Director of AI and Energy Infrastructure Supply Chain Development

Director of AI and Energy Infrastructure Supply Chain Development Pittsburgh Technology Council Position Type: Project Contract (10–18 Months) Location: Pittsburgh, PA / Hybrid The Opportunity & Mission Pennsylvania has a major opportunity in AI and energy infrastructure. From George Westinghouse to our regional manufacturing base, PA has built grid equipment for generations. Today, data center operators, developers, utilities, and EPCs represent a critical and fast-growing customer base for our region's industrial ecosystem. Building on our PA Builds the Cloud initiative, the Pittsburgh Technology Council is working to expand these vital commercial partnerships. Our primary focus is advocating for Pennsylvania’s small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMEs). We need a well-connected, collaborative leader to build strong relationships across the purchasing ecosystem: welcoming data center customers, hyperscalers, developers, and prime equipment suppliers. In this role, your primary objective is to open doors for small and medium-sized manufacturers, helping them serve these major customers with core infrastructure—from transformers and switchgear to advanced cooling systems—while helping prime equipment manufacturers strengthen their regional vendor base with capable small and medium-sized suppliers. Key Responsibilities 1. Customer Advocacy & Sourcing Access for SMEs Build strong relationships with procurement leaders at data center developers, hyperscalers, utilities, and EPCs early in their design and sourcing cycles to advocate for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Highlight the practical advantages data center customers gain by sourcing regionally from local small and medium-sized manufacturers, including lead-time improvements, lower shipping logistics, and supply chain resilience. Help qualified small and medium-sized manufacturers gain access to bid lists, RFIs, and RFQs for major data center developments and grid updates across the Commonwealth. 2. Strengthening Prime Supply Base with Local SMEs Build direct executive relationships with Tier-1 and prime equipment suppliers (switchgear, transformers, HVAC/cooling, power distribution) to promote small and medium-sized manufacturers as reliable sub-tier partners. Help prime suppliers identify, qualify, and integrate regional small and medium-sized manufacturers to strengthen their Tier-2 and Tier-3 domestic supply networks. Match prime suppliers' long-lead bottlenecks and spec standards with small and medium-sized manufacturers who have the technical production capacity to fill gaps. 3. Supplier Forums & Executive Convenings Plan and run targeted supplier forums, customer roundtables, and qualification sessions designed specifically to support small and medium-sized manufacturers. Focus sessions on practical commercial outcomes: connecting small and medium-sized manufacturers directly with data center customer specs, capacity requirements, and active procurement timelines. Follow up with small and medium-sized manufacturers after events to help them navigate customer qualification processes and procurement hurdles. 4. Ecosystem Alignment & Technical Support Partner with Catalyst Connection and regional economic development organizations to map the capabilities of small and medium-sized manufacturers and identify technical gaps. Connect small and medium-sized manufacturers with technical assistance, capacity-building grants, and certification programs so they can meet strict data center and OEM standards. 5. Industry Tracking & SME Pipeline Management Build and maintain a clear pipeline tracking upcoming customer projects, buyer procurement needs, key contacts, and active bidding opportunities for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Work with partners to maintain an up-to-date database of regional small and medium-sized manufacturers, tracking their capabilities, certifications, and project readiness across Pennsylvania. Key Qualifications Exec…

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