Mechanical Category Lead

POSITION SUMMARY

The Category Lead, Mechanical owns the Mechanical and Plumbing (MP) systems category where integration of labor, materials, and prefab is critical (e.g., air handling units, chillers, boilers, pumps, ductwork, piping systems, plumbing fixtures, controls). Focuses on system level optimization, rather than individual components, to support complex building and industrial projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Category Strategy & Roadmap

• Defines holistic strategies for major MEP systems (mechanical plants, distribution systems, plumbing systems, controls), including:

• Establishes standardized system "families" and preferred solutions by market and building type.

• Evaluates make‑vs‑buy and prefab vs. field‑build decisions, in concert with Prefab and Design Phase teams.

• Aligns with Self‑Perform Mechanical, National Water, mission critical / healthcare, and national MEP leadership.

• Spend & Market Intelligence

• Builds and maintains material taxonomy, spend views, and should cost models for major mechanical components.

• Tracks mechanical market conditions including lead times, air handling units, chillers, boilers, pumps, ductwork, piping systems, plumbing fixtures, controls pricing, standards, codes, tariffs, and informs early buy down opportunities.

• Builds TCO models that reflect equipment + piping/duct + installation + commissioning + lifecycle energy/maintenance.

• Tracks OEM and integrator landscapes, including design assist partners and MEP subs capable of supporting national or regional programs.

• Sourcing & Contracting

• Co-leads sourcing events with Strategic Sourcing for:

• Key MEP OEMs including HVAC equipment, controls, specialty systems.

• Strategic MEP subcontractors and integrators (design‑build/design‑assist).

• Establishes partnering frameworks (e.g. framework agreements, preferred partner programs) emphasizing:

• Standardization and repeatability

• Early collaboration in design and precon

• Alignment with prefab and logistics models

• Supplier & Risk Management

• Owns SRM for strategic mechanical suppliers, ensuring:

• Capacity and prioritization for megaprojects and program work.

• Robust warranty, commissioning, and technical support.

• Leads risk assessments for long lead / critical items (e.g., AHUS, chillers, boilers) and defines mitigation including alternate OEMs, standardization, and early commitment.

• Identifies high risk MEP scopes (e.g., mission critical, healthcare, water/process, large industrial) and design sourcing and contracting to address:

• Capacity and qualified labor availability.

• Commissioning, warranty, and performance guarantees.

• Coordination risk among trades and suppliers.

• Governance, Standards & Playbooks

• Develops and maintains Mechanical Category Playbook:

• Preferred specifications, OEMs, channel strategy, ordering rules, lead time guidance.

• Ensures integration with VDC, design standards, and prefab assemblies.

• Partners with 02S Solutions Integration to embed mechanical procurement workflows in project intake and margin planning.

• Key Interfaces

• Internal: Self‑Perform Mechanical, National Water & Process Pipe, regional MEP leaders, Design Phase / VDC, Prefab Leadership, 02S Logistics, 02S Buyers, Project Ops.

• External: MEP OEMs, integrators, key MEP subs, commissioning agents, controls vendors.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, or related field
• 5+ years of progressive experience in mechanical systems and equipment, with category management experience, procurement, or strategic sourcing management
• Proven track record in supplier negotiations and contract management
• Experience implementing sourcing technology and analytics tools
• CPSM, PMP, or similar certification preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Deep technical knowledge of mechanical systems and equipment.
• Demonstrated success in strategic sourcing and category management within mechanical systems
• Ability to bridge engineering, construction, prefabrication, and procurement perspectives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret spend data, total cost of ownership, should-cost models, and supplier performance metrics
• Demonstrates behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values: Genuine, We, Not I and All In

Preferred Skills

• Experience in Category Management and Procurement within the Design and Construction Industry
• Understanding of vendor sourcing, solicitation, negotiation, bidding, and purchasing process.
• Knowledge of operational work flows across construction managers, general contractors, subcontractors, distributors, and manufacturers.
• Strategic Thinking & Business Acumen
• Ability to align sourcing strategies with broader business goals and financial targets.
• Strong understanding of project-based procurement and margin optimization.
• Advanced Data Analytics
• Proficiency in spend analysis tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Coupa, SAP Ariba).
• Experience with data visualization and presenting actionable insights to executives.
• Category Management Expertise
• Knowledge of category strategy development and lifecycle management.
• Familiarity with market intelligence tools and supplier benchmarking.
• Contracting & Legal Acumen
• Understanding of contract law, risk mitigation, and compliance across jurisdictions.
• Experience partnering with legal teams on complex negotiations.
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Experience building strategic partnerships and conducting performance reviews.
• Familiarity with SRM platforms and joint innovation initiatives.
• Technology & Digital Procurement
• Experience implementing e-sourcing platforms and digital procurement workflows.
• Familiarity with AI-driven sourcing tools and automation technologies.
• Leadership & Change Management
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills.
• Communication & Influence
• Excellent presentation and storytelling skills for executive-level audiences.
• Ability to influence decisions across diverse teams and senior leadership.
• Indicative KPIs
• MEP system‑level savings and cost predictability vs. estimates.
• Reduction in MEP‑driven schedule risk (e.g. improved lead‑time adherence, fewer change‑driven delays).
• Increased standardization and reuse of system archetypes and prefab content.
• Improved system performance outcomes including energy, reliability, and warranty claims, on key programs.

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Pending CA location and experience, the salary range for this position is: $165,000 - $200,000. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.

NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy's Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.

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