Procurement - Category Manager - Operations & Asset Lifecyle

Category Manager - Operations & Asset Lifecycle

Department: Finance / Procurement – Group

Report to: Group Procurement Manager

Position type: Full-time

Location: Milan, Italy OR Marcoussis, France

Travel required: In Europe

Role Overview

The Category Manager - Operations & Asset Lifecycle is responsible for strategic sourcing, procurement, and contract management related to technical or administrative campus operations, as well as retrofit and modernization projects across the group’s data centers. The role also manages Group costs (SGA or Overheads expenditures) and ensures procurement activities support the organization’s strategic and environmental objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
  • Define and implement procurement strategies for the assigned categories, fully aligned with the group’s procurement strategy and objectives.
  • Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers to diversify and enrich the network.
  • Conduct continuous market intelligence to anticipate trends and mitigate risks.
• Tendering and Contract Negotiation
  • Lead RFx processes and tenders for the assigned categories in close collaboration with internal stakeholders.
  • Negotiate advantageous contracts while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and internal standards.
  • Manage contracts and monitor supplier performance, ensuring alignment between contractual services and actual deliverables while driving continuous improvement.
• Budget Management and Cost Control
  • Monitor and manage procurement budgets to ensure cost‑effective purchasing practices.
  • Identify and implement cost‑saving opportunities without compromising quality.
  • Provide regular financial reports on procurement activities and budget adherence.
• Compliance, Risk Management & Reporting
  • Ensure all procurement activities comply with internal policies, industry regulations, and ethical standards.
  • Identify potential risks in the supply chain and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.
  • Distribute comprehensive reports to support informed decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Education
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Procurement.
• Experience
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a similar role covering both Opex and Capex procurement, preferably in the data center, infrastructure, or large‑scale industrial project sectors.
  • Proven experience in managing international tenders and negotiating complex contracts.
  • Demonstrated expertise in procuring services and equipment for the maintenance, renovation, and optimization of existing facilities—including multi‑technical maintenance, facility management (FM), security services, connectivity, and procurement of intellectual services and other infrastructure‑related services.
• Hard Skills
  • Expertise in negotiation and contract management, with proven experience in international procurement.
  • Proficient in cost analysis (TCO, should‑cost analysis) and risk management.
  • Strong analytical, attention to detail and problem‑solving abilities.
  • Strategic planning and execution, ensuring alignment with procurement objectives.
  • Fluent in both English and French.
• Soft Skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to foster effective collaboration with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strategic and visionary mindset, able to anticipate growth, identify key partners and design scalable solutions.
  • Demonstrated leadership and a collaborative team‑oriented approach.
  • Exceptional organizational skills, capable of managing multiple priorities in fast‑paced environments.
  • High ethical standards and integrity, ensuring compliance and responsible decision‑making.
  • Resilient under pressure with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines.

Working Conditions

• This position may require occasional travel to supplier locations as well as to various sites operated by the group in France and internationally.
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment with shifting priorities.

Compensation

• Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.