Associate Procurement Manager

Aligned Data Centers•DFW01_02, IL

About The Position

The Associate Procurement Manager will support the strategic planning and management of Aligned’s data center critical power and cooling equipment supply chain. Working under the guidance of the Platform Procurement Manager, this role will support vendor management, equipment sourcing, commercial analysis, procurement planning, and execution across assigned equipment categories. This is a hands-on role requiring strong technical curiosity and a willingness to develop a detailed understanding of the equipment and systems being procured, in addition to their commercial and supply-chain considerations. A successful candidate will have strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, demonstrated initiative, and the ability to quickly learn complex technical and commercial concepts in a fast-paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
1-3 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, engineering, construction, manufacturing, project management, data/information systems, or another relevant field.
Strong technical aptitude and curiosity, with a demonstrated interest in learning how complex equipment and systems function and interact.
Ability and willingness to develop a working understanding of technical specifications, equipment documentation, engineering drawings, and other technical information relevant to assigned equipment categories.
Strong Excel skills, including the ability to organize and analyze large data sets, develop formulas and analytical models, perform data comparisons, and clearly present findings.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to organize, evaluate, and draw conclusions from quantitative and qualitative information.
Hands-on, self-directed approach to learning and problem solving, with a willingness to ask questions, investigate unfamiliar topics, and actively develop technical and commercial subject-matter knowledge.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent priorities.
Strong attention to detail while maintaining an understanding of broader project and business objectives.
Demonstrated initiative and willingness to take ownership of work.
Ability to work effectively across technical, commercial, financial, and operational teams.
Ability to travel as required to support vendor relationships, manufacturing activities, and technical learning opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Experience in procurement, supply chain, engineering, manufacturing, construction, or another technically oriented environment.
Exposure to data center, electrical, mechanical, or other mission-critical infrastructure equipment.
Experience supporting RFPs, bid evaluations, supplier negotiations, or purchasing activities.
Familiarity with equipment manufacturing, production planning, or supply-chain management.
Experience with commercial or financial analysis, including pricing comparisons, forecasting, or cost modeling.
Familiarity with construction drawings, specifications, equipment schedules, or technical scopes.
Experience working directly with suppliers or other external business partners.
Exposure to purchase orders, change orders, contracts, or other commercial agreements.

Responsibilities

Support the management of assigned data center equipment categories, including sourcing, commercial evaluation, vendor management, and procurement execution.
Work closely with strategic vendor partners to ensure alignment with Aligned’s programmatic needs, technical requirements, and long-term procurement strategy.
Develop working relationships with vendor account management, sales, operations, and technical teams, with increasing responsibility for independently managing vendor interactions.
Support and eventually lead competitive sourcing activities, including RFPs, bid evaluations, commercial comparisons, vendor recommendations, and award documentation.
Collaborate with construction, engineering, finance, accounting, and other internal stakeholders to align procurement activities with project and business requirements.
Support the creation and processing of purchase orders, change orders, and other commercial documentation while maintaining visibility into approved purchasing budgets.
Track, analyze, and report on equipment pricing, cost drivers, market conditions, lead times, capacity constraints, and other factors affecting current and future equipment purchasing.
Prepare commercial analyses, bid leveling, pricing comparisons, and cost models to support procurement recommendations and decision-making.
Assist with commercial negotiations, including equipment pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, commercial terms, and other supplier commitments.
Support commercial agreement activities by coordinating vendor inputs, tracking open items, and assisting with commercial reviews and documentation.
Support long-term equipment demand, capacity, and procurement planning across Aligned’s development pipeline.
Develop a strong working knowledge of Aligned’s data center equipment, including its function, application, key technical requirements, and relationship to broader data center electrical and mechanical systems.
Take a hands-on approach to learning assigned equipment categories through collaboration with internal engineering teams, vendor technical resources, manufacturing facility visits, equipment reviews, and other technical learning opportunities.
Review equipment specifications, technical proposals, and vendor offerings to develop an understanding of technical differences and their potential commercial and procurement implications.
Maintain accurate procurement data, vendor documentation, commercial records, and reporting associated with assigned equipment categories.
Prepare and present procurement analyses, recommendations, vendor updates, and other information to internal stakeholders.
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of Platform Procurement processes, tools, standards, and reporting.
Take increasing ownership of assigned equipment categories and procurement initiatives as experience and capabilities develop.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
HSA with employer contribution for eligible participants
FSA's offered for health and dependent care to increase tax savings
401(k) plan with company match
Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
Short-Term Disability, Life Insurance, and Long-Term Disability (with medical election)
Voluntary life, critical illness, legal, and additional disability coverage
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Wellhub gym membership
Other wellness initiatives