Principal Category Manager

About the role

The Principal Category Manager – Data Center Cooling drives the global end-to-end category strategy, strategic sourcing, and supplier development for hyper-scale data center mechanical infrastructure. In this senior role, you will manage a multi-hundred-million-dollar annual spend across key mechanical cooling systems, including Chillers, Computer Room Air Handlers (CRAHs), Air Handling Units (AHUs), Containment, etc

You will act as the primary commercial authority for critical thermal suppliers, aligning engineering roadmaps, securing manufacturing capacity, and establishing resilient, cost-optimized supply chains to support rapid global data center deployment.

What you'll do

• Category Strategy & Execution: Develop and execute multi-year global strategic sourcing strategies for mechanical cooling commodities to ensure capacity, quality, and total cost of ownership (TCO) optimization.
• Supplier Relationship & Development: Manage executive-level relationships with Tier-1 and Tier-2 cooling OEMs. Drive supplier capacity expansion, technical innovation, and performance scorecards.
• Commercial Negotiation & Contracting: Lead complex negotiations for Master Purchasing Agreements, Capacity Agreements, and SLA frameworks.
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Partner closely with Data Center Design Engineering, Operations, and Construction teams to align cooling technology roadmaps with future compute architectures (e.g., high-density AI/HPC workloads).
• Risk Management & Supply Resiliency: Map multi-tier supply chains to identify and mitigate single-point-of-failure risks, lead-time bottlenecks, and geopolitical constraints across raw materials and components (e.g., compressors, fans, coils).
• Market Intelligence: Monitor market trends, commodity price fluctuations (copper, aluminum, steel), refrigerant regulations (e.g., HFC phase-downs, low-GWP transitions), and vendor capacity constraints to inform executive decision-making.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related technical discipline. Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of strategic sourcing or supply chain management experience, with at least 5 years specifically dedicated to critical data center infrastructure, industrial HVAC, or heavy mechanical capital equipment.
• Deep technical and commercial understanding of mechanical cooling systems (Chillers, CRAHs, AHUs, Liquid Cooling, Cooling Towers, CDUs).
• Demonstrated track record of structuring complex, high-value contracts and capacity reservation agreements with global OEMs.
• Strong cross-functional leadership, communication, and executive presentation skills. Proven ability to influence internal engineering stakeholders and external vendor leadership.

Compensation and Benefits 

• Competitive Salary: $169,000 - $208,000 (commensurate with experience) + bonus + sign-on equity grant. 

• Long-Term Growth: Eligible to participate in Riot’s equity incentive programs and share in the success you help build. 

• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Incudes a generous company match. 

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple medical plan options, including 100% company-paid plans. 

• Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy free gym memberships, pet insurance, childcare discounts, and more to support your life both in and out of work. 

Riot is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.