Manager, Operations Procurement, EMEA

About Vantage Data Centers

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.

Position Overview

With several active campuses and additional planned expansion Vantage is looking for a talented Manager to drive process efficiency, simplification, standardisation and continuous improvement across supply chain related activities.  Reporting to the Director of Operations Procurement, the Manager will be an important part of the team to successfully improve the way we operate and enable data driven decision making.

As a Manager you will work closely with your stakeholders to assess and understand the business need/requirements and develop and deliver effective processes that enable projects to deliver on time, within budget and to a high quality.  You will improve procurement ways of working, and maintain strong knowledge of processes, policies and systems.  You will be responsible for driving process efficiency across the entire procurement life cycle: strategy, tender, contract negotiations, governance and approvals and quality management. The Procurement Operations team will also be responsible for executing supplier onboarding processes such as: supplier due diligence, contract approval, purchase orders, etc.  You will work with internal groups focused on cost optimisation and schedule efficiency to effectively integrate procurement related activities to enable project success.  You will drive a continuous improvement and collaborative culture. Procurement Managers will have a good understanding of their category and the local supply chain.  They will support development of Analysts on the team and will identify and implement opportunities for improvement and cost savings. 

Essential Job Functions

• Work with key stakeholders and the wider procurement function to understand engagement pain points and identify solutions
• Collaboratively establish a more efficient approach to the procurement lifecycle (tender to supplier performance), document this approach and implement
• Execute high volume, standardised projects to support projects and the Procurement team
• Work with the Operations executive leadership team to establish executive level reporting and support governance processes
• Drive automation and continuous improvement
• Provide compelling category and sourcing insights to help drive overall strategies
• Viewed as a valued business advisor and SME supporting Sourcing and business priorities.
• Understands and optimizes total cost of ownership within the business when defining sourcing strategies
• Ensure that the relevant priorities and business requirements are clearly understood and met and that procurement activities are aligned appropriately, working with the end-to-end procurement team.

Duties:

• Implement best practices in procurement and supplier management to support commercial and operational objectives
• Establish an effective data and reporting structure for all procurement activities
• Quality Assure data and compliance to processes
• Collaborate with stakeholders to identify opportunities for the Procurement team to offer improved project support
• Collaborate with the Development Procurement team Operational stakeholders to reduce administrative burden and inefficiencies
• Work with Compliance teams to understand existing policies and drive compliance
• Identify effective tools to support automation and effective workflow
• Drive efficiency, simplification and standardisation across procurement lifecycle
• Participate in key meetings ensure right business stakeholder / leader engagement and engage through senior contacts with suppliers where required.
• Review strategic approach to category management regionally and implement initiatives to add value through economies of scale
• Lead the strategic sourcing process for, and negotiation of, strategic partner contracts where required
• Serve as a key advisor to senior stakeholders / leaders and partner with them to evaluate key market statistics and trends to define future product strategies
• Identify vital activities and resources needed to achieve implementation of chosen sourcing strategies and ensure strategies are implemented.
• Support the budget process through early engagement with stakeholders

Job Requirements

• Strong knowledge and experience in supply chain management, project management/PMO or business administration
• 5+ years of relevant procurement / supply chain experience as a customer or supplier in Data Centre or complex infrastructure construction and/or facilities management
• Bachelor degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration or equivalent
• Strong inter-personal skills with excellent stakeholder management
• Excellent organisational skills
• Strong knowledge of procurement, commercial and negotiating techniques along with standard construction contract terms & conditions;
• Strong knowledge of local markets
• Excellent planning and organization skills with the ability to manage conflicting priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Assertive and confident and able to quickly build a high level of personal and professional credibility within the business and customer base
• EMEA travel required from time to time
• On site presence required (this is not a fully remote role)

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.