Capex Procurement Manager at nLighten in Frankfurt, Hesse, DE

Company Profile

nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centres, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we deliver scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe.

nLighten currently operates 34 data centres across 7 European countries, with a clear ambition to grow to 100 sites over the next 3 - 4 years.

Learn more: http://www.nlighten.com

About the Role

We are seeking a strong mid-level Capex Procurement Manager to support live and upcoming data centre construction programmes across Germany, with possible exposure to wider European markets.

This is a hands-on, delivery-embedded role focused first and foremost on construction Capex procurement, with supporting responsibility for long-lead OFCI equipment. You will work directly alongside project and engineering teams to shape commercial outcomes, embed simplified governance, and challenge assumptions to protect cost, risk, and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Construction Procurement (Capex‑Led Delivery)

The primary focus of this role is Capex construction procurement, including general contractors, EPCs, and trade packages. A good working understanding of OFCI procurement is required, particularly where long-lead equipment interfaces directly with construction sequencing and programme risk.

You will be embedded within live delivery teams, owning procurement activity end to end while helping introduce practical, scalable procurement discipline appropriate for a fast-growing data centre platform operating across multiple supplier markets.

• Provide hands‑on procurement leadership across live data centre construction projects in Germany.
• Support and oversee GC, EPC, and trade contractor tendering processes, including commercial evaluations, contract negotiations, and award recommendations.
• Manage change control, variations, and claims, ensuring commercial discipline while supporting programme delivery.
• Act as a trusted commercial partner to Project Managers and Construction Directors, protecting cost, risk, and schedule outcomes.
• Introduce and embed proportionate procurement governance, approval checkpoints, and commercial standards without slowing live delivery.
• Ensure procurement decisions align with approved budgets, programmes, and risk profiles.
• Support the sourcing decisions for long‑lead OEM equipment.
• Serve as the commercial interface between construction delivery, engineering, pipeline planning, finance, and legal.
• Provide forward‑looking insight into supplier markets, capacity constraints, and lead‑time risks to inform phasing and sequencing
• Support the ongoing development of OFCI and construction procurement governance, including volume validation principles and supplier engagement models.
• Build strong working relationships with EPCs, contractors, OEMs, and key suppliers across the European market.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in Capex construction procurement, ideally within data centres, mission-critical infrastructure, or complex industrial environments.
• Strong track record operating within live construction delivery environments.
• Good working understanding of long-lead OFCI equipment procurement, with clear consideration for in-country operations and maintenance models
• Commercially confident, able to challenge assumptions, interrogate scope and volumes, and influence project stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in environments where governance is being shaped alongside delivery.
• Fluent German and English, with the ability to operate at business and commercial negotiation level in both.

Nice to Have

• Experience operating across multiple European supplier markets.
• French language capability or additional European languages.
• Background with data centre developers, EPCs, Tier 1 contractors, or OEM-heavy procurement environments.
• Experience introducing procurement governance into live or fast-moving programmes.

Why Join Us?

• Autonomy and ownership: End‑to‑end responsibility for multi‑million‑euro capex procurement packages.
• Growth environment: Supporting the shaping of procurement structures and standards as nLighten scales from 34 to 100 sites.
• Strategic exposure: Work closely with senior leadership across procurement, construction, engineering, and finance.
• Long‑term platform: Join a business focused on sustainable, future‑ready digital infrastructure.

Apply now and be part of our journey toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable digital future.

Background Check & Screening

All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement

nLighten is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application.