Associate Procurement Manager

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JOB TITLE: Associate Procurement Manager

DEPARTMENT: Platform Procurement

REPORTS TO: Platform Procurement Manager

SUMMARY

The Associate Procurement Manager will support the strategic planning and management of Aligned’s data center critical power and cooling equipment supply chain. Working under the guidance of the Platform Procurement Manager, this role will support vendor management, equipment sourcing, commercial analysis, procurement planning, and execution across assigned equipment categories.

This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical curiosity and a willingness to develop a detailed understanding of the equipment and systems being procured, in addition to their commercial and supply-chain considerations. A successful candidate will have strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, demonstrated initiative, and the ability to quickly learn complex technical and commercial concepts in a fast-paced environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the management of assigned data center equipment categories, including sourcing, commercial evaluation, vendor management, and procurement execution.
• Work closely with strategic vendor partners to ensure alignment with Aligned’s programmatic needs, technical requirements, and long-term procurement strategy.
• Develop working relationships with vendor account management, sales, operations, and technical teams, with increasing responsibility for independently managing vendor interactions.
• Support and eventually lead competitive sourcing activities, including RFPs, bid evaluations, commercial comparisons, vendor recommendations, and award documentation.
• Collaborate with construction, engineering, finance, accounting, and other internal stakeholders to align procurement activities with project and business requirements.
• Support the creation and processing of purchase orders, change orders, and other commercial documentation while maintaining visibility into approved purchasing budgets.
• Track, analyze, and report on equipment pricing, cost drivers, market conditions, lead times, capacity constraints, and other factors affecting current and future equipment purchasing.
• Prepare commercial analyses, bid leveling, pricing comparisons, and cost models to support procurement recommendations and decision-making.
• Assist with commercial negotiations, including equipment pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, commercial terms, and other supplier commitments.
• Support commercial agreement activities by coordinating vendor inputs, tracking open items, and assisting with commercial reviews and documentation.
• Support long-term equipment demand, capacity, and procurement planning across Aligned’s development pipeline.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of Aligned’s data center equipment, including its function, application, key technical requirements, and relationship to broader data center electrical and mechanical systems.
• Take a hands-on approach to learning assigned equipment categories through collaboration with internal engineering teams, vendor technical resources, manufacturing facility visits, equipment reviews, and other technical learning opportunities.
• Review equipment specifications, technical proposals, and vendor offerings to develop an understanding of technical differences and their potential commercial and procurement implications.
• Maintain accurate procurement data, vendor documentation, commercial records, and reporting associated with assigned equipment categories.
• Prepare and present procurement analyses, recommendations, vendor updates, and other information to internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of Platform Procurement processes, tools, standards, and reporting.
• Take increasing ownership of assigned equipment categories and procurement initiatives as experience and capabilities develop.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 1-3 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, engineering, construction, manufacturing, project management, data/information systems, or another relevant field.
• Strong technical aptitude and curiosity, with a demonstrated interest in learning how complex equipment and systems function and interact.
• Ability and willingness to develop a working understanding of technical specifications, equipment documentation, engineering drawings, and other technical information relevant to assigned equipment categories.
• Strong Excel skills, including the ability to organize and analyze large data sets, develop formulas and analytical models, perform data comparisons, and clearly present findings.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to organize, evaluate, and draw conclusions from quantitative and qualitative information.
• Hands-on, self-directed approach to learning and problem solving, with a willingness to ask questions, investigate unfamiliar topics, and actively develop technical and commercial subject-matter knowledge.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining an understanding of broader project and business objectives.
• Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take ownership of work.
• Ability to work effectively across technical, commercial, financial, and operational teams.
• Ability to travel as required to support vendor relationships, manufacturing activities, and technical learning opportunities.

ADDITIONAL DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in procurement, supply chain, engineering, manufacturing, construction, or another technically oriented environment.
• Exposure to data center, electrical, mechanical, or other mission-critical infrastructure equipment.
• Experience supporting RFPs, bid evaluations, supplier negotiations, or purchasing activities.
• Familiarity with equipment manufacturing, production planning, or supply-chain management.
• Experience with commercial or financial analysis, including pricing comparisons, forecasting, or cost modeling.
• Familiarity with construction drawings, specifications, equipment schedules, or technical scopes.
• Experience working directly with suppliers or other external business partners.
• Exposure to purchase orders, change orders, contracts, or other commercial agreements.

COMPETENCIES

• Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Analytical - Synthesizes complex or diverse information; collects and researches data; develops conclusions based on available information; demonstrates an interest in understanding the underlying drivers behind data and outcomes.
• Business Acumen - Develops an understanding of the business implications of procurement decisions; considers cost, schedule, technical, and commercial factors when evaluating alternatives.
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budgets; identifies opportunities to improve commercial outcomes and use organizational resources effectively.
• Dependability - Takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; completes tasks on time and communicates proactively when challenges arise.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values.
• Innovation - Demonstrates curiosity and resourcefulness; seeks opportunities to improve existing processes; approaches unfamiliar problems with a willingness to investigate and learn.
• Interpersonal Skills - Builds effective working relationships; listens to others; remains open to different perspectives; communicates effectively across technical and non-technical teams.
• Motivation - Demonstrates initiative, persistence, and a desire to continuously develop technical, commercial, and procurement knowledge.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and effectively; listens and seeks clarification; responds well to questions; participates actively in meetings and presentations.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; manages multiple concurrent responsibilities and develops realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to team goals and supports others’ efforts to succeed.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequently required to sit.
• Occasionally required to stand.
• Occasionally required to walk.
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity.
• Occasionally work near moving mechanical parts or in construction/manufacturing environments.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Aligned Data Centers is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. Eligible employees have access to:

• Health Coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts:  HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants.  FSA's offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
• Company-Sponsored Insurance: Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election)
• Optional Benefits: Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage
• Wellness Programs: Employee assistance program (EAP), Wellhub gym membership, and other wellness initiatives

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Aligned Data Centers is an equal opportunity employer that embraces diversity and is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.