

It’s exhilarating to find yourself at a pivotal moment in history— and even more so to be leading the way. At QTS Data Centers, we are proud to stand at the forefront of today’s dynamic digital transformation. Our world-class data centers empower our customers’ most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us as a global leader in digital infrastructure.

As AI and cloud technologies fuel the demand for increased speed, capacity, and innovation, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader. We are committed to connecting the globe for good. Driven by purpose and a spirit of innovation, we design, build, and operate some of the most advanced data centers worldwide. In addition to our cutting-edge technology, we are dedicated to sustainability, incorporating renewable energy solutions to minimize our environmental footprint and drive meaningful impact. As a proud portfolio company of Blackstone, QTS is uniquely positioned to achieve ambitious growth and innovation goals.

At QTS, we are Powered by People . Our team members are the cornerstone of our culture, innovation, and growth. They are mission-driven, resourceful, and committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Together, we’re achieving remarkable things and shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

And we’d like to invite you to join us.

In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees :

Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vesting

Every employee is bonus or commission eligible

Generous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating Holidays

Stock Purchase Plan (SPP)

11 paid Holidays Annually / Holiday compensation when worked

Pet and Legal Insurance

Q-Rest Sabbatical Program

Q-Anniversary Service Award Program

Parental Leave for primary and secondary caregivers

Military Benefits Package

QTS Charitable Matching Gift Program

QTS Scholarship for Employee Dependents

QTS Crisis Fund

Wellness Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program