Category Manager, Data Center Electrical Equipment

Basic Function

SB Energy is seeking a strategic and technically capable Category Manager, Electrical Equipment to develop and execute sourcing strategies for mission-critical electrical infrastructure supporting next-generation AI factories and advanced data centers. Reporting to the Director, Electrical Infrastructure Supply Chain, this role will own supplier relationships, commercial strategy, category planning, and supply continuity across key electrical equipment categories.

Working closely with engineering, construction, commissioning, logistics, and project teams, the Category Manager will support equipment standardization, supplier selection, manufacturing readiness, and long-range capacity planning. This role will help secure reliable supply, improve supplier performance, manage commercial and operational risk, and support rapid infrastructure deployment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies across electrical equipment categories including:
  • Medium-voltage switchgear
  • Low-voltage switchgear
  • Transformers
  • UPS systems
  • STS / ATS
  • PDUs and RPPs
  • Busway systems
  • Protection and control systems
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for mission-critical electrical infrastructure equipment supporting AI factory and advanced data center deployment programs.

• Lead supplier selection, commercial negotiations, contract execution, and long-term category planning to improve cost, supply continuity, and deployment scalability.

• Monitor market trends, manufacturing capacity, and supply chain risks to support strategic sourcing decisions.

• Build and manage strategic relationships with key electrical equipment manufacturers, driving supplier performance across quality, cost, delivery, and capacity.

• Partner with engineering, construction, commissioning, and procurement teams to align sourcing strategies with equipment standards, Basis of Design (BOD), and project requirements.

• Lead efforts for technical evaluations, supplier submittals, equipment validation, and standardization initiatives across electrical equipment.

• Coordinate manufacturing readiness, production schedules, capacity planning, logistics, and long-range supply planning to support project deployment.

• Identify and mitigate commercial and operational risks that could impact equipment availability, project schedules, or supplier performance.

• Manage supplier performance metrics, commercial commitments, and reporting related to delivery, lead times, manufacturing readiness, and capacity.

• Partner with finance, operations, and project controls to support forecasting, deployment planning, and procurement documentation.

Qualifications/Requirements

• At least 7+ years of professional experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field required
• 5+ years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, supplier management, procurement, or supply chain operations within infrastructure, industrial, manufacturing, electrical equipment, or mission-critical environments
• Experience sourcing or managing categories such as switchgear, UPS, switchboards, busway, or related equipment preferred
• Strong commercial negotiation, supplier relationship management, and contract management skills
• Working knowledge of electrical equipment manufacturing, supplier capacity planning, lead-time management, and supply chain risk mitigation
• Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams and manage multiple priorities
• Experience supporting hyperscale data centers, utility-scale energy, industrial infrastructure, or other mission-critical facilities is strongly preferred
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to supplier facilities, manufacturing sites, and project locations as required

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, CA, Phoenix, AZ or Denver, CO. Hybrid.

Remote locations will be considered on a case by case basis.

Base Pay - $140,000 - $170,000

The pay range mentioned above is a guideline. We tailor each offer based on your unique skills, experience, location, and market benchmarks—while ensuring internal parity across our teams. The compensation range provided reflects base pay. Total rewards may also include performance-based bonuses, equity grants, and a market leading comprehensive health and wellness benefits package. Final details will be discussed during the later stages of the hiring process.

Our Health & Wellness Benefits

At SB Energy, we invest in our people and their families with benefits designed for flexibility, support, and peace of mind. Full-time employees enjoy:

• 100% Company-Paid Medical, Dental & Vision (for employees and dependents)
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Generous Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays
• 12 Weeks Parental Leave
• Life, AD&D & Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical, Dependent Care, Transit & Parking (with company contributions)
• Mental, Physical & Social Wellness Support (with company contributions)
• Flexible Work Arrangements & Hybrid Office Setup Benefits
• Monthly Reimbursement for Phone, Internet & Data
• Optional Legal & Pet Insurance Plans
• Device Purchase Support

At SB Energy, the success of our projects is driven by a desire to see our projects benefit as many people as possible. We work to serve local communities through volunteering, fundraising, and much more. For example, we’re proud to support access and opportunity in engineering and clean energy through impactful mentorship programs and workforce training. When you join SB Energy, you can become a part of these efforts, collaborating with team members who share a vision of building a better future now!

SB Energy is built on a foundation of collaboration and inclusion. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other legally protected class.

To learn more about us, visit www.sbenergy.com.

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