Senior Manager, Procurement Operations

Senior Manager, Procurement OperationsIt's exhilarating to find yourself at a pivotal moment in history— and even more so to be leading the way. At QTS Data Centers, we are proud to stand at the forefront of today's dynamic digital transformation. Our world-class data centers empower our customers' most strategic growth initiatives, positioning us as a global leader in digital infrastructure.As AI and cloud technologies fuel the demand for increased speed, capacity, and innovation, QTS has emerged as the global digital infrastructure leader. We are committed to connecting the globe for good. Driven by purpose and a spirit of innovation, we design, build, and operate some of the most advanced data centers worldwide. In addition to our cutting-edge technology, we are dedicated to sustainability, incorporating renewable energy solutions to minimize our environmental footprint and drive meaningful impact. As a proud portfolio company of Blackstone, QTS is uniquely positioned to achieve ambitious growth and innovation goals.At QTS, we are Powered by People. Our team members are the cornerstone of our culture, innovation, and growth. They are mission-driven, resourceful, and committed to making a positive impact in the communities where we live and work. Together, we're achieving remarkable things and shaping the future of digital infrastructure.And we'd like to invite you to join us.In addition to a variety of benefit packages, QTS goes above and beyond for our employees:Roth and Traditional 401(k) matching contributions with immediate vestingEvery employee is bonus or commission eligibleGenerous PTO, Paid Volunteer Days Plus Floating HolidaysStock Purchase Plan (SPP)11 paid Holidays Annually/Holiday compensation when workedPet and Legal InsuranceQ-Rest Sabbatical ProgramQ-Anniversary Service Award ProgramParental Leave for primary and secondary caregiversMilitary Benefits PackageQTS Charitable Matching Gift ProgramQTS Scholarship for Employee DependentsQTS Crisis FundWellness ProgramTuition Reimbursement ProgramThe Senior Manager, Procurement Operations is responsible for leading the enhancement of our source-to-pay value chain, ensuring tactical procurement excellence, and instituting purchasing guidelines that mitigate commercial risk. This leadership role is responsible for strategic management of procurement systems, process enhancement, and building foundational linkages between key partners. The successful candidate will be pivotal in ensuring our procurement practices align with organizational values and leverage technological advancements for efficiency and innovation.ResponsibilitiesOversee the enhancement, execution, and operational excellence of the purchasing process in cross-functional partnership with key stakeholders.Serve as a Procurement-to-Pay (P2P) leader by advancing procurement performance through technological enhancements and best practices in purchasing policies, supplier onboarding, and technology and digital readiness.Drive meaningful change management initiatives within the procurement function, cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and scalability.Develop internal communication and training strategies for QTS users to transact in ERP systems more effectively.Oversee the transactional buying function to execute swift and accurate purchasing in compliance with internal standards.Lead team of professionals who oversee process improvement, automation, and technological innovation in the procurement industry.Establish and enforce procurement policies and processes that ensure alignment with company standards, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals. Monitor and optimize key procurement performance metrics.Function as a leader and change agent, supporting senior management and executive-level stakeholders to align procurement strategies with the broader organizational goals.Collaborate across departments to unearth cost savings, process improvements, and opportunities for sustainable procurement practices, while staying abreast of industry trends.Basic QualificationsAt least six years of experience in procurement/sourcing, with a minimum of two years in leadership roles, highlighting successful category strategy development, change management, and sustainability initiatives.Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Information Technology, Business, accounting, or related fields, with preference given to those with advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas.Extensive ERP system customization experience, with a strong emphasis on implementation experience.Willingness to travel, up to 25% annually.Preferred QualificationsExperience working for or supporting a data center provider (multi-tenant data center, hyperscale user, or equipment provider)A history in Workday and/or Oracle systems implementations, upgrades, and maintenanceProcurement certification (e.g., ISM CPSM) preferred.MBA, Master of Supply ChainKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesDemonstrated expertise in managing procurement technologies and processes, with notable achievements in enhancing process efficiency, compliance, and embedding sustainable procurement practices.Outstanding leadership, communication, and change management skills, capable of fostering an innovative, continuously improving, and sustainable culture within procurement teams.Ability to work independently, influence all organizational levels, initiative-taking, critical thinking skills, and an important level of accountability.Exhibit excellent people skills with all levels of the organization.Use organizational skills to determine prioritization and appropriate multitasking.Perform necessary and timely follow-up, escalating appropriately if necessary.Strong planning, organization, decision-making, and critical thinking skills.Proven skill in building culture within a team across multiple locations.Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, on multiple, concurrent projects of varying complexity and competing priority.Total RewardsThis role is also eligible for a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and HSA accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; paid volunteer days; employee assistance program; tuition assistance; parental leave; military leave assistance; QTS scholarship for dependents; wellness program, and other company benefits. This role is bonus eligible and may be eligible for equity.We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.