CPT _ Category Manager - Power Infra

Role Overview

The Procurement Category Lead for Power Infrastructure will be the strategic commercial leader responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies for high-value EHV (typically 220 kV, 400 kV, and above) Substation and Transmission Line projects for its Data centre park development. 

This critical role requires a specialized skill set:

1. Technical Acumen: Deep understanding of EHV infrastructure components and project phases.
2. Contractual Expertise: Mastery of Lump-Sum Turnkey (LSTK)/ EPC contracting models and risk mitigation.
3. Local Knowledge: Proven ability to manage vendors, regulations, and ground-level challenges (e.g., land acquisition, ROW) specific to state such as Maharashtra, etc.

The successful candidate will be the primary driver for cost optimization, contractual compliance, and robust execution performance from our strategic EPC partners.

? Key Responsibilities

1. Category Strategy & Sourcing

• Develop and implement a cohesive, long-term procurement strategy for the EHV Substation and Transmission Line category, directly aligning with the company's capital expenditure plans across its Data Centre Park.
• Conduct continuous market intelligence on the EPC vendor landscape, key OEMs for GIS/AIS, Transformers, CRP panels, ICTs, Civil works, SCADA, etc their capacity, and financial health to maintain a qualified, competitive, and compliant supplier base.
• Lead the entire sourcing lifecycle, including Pre-Qualification (PQC), detailed Request for Proposal (RFP) development, technical/commercial bid evaluation, and final contract award for LSTK and/or EPC contracts.

2. Contractual Risk & Commercial Management

• Lead high-stakes negotiations for complex EPC contracts, focusing on critical commercial, legal terms and payment milestones tied to physical progress and statutory clearances.
• Collaborate closely with Legal and Project teams to ensure contractual clauses effectively mitigate risks related to land acquisition delays, Right-of-Way (ROW) issues, and local regulatory changes common in the region.
• Manage and resolve all commercial aspects post-award, including change orders, variation claims, and scope deviations, ensuring minimal project cost overruns.

3. Technical & Cross-Functional Alignment

• Maintain a working technical knowledge of EHV equipment (e.g., GIS/AIS switchgear, power transformers, relay protection schemes) and Tx line construction methodologies (e.g., tower types, stringing).
• Act as the crucial link between Procurement, Engineering, and Project Delivery teams to ensure technical specifications are standardized and commercially optimized for TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
• Drive compliance with all project specifications and relevant Indian and International standards (e.g., IS, IEC, CERC/MERC guidelines).

4. Local Compliance & Vendor Performance

• Ensure all procurement processes adhere strictly to company ethics, Indian contracting law, and relevant regulations set forth by state utilities such as MSETCL (Maharashtra State Transmission Utility) and MERC and similar statutory bodies.
• Establish and monitor rigorous Vendor Performance Management (VPM) metrics focused on safety, quality, schedule adherence, and financial viability of the projects.
• Proactively identify and address potential bottlenecks caused by localized constraints (e.g., local logistics, municipal permits).

? Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is highly preferred, coupled with a degree or specialization in Supply Chain Management.
• Experience: Minimum of 12-15 years of progressive experience in Procurement or Supply Chain, with at least 4 years in a leadership/Category Management role focused on EPC/LSTK contracts for EHV Power Transmission comprising monopoles and/or EHV Substation projects in India.
• Domain Expertise: Demonstrated experience managing procurement and contracts for extra high-voltage projects (preferably 220 kV and above). Must have direct, recent experience dealing with the vendor base and project execution complexities within Maharashtra.

? Essential Skills & Competencies

• Contractual Mastery: Expert knowledge of EPC/LSTK contract negotiation and administration within the Indian legal framework.
• EHV Technical Acumen: Ability to critically review and challenge technical specifications related to EHV/GIS substations and monopole Tx line construction.
• Regional Expertise: Strong established network and operational understanding of the local EPC ecosystem and government/utility (MSETCL) processes in Maharashtra.
• Negotiation & Influence: Exceptional ability to lead complex commercial discussions and influence senior internal and external stakeholders.