At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement operations and manage supplier relationships at our Letterkenny plant.
- Company: Join Vertiv, a leader in infrastructure solutions with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with global teams and drive cost-saving initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 7-10 years of procurement experience, with strong team management skills.
The Senior Manager, Procurement Infrasols Ireland is the execution lead for Vertiv's Infrastructure Solutions (IS) procurement at the Ireland manufacturing plant in Letterkenny, County Donegal and will report to the Director IS & SFN. The role translates central IS procurement strategy into site-level execution, focusing on supplier management, cost reduction, NPI support, and ensuring quality and on-time delivery to maintain full plant performance.
Responsibilities:
- IS Procurement Operations: Lead day-to-day procurement for all IS categories at the Ireland plant (racks, enclosures, containment, PDUs, accessories), ensuring PO execution, supplier confirmations, delivery flow, and exception handling. Maintain uninterrupted supply and full compliance with Vertiv global and EMEA IS procurement frameworks.
- Local Supplier Management: Manage and develop performance-driven supplier relationships, including regular reviews and scorecards (quality, OTD, responsiveness). Identify backup suppliers to mitigate single-source risk and escalate systemic issues with root-cause analysis and corrective actions.
- Plant-Level Cost Reduction: Drive Ireland-specific cost initiatives (negotiations, volume leverage, specification optimization, VA/VE, supplier innovation), targeting 3-5% annual savings. Track and report savings using standard methodology and contribute to the broader EMEA IS savings program.
- NPI Support for IS Products: Lead procurement activities for all Ireland-based NPI and engineering changes, ensuring supplier readiness, sample qualification, and on-time execution of stage-gates and first builds, with no impact to production start.
- Quality & Delivery Oversight: Monitor supplier performance (PPM, NCRs, corrective actions) and ensure OTD targets are met. Partner with Quality and Operations to resolve issues and proactively escalate risks with no disruption to plant operations.
- Hub Coordination: Act as the interface to the Pune Hub for analytics, defining data needs, validating outputs, and integrating insights into decisions. Support continuous improvement of hub capabilities.
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead and develop the Ireland IS procurement team (~11 HC), driving performance, accountability, and capability growth. Set objectives, manage reviews, build development plans, and contribute to EMEA procurement talent programs.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering (Mechanical / Industrial / Electrical), Business Administration, or related technical discipline required.
- Professional procurement qualification advantageous: CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or equivalent nationally recognized credential.
- Minimum 7-10 years of progressive procurement experience, with at least 3 years in a senior procurement role with direct people management responsibility in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Demonstrable track record of managing procurement operations for electromechanical or structural hardware categories strongly preferred.
- Proven experience in plant-level supplier management: running supplier scorecards, conducting formal supplier reviews, managing NCRs, and executing corrective action programs with measurable quality and OTD outcomes.
- Hands-on NPI procurement experience: participation in stage-gate processes, supplier readiness management for new product introduction, sample procurement coordination, and on-time delivery of procurement milestones to production launch.
- Strong commercial acumen: experience negotiating contracts and pricing with IS or equivalent hardware suppliers; ability to identify and execute cost reduction levers at plant level using data and market insight.
- Familiarity with quality management systems (ISO 9001 or equivalent) and supplier quality metrics (PPM, OTD, NCR management) in a manufacturing context.
Highly Desirable:
- Prior experience in data center infrastructure, EMS/ODM, telecommunications equipment, or industrial electronics supply chain context.
- Ireland market familiarity: knowledge of Ireland-based supplier ecosystem, logistics infrastructure, and manufacturing landscape.
- Experience working with globally distributed teams and offshore analytical hubs - India (Pune) exposure preferred.
- Working knowledge of SAP or equivalent ERP system for purchase order management, goods receipt, and procurement spend reporting.
Senior Manager, Procurement - Infrasols in Donegal employer: Vertiv
Vertiv is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Letterkenny, Ireland, where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and performance, team members are empowered to drive impactful procurement strategies that enhance plant operations. The company also prioritises work-life balance and provides opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the infrastructure solutions sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Manager, Procurement - Infrasols in Donegal
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Vertiv.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Manager, Procurement - Infrasols in Donegal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Vertiv:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vertiv. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Vertiv.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertiv
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Vertiv!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Vertiv. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Vertiv's culture.
