Director of Procurement

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT | HYPERSCALE DATA CENTER DEVELOPERScroll down for a complete overview of what this job will require Are you the right candidate for this opportunityRemote (East Coast/Midwest) | Confidential ClientTHE OPPORTUNITYOur client, a premier data center developer with over 20 years of delivering best-in-class hyperscale and enterprise facilities, is seeking a Director of Procurement to establish and lead their procurement function from the ground up.With $3+ billion currently under construction and an aggressive growth pipeline including multiple 300+ MW developments, this role offers the rare opportunity to architect procurement strategy, build vendor relationships, and directly impact billions in capital deployment.This is a ground-floor leadership opportunity where you'll build something lasting.ABOUT OUR CLIENTOur client is a highly respected, lean, and intentional developer of mission-critical data center facilities known for: 20+ years delivering excellence to the most demanding hyperscale customers Zero compromise philosophy - pursuing excellence in every detail Strategic market presence in Northern Virginia, Northeast, and emerging national markets Speed-to-market advantage through proactive long-lead equipment procurement Lean, efficient operations with direct access to leadership and decision-makersThe company is at an inflection point—scaling from 1-2 projects to 6+ simultaneous developments nationwide. Strategic procurement has become mission-critical to maintaining competitive advantage.THE ROLEThe Director of Procurement will be the company's first dedicated procurement leader, responsible for establishing procurement infrastructure, vendor relationships, and processes to support aggressive growth while maintaining quality standards.Strategic Procurement LeadershipDevelop and implement comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with growth objectivesEstablish procurement policies, procedures, and best practices from the ground upBuild procurement systems and vendor evaluation frameworksDrive cost optimization initiatives across equipment categories and project lifecycleCreate vendor performance metrics and management protocolsVendor & Supplier ManagementEstablish strategic relationships with critical equipment manufacturers and suppliersManage long-lead equipment vendors: generators, switchgear, transformers, UPS systems, cooling equipmentNegotiate master supply agreements, pricing structures, and commercial termsDevelop preferred vendor programs balancing quality, cost, delivery, and serviceCultivate alternative sources to mitigate supply chain riskLong-Lead Equipment StrategyOversee procurement of critical equipment requiring 12-24 month advance orderingDevelop equipment reservation and holding strategies to support speed-to-marketCoordinate with technical teams on equipment specifications and project requirementsManage delivery schedules across multiple simultaneous projectsMitigate supply chain disruptions through proactive planningOperational ExecutionPrepare, review, and execute purchase orders for major equipment packagesNegotiate contracts, payment schedules, and delivery conditionsTrack PO status and ensure on-time delivery coordinationManage equipment logistics to construction sites across multiple statesCoordinate with accounting/finance on budgets, forecasts, and payment processingMarket Intelligence & InnovationMonitor equipment market trends, pricing, and availabilityTrack emerging technologies and alternative equipment solutionsAnalyze supply chain dynamics and anticipate disruptionsProvide market intelligence to inform project planning decisionsIDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILEExperience & Background:7-12 years in procurement, supply chain, or vendor managementProven track record managing high-value procurement for capital projectsExperience with long-lead equipment procurement and delivery coordinationStrong negotiation skills with demonstrated cost savings achievementsConstruction, infrastructure, or mission-critical facilities background preferredData center or hyperscale facility experience highly valuedTechnical Knowledge:Understanding of data center equipment categories and specificationsKnowledge of electrical distribution equipment, backup power, and cooling systemsFamiliarity with supply chain logistics and delivery coordinationContract negotiation and purchase order management expertiseExperience with procurement systems, ERP platforms, or project management toolsEssential Attributes:Strategic Thinker - Develops long-term strategies while executing daily operationsRelationship Builder - Naturally develops strong vendor partnerships based on mutual valueProactive & Self-Directed - Takes ownership and anticipates needs without supervisionDetail-Oriented - Manages complex specifications and schedules with precisionStrong Communicator - Interfaces effectively with technical teams, vendors, and leadershipProblem Solver - Navigates supply chain challenges and finds creative solutionsAdaptable - Comfortable building processes in lean, fast-paced environmentWHAT MAKES THIS OPPORTUNITY UNIQUE Build Your Legacy - Create the procurement function for a premier data center developer Ground Floor - First dedicated procurement leader with direct influence on strategy Scale & Impact - Oversee procurement for $3B+ in active construction Access - Work directly with company founder and technical leadership Critical Path - Long-lead procurement drives competitive advantage in speed-to-market Market Timing - Data center equipment markets are complex—develop highly valued expertise Career Trajectory - Early leadership positions you for future advancement as company scalesWHY THIS ROLE EXISTSThis position was created to address a critical business need: currently, technical leadership spends 10-15% of their time on procurement activities that should be dedicated to design and customer interface.More importantly, the company's competitive advantage depends on speed-to-market, requiring long-lead equipment to be secured 12-24 months before lease signings. With the company scaling rapidly, strategic procurement has become mission-critical.The successful candidate will establish procurement as a strategic function that drives competitive advantage, cost optimization, and operational excellence.WORK ARRANGEMENT Location: Remote - East Coast or Midwest preferred Travel: 20-30% to vendor facilities, construction sites, and company meetings Compensation: Competitive package commensurate with experienceABOUT VALOR FRONTValor Front is a specialized executive search firm focused on mission-critical infrastructure and data center talent acquisition. We have been exclusively retained to identify and recruit exceptional professionals for this confidential search.HOW TO APPLYInterested candidates should apply to connect with Valor Front to discuss this confidential opportunity. All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence. xhmxlyz Our client is committed to building a diverse team and encourages applications from professionals of all backgrounds who meet the qualifications outlined above.#Procurement #SupplyChain #DataCenter #HyperscaleDataCenter #VendorManagement #StrategicProcurement #Construction #MissionCritical #Infrastructure #ProcurementLeadershipValor Front | Executive Search for Mission-Critical Infrastructure