Job Information
Cupertino Electric Divisional Purchasing Manager in Des Moines, Iowa
Posting Title: Divisional Purchasing Manager – Data Center
Reports To: Director of Purchasing
Location: Urbandale, Iowa (Travel up to 30%)
Salary Range: $105,000 - 130,000
Final determination of a successful candidate’s starting pay will vary based on a number of factors, including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, education and experience. The pay scale listed for this position is generally for candidates that meet the specified qualifications and requirements listed on this specific job description. We provide a competitive compensation package that recognizes your experience, credentials, and education alongside a robust benefits program to meet your needs. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets.
WHO WE ARE
For nearly 70 years, Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) has been powered by people who’ve built a reputation for delivering high-profile, complex projects. Real, tangible things that alter the landscape and improve lives. But even more than that, we’ve built a reputation for integrity. We’re problem solvers and innovation seekers. We’re team players and safety fanatics. And we always—always—do the right thing. Even when no one is looking. Because what we do here is important, but how we do it is everything.
THE PURCHASING TEAM
The purchasing team manages all equipment and materials purchases for both job sites and corporate expenditures. This includes vetting vendors and establishing and maintaining relationships with new and loyal suppliers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management:
Build and maintain relationships with strategic supplier partners to drive market-leading bids and long-term agreements.
Manage bold bidding strategies with market pricing examination to ensure profitability and competitiveness.
Monitor market conditions, identify constraints, and anticipate price volatility.
Conduct demand forecasting reviews to align supplier production slots with project pipeline and schedules.
Track monthly divisional pipeline by project type, location, and critical timelines.
Pre-Construction Support:
Partner with Pre-Construction and Site Integration teams to align procurement strategy with project goals.
Identify procurement risks, prioritize packages based on schedule and market constraints.
Evaluate design for compliance with project specifications and constructability standards.
Drive resolution of RFIs and manage scope-related uncertainties.
Manage procurement kickoff meetings to align on strategy, schedule, and resource allocation.
Review quantity takeoffs and develop synchronized material release plans.
Implement kitting strategies to improve onsite productivity and streamline delivery schedules.
Project Procurement Execution:
Develop and prioritize procurement plans for high-risk and schedule-critical packages (e.g., electrical gear, lighting, raceways, commodities).
Conduct thorough quote comparisons and review vendor submittals for compliance and cost management.
Transition procurement packages seamlessly to site teams with detailed handoffs.
Site Purchasing & Logistics:
Partner with Site Superintendents to develop site logistics plans.
Oversee mobilization efforts: trailer setup, rentals, temporary power, and identification of local fabricators.
Manage weekly Procurement Status Review (PSR) meetings to ensure visibility and accountability.
Coordinate release schedules for all procurement packages.
Support tactical purchasing needs, including commodities, PPE, tools, kitting, and vendor-managed inventory (VMI).
Expedite vendor deliveries, monitor status, and resolve delays.
Cost Control & Analytics:
Monitor purchase orders, commitments, and actual costs to ensure budget alignment.
Track procurement analytics to compare estimated versus actual buyouts and capture lessons learned for future bids.
Reconcile monthly commitments and resolve purchase order discrepancies.
Facilitate project close-out processes, including de-commitments and vendor lien waivers.
Team Leadership:
Directly manage and develop a team of 8-15 procurement professionals.
Establish clear performance expectations and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Provide mentorship and training to team members to enhance their procurement knowledge and professional growth.
Scope: Receives assignments in the form of objectives and determines how to use resources to meet schedules and goals. Provides guidance to subordinates within the latitude of established company policies. Recommends changes to policies and establishes procedures that affect immediate organization(s).
Complexity: Works on issues of diverse scope where analysis of situation or data requires evaluation of a variety of factors, including an understanding of current business trends. Follows processes and operational policies in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Acts as advisor to subordinate(s) to meet schedules and/or resolve technical problems. Develops and administers schedules, performance requirements; may have budget responsibilities.
Discretion: Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve results will add to costs and may impact the short-term goals of the organization.
Interaction: Frequently interacts with subordinate supervisors, customers, and/or functional peer group managers, normally involving matters between functional areas, other company divisions or units, or customers and the company. Often must lead a cooperative effort among members of a project team.
Supervision: Manages, perhaps through subordinate supervisors, the coordination of the activities of a section or department with responsibility for results, including costs, methods and staffing. In some instances this manager may be responsible for a functional area and not have any subordinate employees.
ABOUT YOU
Leadership & Team Management: Strong ability to inspire, lead, and develop high-performing teams.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to forecast demand, analyze market conditions, and align procurement strategies with divisional goals.
Analytical Acumen: Proficiency in analyzing data, tracking metrics, and delivering actionable insights.
Collaboration: Skilled at building relationships with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
Project Management: Expertise in aligning procurement activities with project schedules and critical paths.
Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with electrical gear, raceways, commodity agreements, and constructability processes.
Proficiency in procurement software and tools (e.g., Oracle, Procore, SAP, or equivalent).
Proven experience managing teams, large supplier networks, and high-value purchasing activities.
Strong understanding of electrical construction materials and equipment.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement sourcing strategies, procurement processes, and cost-saving initiatives
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
Licensure/Certifications: N/A
Experience: 7+ years of procurement or supply chain experience, preferably within the electrical construction or mission-critical/data center industry.
TRAVEL & WORK CONDITIONS
Travel: Up to 30% travel to job sites and corporate headquarters as needed.
Work Environment: Remote/Hybrid/Corporate Onsite flexibility depending on location and project needs.
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PLEASE NOTE: CEI will never ask for any money or financial information from applicants during the hiring process. To learn more about "job scams" how to avoid them, click here. (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams)
CEI is a place where every single person can—and does—have an impact on the work we do and the communities we serve. Here, you can build your own story and grow to your full potential. You can collaborate and celebrate with amazing people. And you’ll go home every day knowing you helped contribute to important work that shapes people’s lives. Our commercial, data center and energy projects may be complex, but our approach is simple. We build great things and we do it with great people.
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department, program or project needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
Cupertino Electric Inc. aims to make cei.com accessible to any and all users. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation to navigate our website or complete the application process, please contact us at ceijobs@cei.com or 1-(877)-747-4CEI.
Cupertino Electric, Inc. (CEI) is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.
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