Category Manager, New Product Introduction

Crusoe · Data AI · Bellevue, WA - US · Procurement and Sourcing

This role is for a Category Manager, New Product Introduction at an AI infrastructure company. The focus is on managing the sourcing and supply chain for new product introductions related to Crusoe Cloud compute initiatives. Responsibilities include strategic sourcing, end-to-end NPI process management, supplier relationship management, risk management, cross-functional coordination, and sustainability integration. The role requires experience in supply chain, sourcing, or procurement, preferably for Data Center Infrastructure, Cloud, or Hardware supply chains, with a proven track record in NPI deployments and complex supply chains. Experience with AI/data center infrastructure supply chains is a bonus.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop and implement global sourcing strategies that are innovative, cost-effective, and consistently aligned with company objectives.
  2. Manage the entire NPI process, overseeing everything from project kickoff, sampling, design, and release
  3. Evaluate and actively manage relationships with key suppliers, ensuring they consistently meet our stringent quality standards and critical delivery deadlines.
  4. Conduct comprehensive risk management for all supply contracts and agreements, including proactive contingency planning to ensure business continuity.
  5. Lead cross-functional teams and coordinate activities with internal and external stakeholders to accurately plan for new products

Skills

Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain/Logistics, International Trade, or a related field.
  • Approximately 5-7 years of experience in supply chain, sourcing, or procurement, preferably for Data Center Infrastructure, Cloud, or Hardware supply chains.
  • Proven track record of successfully managing NPI deployments, complex supply chains, ensuring vendor compliance, and implementing process improvements.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities.
  • Proven experience working with global manufacturers and owning process qualification, documentation, and all supplier ramp approvals
  • Background working with hyperscalers, OEM/ODMs, or infrastructure providers
  • Must be able to pass a background check.

Nice to have

  • Experience managing Data Center infrastructure categories either in the greyspace or whitespace
  • Professional certification such as CPSM, CSCP, or CPIM.
  • Experience with AI/data center infrastructure supply chains.

What the JD emphasized

  • New Product Introduction
  • NPI
  • global sourcing
  • project management
  • supplier relationship management
  • process improvement
  • NPI Sourcing
  • NPI process
  • NPI innovations
  • NPI deployments
  • AI/data center infrastructure supply chains