Director of Strategic Sourcing

Align Communications•Plano, TX

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced and hands-on Strategic Sourcing Leader to build, lead, and scale our procurement function for data center white space projects solutions. This role will oversee a team of sourcing professionals while directly driving strategy, supplier relationships, and commercial outcomes across both materials and subcontracted labor. As a specialized technology solutions provider delivering end-to-end design, procurement, and delivery of data center white space & AI HPC cabling solutions, this role is critical to optimizing cost, quality, and speed across our supply chain. The ideal candidate brings deep industry relationships, strong commercial acumen, and a track record of developing strategic partnerships within the data center ecosystem with a focus on Electrical and Mechanical Suppliers.

Requirements

Proven expertise to lead a scalable, high-performing procurement function.
Establish strategic supplier partnerships and preferred vendor programs that provide improved lead times, supplier responsiveness, and material availability, as well as measurable cost savings and margin improvement through sourcing strategies.
10+ years of experience in strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain leadership within data center, mission-critical, or related construction environments
Proven experience sourcing materials and subcontracted labor for data center fit-out projects
Deep knowledge of: Data center infrastructure components (containment, conveyance, electrical distribution, structured cabling, liquid cooling)
Deep knowledge of: Industry pricing models, supply chains, and vendor landscape
Established relationships with key manufacturers, distributors, and subcontractors in the data center ecosystem with a focus on Electrical and Mechanical Suppliers.
Strong negotiation skills with demonstrated success securing preferred pricing, rebates, and strategic agreements
Experience setting up preferred vendor programs and long-term supplier partnerships
Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing teams

Nice To Haves

Experience working with or sourcing from OEM manufacturers and developing white-label solutions
Technical knowledge to evaluate products, specifications, and installation requirements
Familiarity with hyperscale data center standards and colocation environments
Experience aligning procurement strategies with construction sequencing and fast-track project delivery

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing procurement team
Establish sourcing strategies, processes, and standards to support rapid scaling of data center fit-out operations
Drive a culture of accountability, commercial rigor, and continuous improvement
Remain hands-on in key sourcing initiatives, negotiations, and supplier engagements
Own sourcing strategy and execution for all materials and subcontracted labor related to data center white space fit-out
Develop and implement category strategies across: Structural support systems, containment, and conveyance (ladder racks, cable trays, cabinets, HACs), Electrical power distribution (UPS systems, busway, whip, RPPs, feeders, and associated cabling), Data cabling (fiber optic and copper / low voltage systems), Liquid cooling infrastructure (CDUs, TCS Loops , rear door heat exchanger solutions)
Identify, evaluate, and onboard manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers aligned with cost, quality, and delivery goals
Negotiate pricing, terms, rebates, and volume-based agreements leveraging company spend
Build and maintain strategic relationships with: OEMs and manufacturers, National and regional distributors, Electrical contractors (power distribution installation), Structured cabling contractors (fiber and LVC installation), Specialized labor providers (liquid cooling, rack/cabinet install, containment and conveyance installation)
Establish preferred vendor programs and long-term partnerships to ensure capacity, priority delivery, and competitive pricing
Explore white-label and direct OEM manufacturing opportunities (e.g., cabling and standardized components)
Expansion of supplier network and introduction of innovative sourcing models (e.g., OEM direct, white-label solutions)
Leverage deep understanding of industry pricing benchmarks, supply chain dynamics, and lead times
Continuously assess market conditions to identify cost-saving opportunities and mitigate supply risks
Develop creative, “outside-the-box” sourcing strategies to optimize total cost of ownership, speed to delivery, and scalability
Ensure procurement strategies align with project schedules and construction sequencing
Build scalable procurement processes, tools, and standards for sourcing, contracting, and supplier management
Standardize materials, specifications, and supplier selection where appropriate
Partner with engineering, construction, and project management teams to ensure alignment across design, procurement, and installation
Implement tracking and reporting mechanisms for cost savings, supplier performance, and procurement efficiency