
Category Manager - Indirect Procurement
Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL
- On site
- Full-time
- $150,000 / year
- Chicago, IL
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Subject: Interested in the Category Manager - Indirect Procurement role at Motorola Solutions
Hi Jamie — I came across the Category Manager - Indirect Procurement opening and wanted to reach out directly. I've spent the last few years doing exactly this kind of work, and Motorola Solutions stood out because…
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Job highlights
- Manage global indirect procurement categories.
- Develop multi-year category strategies.
- Optimize supply base and negotiate contracts.
- Drive value through TCO and working capital.
- Partner with executive leaders for service optimization.
About the role
Company Overview
At Motorola Solutions, we believe that everything starts with our people. We’re a global close-knit community, united by the relentless pursuit to help keep people safer everywhere. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.
Department Overview
In Global Procurement, we don’t just manage a supply chain; we build the lifelines that connect people in their moments of greatest need. Every component we source and every partnership we forge directly impacts the reliability of the communication systems used by police, fire, and emergency services worldwide. We are a team of strategic orchestrators, navigating a complex global landscape to ensure that when the call for help comes, the technology is ready. Join us in building a more resilient world.
The Procurement team is moving beyond traditional sourcing goals to create value for the enterprise by improving profitability, increasing supplier collaboration, and supporting new solution development. We are a client focused team designed to bring value and help lead innovations within the enterprise.
Job Description
Motorola Solutions is building talent pipelines to meet future hiring demands. This is a pipeline role, while there is not an immediate opening, we want to build relationships with prospective candidates like you. If your background is a match to our requirements, we’ll follow up with an exploratory conversation.
The Strategic Sourcing Manager - Indirect Procurement is the commercial architect for our global Business Services categories. You are responsible for more than just buying; you are tasked with creating a competitive advantage by optimizing how the company spends millions of dollars on non-production services. This role requires a "consultative" approach—partnering with executive leaders to ensure their departments have the best tools and services to succeed while protecting the company's bottom line.
Core Responsibilities
Category Strategy & Market Intelligence
- Global Strategy Development: Move beyond tactical buying to create 3-year category roadmaps that account for global market volatility, labor trends, and technological shifts (e.g., AI integration in services).
- Supply Base Optimization: Don't just manage vendors; curate a high-performing supply base. This includes "right-sizing" the number of vendors to leverage volume while mitigating "single-source" risks.
- Should-Cost Modeling: Build complex financial models to understand the cost drivers of services (labor rates, overhead, margins) to enter negotiations with a data-driven advantage.
Strategic Sourcing & Lifecycle Management
- Advanced RFx Execution: Design "Value-Based" RFPs that prioritize outcomes and KPIs rather than just the lowest price.
- Contractual Engineering: Partner with Legal to draft robust Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Statements of Work (SOWs) that include "teeth"—clear SLAs, liquidated damages, and continuous improvement clauses.
- Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Lead quarterly Strategic Business Reviews (SBRs) with "Tier 1" suppliers to drive innovation and ensure we are their "Customer of Choice."
Financial Impact & Value Creation
- Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Shift the conversation from "price" to "value," identifying hidden costs in service delivery, implementation, and off-boarding.
- Working Capital Optimization: Negotiate favorable payment terms and lead-time reductions to maximize corporate cash flow.
- Demand Management: Work with internal departments to challenge "need vs. want," reducing unnecessary consumption of services at the source.
Location
Employee must be based in the Greater Chicago Area with the expectation to be in office 3 days per week.
Salary Range
Target Base Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $150,000.00
Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate.
Basic Requirements
- 3+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain or similar business experience
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required. Employer work permit sponsorship is not available for this position.
Travel Requirements
10-25%
Relocation Provided
None
Position Type
Experienced
Referral Payment Plan
No
Our U.S. Benefits Include
- Incentive Bonus Plans
- Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
- 401K with Company Match
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Generous Paid Time Off Packages
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Paid Parental & Family Leave
- and more!
EEO Statement
Motorola Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally-protected characteristic.
We are proud of our people-first and community-focused culture, empowering every Motorolan to be their most authentic self and to do their best work to deliver on the promise of a safer world. If you’d like to join our team but feel that you don’t quite meet all of the preferred skills, we’d still love to hear why you think you’d be a great addition to our team.
We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruiting experience for candidates with disabilities, or other physical or mental health conditions. To request an accommodation, please complete this Reasonable Accommodations Form so we can assist you.
Key skills/competency
- Category Manager
- Indirect Procurement
- Strategic Sourcing
- Supply Chain Management
- RFx Execution
- Contract Negotiation
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Market Intelligence
- Financial Modeling
Skills & topics
- Category Manager
- Indirect Procurement
- Strategic Sourcing
- Procurement
- Supply Chain
- Negotiation
- Supplier Management
- Category Strategy
- Chicago Jobs
- Motorola Solutions
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 3+ years in procurement, supply chain, or similar roles, emphasizing strategic sourcing and category management experience.
- Showcase your strategic approach: Detail your experience in developing category roadmaps, optimizing supply bases, and conducting should-cost modeling for indirect services.
- Demonstrate negotiation skills: Provide examples of leading RFx execution, drafting robust MSAs/SOWs, and managing supplier relationships through SBRs.
- Quantify your impact: Use the target salary range and highlight your ability to drive value through TCO reduction and working capital optimization.
- Address location requirement: Clearly state your ability to work in the Greater Chicago Area and adhere to the hybrid work model.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What does a Category Manager - Indirect Procurement at Motorola Solutions do?
- As a Category Manager - Indirect Procurement at Motorola Solutions, you will be the commercial architect for global Business Services categories. Your role involves creating a competitive advantage by optimizing company spending on non-production services, partnering with executive leaders, and developing category strategies, optimizing the supply base, and managing supplier relationships.
- What is the expected salary for the Category Manager - Indirect Procurement role at Motorola Solutions?
- The target base salary range for the Category Manager - Indirect Procurement position at Motorola Solutions is $100,000.00 to $150,000.00 annually. The actual offer will depend on your relevant knowledge, skills, and experience.
- What are the basic requirements for the Category Manager - Indirect Procurement position?
- The basic requirements include at least 3 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or a similar business field. You must also have legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely, as sponsorship is not provided.
- Is this a remote position or on-site for the Category Manager - Indirect Procurement role?
- This Category Manager - Indirect Procurement role requires you to be based in the Greater Chicago Area, with an expectation to be in the office 3 days per week. It is a hybrid work arrangement.
- What is Motorola Solutions' approach to supplier relationships for this role?
- Motorola Solutions emphasizes a robust Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) program. This includes leading quarterly Strategic Business Reviews (SBRs) with 'Tier 1' suppliers to drive innovation and ensure positive partnerships.
- How does Motorola Solutions support career growth for procurement professionals?
- Motorola Solutions focuses on building talent pipelines and developing its people. The procurement team is encouraged to move beyond tactical buying to strategic value creation, supporting innovation and enterprise-wide improvements.
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