Lead Operation Procurement Analyst, APAC

Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.

The Reliability Engineering Team is responsible for the overall health of critical systems and Site Operations formalized standard processes. For each of the major systems Electrical, Mechanical, and Controls, the Reliability Engineering team ensures success in the commissioning stages of new construction, evaluating and improving the reliability and performance of existing critical infrastructure, new and remediation projects, sustaining equipment operational availability through maintenance programming, providing technical support and training to the Site Operations Teams, and providing systems reliability and maintainability feedback to the Design Engineering teams for future design considerations.

Due to the growing volume of sites transitioning from Development to Operations, we have identified the need for an Operations Procurement Manager. The Manager will report directly to the Senior Manager, Operation Procurement APAC and will be responsible for providing procurement support to sites in APAC.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Operation Procurement APAC, you'll be a key team member, spearheading site management procurement strategies covering maintenance, consultancy, snag remediation, small construction projects, site mobilization, and other essential spend areas.

In addition, you'll take charge of vendor relationships in APAC, overseeing maintenance contracts, conducting vendor performance reviews, managing SLA compliance, and handling dispute resolutions. Working closely with site operations teams, you'll ensure vendors align with Vantage standard maintenance requirements.

Your role involves crafting site-specific procurement strategies, optimizing operational efficiency, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and maintaining robust relationships with local suppliers.

As a pivotal part of the entire procurement life cycle, you will lead strategy development, manage tenders, negotiate contracts, and ensure effective supplier and contract management. Your collaborative efforts extend to close coordination with the APAC Operations and Construction Team, enhancing processes and identifying cost efficiencies.

Join us in this impactful role, where your strategic procurement expertise and adept vendor management skills will drive our continued success.

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to comprehend short and long-term site to regional requirements, developing and executing effective procurement strategies aligned with the position description.

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the local supplier marketplace, identifying strategic partners for VDC, and building a resilient, responsive, and agile supply chain.

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure vendor performance and establish an efficient strategic supplier management model.

• Cultivate strong partnerships with collaborators to inform site operations strategy, proactively engaging the market based on project pipelines.

• Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities in collaboration with the broader team.

• Drive the implementation of site-specific procurement strategies within established timelines and budget constraints.

• Implement standardized processes in procurement and supplier management to support commercial and operational objectives.

• Negotiate competitive multi-year agreements with suppliers as applicable.

• Ensure all required contracts, particularly in maintenance, are in place and proactively manage renewals, aligning them with Vantage standard maintenance requirements and expectations.

• Collaborate with Legal to examine and test new and existing contract structures, emphasizing maintenance quality, standards, and compliance.

• Establish, develop, and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, internal/external contractors, and clients.

• Conduct business review meetings with key stakeholders to assess risk, review future strategies, and identify potential cost reduction, risk mitigation, and improvement opportunities.

• Lead vendor negotiations, handle conflict resolution, and drive continuous improvement within the supplier base, particularly focusing on maintenance quality and standards.

• Manage multiple third-party vendors providing critical services, ensuring quality and delivery targets are met.

• Update and recommend improvements to procurement strategies based on changing market conditions.

• Collaborate with the wider Development, New Sites Deployment and OFCI Procurement Team, sharing lessons learned and optimizing processes.

• Provide regular and accurate reporting to VDC Site managers on supplier and contract performance, emphasizing maintenance quality, standards, and compliance.

• Diploma/ Bachelor of Science degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration or equivalent required

• 5+ years of relevant supply chain experience as a customer or supplier in Data Center or complex infrastructure construction

• Strong communication skills with excellent stakeholder management

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Solid understanding of procurement, commercial and negotiating techniques along with standard construction contract terms & conditions;

• Strong knowledge of local markets, with an established network

• Excellent planning and organization skills with the ability to handle conflicting priorities and meet tight timelines

• Ability to lead and engage people in a fast-changing environment to achieve results through others

• Outspoken and confident and able to quickly build a high level of personal and professional credibility within the business and customer base, demonstrating strong commercial and financial competence.

• Experience within data center operations teams will be a bonus

• Technical background and/or experience with data center critical MEP systems and maintenance schedules will be a bonus

• Bilingual with Japanese speaking is a bonus

We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations.

Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.

Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.

Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.