The Category Management Direct Specialist supports procurement by maintaining cost models, conducting market research, managing supplier data, executing eRFQs, and preparing KPIs and analytical reports. The role works closely with Commodity Managers, Supplier Quality, and cross‑functional teams to ensure accurate data, effective supplier management, and timely execution of operational tasks such as shortages, pricing updates, and make‑versus‑buy analysis. It also serves as a procurement contact for large data center projects, tracking risks, milestones, and status updates to support leadership reporting and drive operational and commercial value across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Category Strategy & Market Intelligence

• Support execution of commodity strategies and align with cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Maintain and update category cost models, ensuring accuracy of inputs and assumptions. 
• Conduct market intelligence research including cost trends, capacity, industry developments, and regulatory changes to keep category strategy current.
• Track effectiveness of category strategies and provide data‑driven insights for improvements.

2. Cost Management & Analytics

• Support development of cost‑reduction pipelines and VA/VE activities. 
• Assist in annual cost negotiations through analysis, data gathering, and modeling. 
• Provide forward‑looking PPV (Purchase Price Variance) forecasting and analysis to stakeholders.
• Manage standard cost preparation inputs for assigned commodities.

3. Supplier Data, Systems & Reporting

• Maintain supplier master data including lead times, pricing updates, and system accuracy. 
• Support PSL (Preferred Supplier List) maintenance activities. 
• Execute eRFQ processes end‑to‑end: send, track, and summarize supplier responses. 
• Conduct data collection and analysis for procurement reporting and decision support. 

4. Supplier Management Support

• Participate in supplier visits and support supplier collaboration activities. 
• Contribute to QBR preparation and supplier performance reviews. 
• Assist in supplier delivery and quality management activities through data monitoring and issue escalation support.

5. Operational Support

• Support shortage and CO escalation processes by providing relevant data and analysis. 
• Manage price change and PO updates within procurement systems. 
• Assist in make‑vs‑buy analysis through cost modeling and data preparation. 
• Maintain compliance with payment terms and procurement policies. 
• Prepare and maintain KPIs, dashboards, and performance metrics for assigned categories.

6. Project Procurement Support

• Serve as a procurement point of contact for large data center projects, tracking daily tasks, dependencies, and schedule alignment. 
• Monitor and escalate risks—including single‑source, quality, and logistics issues—with supporting data and impact analysis. 
• Maintain detailed risk, mitigation, and status trackers; follow up on assigned actions to ensure timely and documented completion. 
• Provide updated procurement status for milestones and prepare detailed inputs for leadership reports, dashboards, and executive updat

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field or equivalent in economics, operations management, supply chain or similar field of study (or equivalent experience).
• 1-2 years of experience in procurement, preferably direct manufacturing.
• E-Sourcing experience in Zycus.
• Strong analytical and Excel/Power BI/Smartsheet skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work cross‑functionally.
• Ability to work within a matrix management environment.
• Data‑driven mindset with strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to translate data into insights for category strategy and supplier performance. 
• Strong collaboration skills across Procurement, Engineering, Operations, and Supplier Quality. 
• Continuous improvement mindset with focus on accuracy, efficiency, and process standardization.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

• N/A

TIME TRAVEL REQUIRED:

•  10% - US and Mexico

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.  

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS:  Safety.  Integrity. Respect.  Teamwork.  Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus
• Operational Excellence
• High-Performance Culture
• Innovation
• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It
• Act With Urgency
• Foster a Customer-First Mindset
• Think Big and Execute
• Lead by Example
• Drive Continuous Improvement
• Learn and Seek Out Development
• Promote Transparent and Open Communication

At Vertiv, we’re on a mission to empower the people that will power the future. From a simple swipe to life-changing medicines, from push notifications to generative AI. We design, manufacture, and service the products and solutions that keep the world connected.  With $6.9 billion in revenue, a strong customer base and global reach spanning nearly 70 countries, we are uniquely positioned to deliver greater value to our customers and create new opportunities for our people. 

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to [email protected]. If you are interested in applying or learning more about this role, please visit the company’s career page located on Vertiv.com/Careers

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.