As the Regional OFCI Senior Manager, you will be responsible for leading and managing the procurement, delivery, and installation of all Owner Furnished Contractor Installed (OFCI) equipment across multiple data centre construction projects in Europe. You will drive strategic initiatives that enhance speed to market, reduce costs, and ensure seamless integration of OFCI equipment throughout the entire project lifecycle. This role requires overseeing a multi-country team, ensuring timely delivery, and maintaining quality standards in line with project goals and company strategy.
With Colt DCS committed to investing billions in constructing Hyperscale Data Centres across our core markets, your expertise will be instrumental in securing and managing the supply contracts that underpin these ventures. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, relish the opportunity to drive impactful change, and excel at building strong relationships, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Management:
- Lead and manage a team of OFCI professionals across multiple European countries, aligning efforts with overall business goals.
- Develop and execute OFCI strategies that prioritise speed to market, cost reduction, and operational efficiency.
- Establish robust processes and systems to streamline procurement and delivery of OFCI equipment across all projects.
- Collaborate with senior management to define objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to OFCI operations.
Procurement & Vendor Management:
- Drive strategic procurement initiatives that secure the best commercial terms for OFCI equipment across multiple suppliers and manufacturers.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key vendors and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and timely delivery.
- Lead vendor negotiations to optimise cost efficiency, payment terms, and service agreements.
- Conduct regular market analysis to stay ahead of pricing fluctuations, new technologies, and trends that can impact the data centre industry.
- Maintain a strong understanding of market trends, inflation risks, and contractor pricing strategies. Your commercial insight will guide decision-making and ensure that Colt remains agile in an evolving marketplace
- Review of OFCI recommendations and support progressing these into full awards where required.
- Management of OFCI purchase orders raised, ensuring they remain commercially aligned with the overall design philosophy (design updates to be provided by the Client’s Technical resources)
- Review future phases with a view to supporting negotiations with incumbent OFCI suppliers to leverage the Client’s commercial position.
Project Lifecycle Management:
- Oversee the full lifecycle of OFCI procurement from initial project design, supplier selection, delivery, and installation.
- Collaborate closely with the Project Management, Design, and Construction teams to ensure that OFCI items align with project specifications, timelines, and budgets.
- Monitor and manage delivery schedules, ensuring on-time installation to avoid project delays.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, late deliveries, or installation challenges.
Cost Control & Efficiency:
- Develop and implement cost-saving strategies, focusing on reducing total cost of ownership (TCO) for OFCI items without compromising quality or timelines.
- Lead regular financial reviews of OFCI procurement, identifying opportunities for cost optimization and value engineering.
- Collaborate with the finance team to ensure accurate forecasting, budgeting, and reporting on OFCI-related expenditures.
- Focus on proactively identifying risks related to market conditions, vendor performance, and legal obligations. You’ll ensure that contracts include risk-sharing mechanisms and are structured to protect Colt from unforeseen price escalations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with engineering, construction, and procurement teams to ensure that OFCI requirements are integrated seamlessly into project delivery.
- Support key stakeholders, including General Contractors and external vendors, ensuring clear communication and expectations throughout the project.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of OFCI operations.
Team Development & Mentorship:
- Lead and mentor the OFCI team, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high levels of performance and engagement.
- Promote a culture of innovation and problem-solving within the team, encouraging the development of new approaches to complex challenges.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- Reduction in OFCI procurement lead times and improved speed to market.
- Achieved cost savings in line with corporate targets through strategic procurement.
- On-time delivery and installation of OFCI equipment, reducing delays in the construction schedule.
- Successful supplier performance evaluations and contract adherence.
- Team performance and development metrics, ensuring high employee engagement and efficiency.
The Skills and Expertise Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or related fields.
- A minimum of 10 years' experience in procurement and supply chain management within the construction or data centre sectors, with proven success in managing OFCI procurement.
- Demonstrated experience in leading multi-country teams and delivering complex projects across various geographies.
- Strong commercial acumen with a proven track record of negotiating large-scale procurement contracts and driving cost-saving initiatives.
- In-depth knowledge of the data centre construction industry and its supply chain challenges.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to drive performance in a cross-functional, fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to travel across Europe to visit project sites and work with local teams as needed.
- Fluent in English with a preference for French or German language skills