Procurement Manager

Location: Lisbon

About the job:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and strategic Procurement Manager to support and oversee the procurement operations for our data center infrastructure and services. This role plays a key function in ensuring the efficient and cost-effective acquisition of goods, materials, and services-ranging from critical facility equipment to IT systems and construction contracts.

The ideal candidate brings a strong understanding of supply chain management in a highly technical environment, excels in vendor coordination, and ensures compliance with internal policies, budgets, and timelines.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement Management

• Manage the full end-to-end procurement lifecycle: request, review, selection, negotiation, ordering, delivery, and post-delivery evaluation.
• Define the procurement strategy for construction projects aligned to the business needs and lead the procurement teams responsible for its procurement
• Lead procurement planning in collaboration with construction, operations, engineering, IT, and finance departments.
• Oversee procurement categories including MEP systems, IT hardware, construction services, software, and facilities equipment.

Vendor & Contract Manager

• Maintain and expand a qualified supplier database tailored to the needs of a data center business.
• Define and manage templates for RFIs, RFPs, RFQs and bid analysis reports.
• Negotiate contracts and framework agreements to optimize value and manage risk.
• Monitor vendor performance and coordinate periodic reviews and audits.

Strategic Sourcing & Cost Optimization

• Analyze spend data to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved supplier terms.
• Support CAPEX and OPEX budgeting by aligning procurement forecasts with project pipelines.
• Ensure timely procurement to align with data center construction milestones and commissioning schedules.

Cost Control

• Track, manage, and report on procurement costs to ensure alignment with approved budgets and forecasts.
• Collaborate with finance and project management teams to identify and mitigate cost overruns.
• Implement systems and processes to continuously improve cost transparency, tracking, and accountability.
• Conduct variance analysis between forecasted and actual spend and drive corrective actions where necessary.

Systems & Documentation

• Utilize procurement platforms (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Coupa) to track and manage workflows.
• Maintain accurate records of purchases, contracts, invoices, and vendor correspondence.
• Ensure alignment with ISO standards and internal controls for auditing and compliance.

Risk, Sustainability & Compliance

• Enforce compliance with legal, ethical, and sustainability standards in procurement activities.
• Support ESG and sustainability objectives by sourcing environmentally responsible and energy-efficient products.
• Manage procurement-related risks, especially those linked to supply chain disruptions or single-source dependencies.

Key Qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering or related field. 
• 5+ years of experience in procurement, preferably in data centers, industrial infrastructure or mission-critical environments.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and contract management proven experience.

Preferred

• Experience with procurement and ERP tools.
• CIPS, PMP or similar professional certification. 
• Familiarity with sustainability frameworks (e.g. LEED, BREEAM, ISO 20400).
• Working knowledge of Uptime Institute or similar data center standarts is a plus. 

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Impact: Lead world class operations at Europe’s largest and most sustainable data center.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams and contribute to business development.
• Flexibility: Empowered to lead with autonomy and creativity in a fast-paced, client-centric environment.
• Growth: Join a company committed to innovation, professional development, and service excellence.
  
  

About Us:

At Start Campus, we provide mission-critical data center services that power businesses globally. We're customer-centric, innovative, and always looking to push boundaries.

If you're passionate about building relationships, driving customer success, and thriving in a tech-driven world, we want to hear from you!

If you think you have what it takes for this position and are looking for a new professional challenge send your application.

If you think you have what it takes for this position and are looking for a new professional challenge send your application.