Fortivum
OFCI Procurement Specialist (Data Centres)
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OFCI Procurement Specialist
Our client is one of the fastest-scaling players in the AI and high-performance compute space. They design and deliver next-generation, GPU-dense data centres across Europe, operating at hyperscale speed and complexity. With aggressive build timelines, advanced electrical and mechanical systems, and intricate cross-border supply chains, they are expanding rapidly and investing heavily in their European footprint.
Their infrastructure underpins some of the most demanding compute workloads in the world — and they are now hiring a key OFCI procurement leader to help deliver multiple new data centre campuses across Europe.
Key Responsibilities
- OFCI Strategy Development — Build and execute procurement strategies for electrical, mechanical, and IT infrastructure across multiple EU sites, ensuring alignment with project design, construction, and commissioning requirements.
- Technical Equipment Knowledge — Develop a strong understanding of critical data centre equipment, including switchgear, UPS, generators, cooling systems, racks, structured cabling, and GPU-related infrastructure. Be able to confidently discuss equipment functionality, technical requirements, supplier capabilities, lead times, and how each package integrates into the wider data centre design and delivery programme.
- RFP & Tender Management — Independently lead end-to-end RFPs and tender processes, from developing scopes and supplier strategies through to issuing RFQs/RFPs, evaluating and levelling bids, negotiating commercial and technical positions, and making supplier recommendations/selections.
- Supplier Sourcing & Strategy — Identify, qualify, and onboard suppliers across critical OFCI packages. Develop alternative supplier strategies and contingency plans where capacity, lead times, pricing, or technical capability present project risks.
- Contract Negotiation — Lead commercial negotiations and contracting with key suppliers, ensuring favourable terms, appropriate risk allocation, cost control, and compliance.
- Supplier & Escalation Management — Take ownership of supplier performance and challenging escalations, working directly with vendors to resolve commercial, technical, quality, manufacturing, and schedule issues.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration — Partner closely with engineering, design, construction, commissioning, project management, and operations teams to ensure procurement decisions align with technical requirements, construction sequencing, installation, testing, and commissioning schedules.
- Schedule & Logistics Management — Oversee manufacturing timelines, FATs, shipping, customs, logistics, and delivery sequencing, ensuring critical equipment arrives in line with project requirements.
- Risk & Cost Control — Monitor market trends, supplier capacity, supply constraints, lead times, and pricing to identify risks and protect project budgets and delivery schedules.
- Vendor Performance Management — Establish and track supplier KPIs, manage performance reviews, escalate issues where required, and drive continuous improvement across the supply base.
- Documentation & Compliance — Maintain accurate PO records, contract files, bid evaluations, supplier documentation, and compliance records across multiple EU jurisdictions.
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Required Experience
- 5+ years’ experience in data centre procurement, ideally within hyperscale, colocation, HPC, or similarly complex critical infrastructure environments.
- Strong technical understanding of data centre infrastructure and equipment, with the ability to confidently discuss the function, technical requirements, supply chain, supplier landscape, lead times, and procurement considerations associated with major OFCI packages.
- Proven experience managing OFCI packages such as switchgear, UPS, generators, chillers, CRAC/CRAH systems, racks, structured cabling, and associated MEP infrastructure.
- Understanding of how data centre equipment integrates into design, construction sequencing, installation, testing, and commissioning.
- Demonstrable experience independently running RFPs and procurement processes end-to-end, including developing scopes, managing supplier engagement, evaluating and levelling bids, negotiating commercial terms, and making supplier selections.
- Experience developing alternative supplier strategies and contingency plans to mitigate capacity, lead-time, technical, commercial, and supply-chain risks.
- Proven ability to manage tough supplier escalations, resolve performance issues, and hold vendors accountable for cost, quality, schedule, and contractual commitments.
- Strong understanding of MEP systems, construction sequencing, critical infrastructure delivery, and European supply chains.
- Experience with GPU-dense environments, high-power electrical systems, or advanced cooling technologies would be highly advantageous.
- Skilled in contract drafting, commercial negotiation, supplier selection, and vendor performance management.
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and procurement packages against aggressive delivery timelines.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with technical, commercial, engineering, and construction stakeholders.
- Comfortable working remotely with periodic travel to European sites.
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Preferred Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related field.
- CIPS or equivalent procurement certification.
- Experience with ERP systems such as SAP, NetSuite, or Oracle.
- Familiarity with EU procurement regulations and cross-border logistics.
- Experience working directly with major data centre equipment manufacturers, OEMs, or specialist suppliers.
Location
Remote — UK or Ireland, with travel to EU sites approximately twice per month.
What we're looking for:
This is not a purely transactional procurement role. The successful candidate will combine strong procurement and commercial capability with a genuine technical understanding of data centre infrastructure.
You should be comfortable sitting with engineers, project teams, and suppliers and discussing what the equipment does, why it is required, how it fits into the overall data centre design and construction programme, who can supply it, how long it will take to manufacture and deliver, and what alternatives are available if the preferred supply route becomes constrained.
You will be expected to independently own procurement processes, make informed supplier selections, manage difficult supplier situations, and proactively develop alternative sourcing strategies to keep projects on track.
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