Product Category Specialist
Description
Do you want a role where every purchasing decision delivers strategic value? You’ll lead procurement for materials critical to modular data centers, high‑voltage electrical systems, and electrical products for commercial and residential construction—driving cost savings, quality improvements, and efficiency through supplier contracts, cross‑functional collaboration, and deep domain expertise.
More than just sourcing, you’ll embed sustainable and ethical practices into the heart of procurement so that our supply chain is resilient, compliant, and aligned with ESG goals. If you have 8+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, analytical rigor, and thrive steering strategy in a changing market—this is a chance to own an important category and make a measurable impact.
RK Company Overview
As a second-generation, family-owned enterprise, RK Industries, LLC (RK) offers a diverse range of construction, manufacturing, advanced fabrication and building services. Led by Rick and Jon Kinning, RK represents seven distinct lines of business that work together to provide seamless project collaboration. Our exclusive building methodologies, accredited safety standards and professional execution allow us to turn our customers’ greatest concepts into reality.
Position Summary
The Product Category Specialist role is responsible for overseeing and optimizing the procurement process for a specific product category, ensuring the timely acquisition of materials, equipment, and services related to the product category. This portfolio of materials in the category for this role will cover modular data center manufacturing material, high voltage electrical equipment and electrical material for commercial and residential construction. This position involves strategic procurement planning, supplier negotiations, and contract management. Additionally, the Procurement Category Manager will collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to develop and implement sustainable and ethical procurement practices.
Role Responsibilities
- Develop and implement sustainable and ethical procurement practices.
- Conduct strategic procurement planning and oversee supplier negotiations and contract management.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations, standards, and company policies.
- Collaborate effectively with the estimating, design, and engineering departments across multiple business units, offering informed insights and expertise.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Common material groups utilized in the construction and assembly of modular data centers may include:
- Structural Materials:
- Steel: Used for framing and structural components to provide durability and support.
- Aluminum: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant material for certain structural elements.
- Insulation and Thermal Management:
- Insulation Materials: Employed to regulate temperature and manage thermal efficiency.
- Thermal Coatings: Applied to control heat absorption and dissipation.
- Enclosure Materials:
- Composite Panels: Used for walls and ceilings to enhance insulation and structural integrity.
- Polycarbonate or Glass: For windows and transparent sections to allow natural light.
- Flooring Materials:
- Raised Flooring Systems: Often used for cable management and under-floor airflow.
- Anti-static Flooring: Essential for preventing electrostatic discharge in data center environments.
- Electrical Components:
- Copper and Aluminum Wiring: Essential for electrical connectivity within the modular units.
- Electrical Panels and Switchgear: Ensures proper power distribution and control.
- Cooling and HVAC Systems:
- Cooling Units: May include air conditioning units, chillers, or advanced cooling technologies.
- Ductwork and Ventilation Components: Essential for managing airflow and maintaining optimal temperatures.
- Fire Suppression and Safety Systems:
- Fire-Rated Materials: Used to enhance fire resistance.
- Fire Suppression Systems: Such as sprinklers, gas-based suppression, or other technologies.
- Networking Infrastructure:
- Networking Cables: Including fiber optics and copper cabling for data transmission.
- Racks and Cabinets: Used to house networking equipment.
- Modular Components:
- Modular Wall and Ceiling Systems: Facilitates easy assembly and disassembly.
- Prefabricated Modules: Containing racks, servers, and other essential components.
- Security Features:
- Access Control Systems: Including doors, card readers, and biometric security.
- Surveillance Systems: Cameras and monitoring equipment for security purposes.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, or a related field.
- Master's degree in a relevant discipline (bonus).
- 5+ Years of experience in procurement, preferably in manufacturing modular solutions in mission critical and data centers
- Demonstrated success in strategic procurement planning and supplier negotiations.
- Knowledge of industry-specific regulations, compliance, and standards.
- Analytical and strategic thinking.
- Leadership and team management abilities.
- Detail-oriented and organized.
- Knowledge of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations.
- Ability to adapt to changing market conditions and industry trends.
- Strong problem-solving abilities to address procurement challenges.
- Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Minimum Physical Requirements and Accountability
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and a variety of office equipment.
- Occasionally may need to reach, stoop, or kneel.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
What Sets RK Industries Apart
- Safety: Our unmatched culture of safety is our foremost core value, guiding everything we do each day: Health, Safety, & Environmental
- Awards: Whether in Construction, Manufacturing, Fabrication, or Service, RK Industries is highly recognized and accredited throughout the industry: Accreditations & Recognition
- Benefits: RK Industries offers competitive benefits to support your growth and well-being: Benefits & Rewards
- Philanthropy: RK Industries not only builds our community through our projects, but also invests in it by supporting local services for over a decade through the RK Foundation: RK Foundation
- Development: Through RK University, we provide hands-on training and development opportunities that empower employees to advance their careers and grow within the company, to include leadership and technical learning opportunities, we well as our accredited apprentice program: RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
RK Industries, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law