Grid Solutions Category Management, Director

Job Summary

As Director, Grid Solutions Category Management (AMER) under Global Procurement, you will secure substations and on‑site power generation (OSPG) capacity and delivery that enables powering new data center projects and future growth across the region. You will lead the power procurement strategy, identify and validate OEM/EPC partners, shape budgets, lock in capacity, and source to de‑risk schedules. You will own the Substation & OSPG category plan, negotiate global capacity and frame agreements, and drive total cost and schedule certainty across high‑stakes, multi‑million‑dollar CAPEX projects.

• Define the AMER grid solutions procurement strategy aligned to site pipeline and energization milestones.
• Identify and validate OEMs, EPCs, and tier2 suppliers; map regional capacity and lead times.
• Shape early budgets and recommend early commitments to derisk schedules.
• Translate demand forecasts into executable capacity forecasts with global vendors.
• Own category plan and governance, vendor selection, new product or technology introduction, benchmark, and framework contracts.
• Monitor and maintain full industry and market knowledge of category, suppliers, best practices, and competitive landscape.
• Drive total cost of ownership (TCO), schedule certainty, and quality/safety outcomes.
• Lead complex RFPs/RFIs, bid leveling, and multiround negotiations.
• Construct global framework agreements and implement price/indexation strategies.
• Secure capacity and availability with OEMs/EPCs; structure multisite frameworks, prebuy strategies for long lead items and options.
• Build executive level relationships with OEM/EPC leadership; chair QBRs.
• Set KPIs (OTD, FPY, MTBF, capacity adherence); drive corrective actions and continuous improvement.
• Develop competitive sourcing and regionalization strategies to increase resilience.
• Manage escalations and partner closely with Global Design & Construction, Global Energy, and Operations on specifications, schedules, and commissioning.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, codes/standards, and EH&S requirements.
• Embed supplier sustainability (carbon, circularity, ethics) and diversity objectives into agreements.

• 12+ years in strategic sourcing/category management for HV switch gear, power transformer, substations, or power generation (OEM/EPC).
• Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management, Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related field.
• Professional certifications (CPSM, CIPS, PMP, PE) advantageous.
• Proven delivery of global capacity agreements, frame contracts, and prebuy/inventory strategies.
• Strong negotiation track record and executive stakeholder management.
• Proven track record in consulting, engineering design, and end‑to‑end management of large‑scale utility or industrial power projects.
• Deep understanding of HV/MV substations (AIS/GIS), transformers, protection & control, and SCADA system as well as OSPG technologies.
• Working knowledge of utility interconnection practices, regulatory requirements, codes, and commissioning practices.
• Ability to translate technical requirements into commercial levers and contractual protections.
• Travel domestically and internationally up to 30% required.

Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related field.

Equinix offers competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected, and efficient benefits. Pay‑roll, health, retirement, paid time off, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs are available to every employee. For full benefit details, refer to the Equinix benefits portal.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable law.