Grid Solutions Category Management, Director

About the Role

As Director of Grid Solutions Category Management (AMER) within Global Procurement, you will secure substation and on‑site power generation capacity for new data center projects and regional growth. You will lead power procurement strategy, identify and validate OEM/EPC partners, shape budgets, lock in capacity, and de‑risk schedules across multi‑million‑dollar CAPEX projects. The role bridges Global Procurement, Design & Construction, Energy, and Operations, applying market intelligence, rigorous category management, and technology evaluation to accelerate delivery while improving reliability and safety. Success is measured by megawatts delivered on time, capacity secured ahead of demand, measurable cost avoidance, and a scalable supplier ecosystem. • Define and execute AMER grid solutions procurement strategy aligned with site pipeline and energization milestones. • Identify, validate, and map OEM, EPC, and tier‑2 supplier capacity and lead times. • Shape early budgets and secure early commitments to de‑risk project schedules. • Own the Substation & OSPG category plan, governance, vendor selection, and framework contracts. • Lead complex RFP/RFI processes, bid leveling, and multi‑round negotiations for price, capacity, and terms. • Build executive‑level relationships with OEM/EPC partners, chair quarterly business reviews, and set performance KPIs. • Develop and implement TCO models, cost‑avoidance initiatives, and risk mitigation plans for large‑scale deployments. • Partner with Global Design & Construction, Energy, and Operations to standardize specifications, schedules, and commissioning templates. • Ensure compliance with company policies, safety standards, and embed supplier sustainability and diversity objectives. • Manage spend category strategies, monitor market trends, and drive total cost of ownership improvements.

Key Responsibilities

• ▸procurement strategy
• ▸capacity mapping
• ▸rfp management
• ▸cost modeling
• ▸spec standardization
• ▸compliance

What You Bring

Candidates need 12+ years of strategic sourcing or category management experience in high‑voltage switchgear, transformers, substations, or power generation, along with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Professional certifications (CPSM, CIPS, PMP, PE) are advantageous, as are proven records of global capacity agreements, strong negotiation, executive stakeholder management, and deep technical knowledge of HV/MV substations and OSPG technologies. Travel up to 30% internationally is required. • 12+ years of strategic sourcing/category management experience in HV switchgear, transformers, substations, or power generation. • Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or related field; master’s preferred. • Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, PMP, or PE are advantageous. • Proven track record delivering global capacity agreements, frame contracts, and pre‑buy strategies. • Strong negotiation skills and executive stakeholder management with data‑driven storytelling. • Deep technical knowledge of HV/MV substations (AIS/GIS), transformers, SCADA, and OSPG technologies. • Experience in consulting, engineering design, and end‑to‑end management of large utility or industrial power projects. • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 30%.

Requirements

• ▸strategic sourcing
• ▸12+ years
• ▸bachelor's degree
• ▸cpsm
• ▸hv substations
• ▸negotiation

Benefits

Equinix offers competitive, inclusive, and sustainable benefits such as health, life, disability, and voluntary insurance, retirement plans (401(k) in the US, DCPP/RRSP/TFSA in Canada), paid time off, holidays, and an Employee Assistance Program. Benefits align with core values and may vary by region but are designed to support the whole employee. • Comprehensive health, life, disability, and voluntary insurance plans for employees and eligible dependents. • Retirement savings options including 401(k) (US) and DCPP/RRSP/TFSA (Canada) with employer contributions. • Paid time off, accrued PTO, and paid holidays to support work‑life balance. • Employee Assistance Program and resources for wellbeing and mental health.

Work Environment

Onsite