Category Analyst

Motorola Solutions•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Category Analyst provides essential tactical, analytical, and operational support to Category Managers within the Global Procurement organization. This role is structured as a developmental pathway to Category Management, offering broad exposure to end-to-end procurement strategies, strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier evaluation without direct category ownership. Working closely with Category Managers and cross-functional partners, the Category Analyst will execute data-driven analysis, support RFx processes, assist with contract renewals, and perform day-to-day procurement operations. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, proactive problem-solving abilities, and a desire to build a career in strategic sourcing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
2+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, financial analysis, or business operations.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, data modeling) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) or ERP/procurement platforms (e.g., SAP, Workday, Coupa).
Proven analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with comfort preparing slides and presenting data to leadership.

Nice To Haves

Strong interest in growing into a Category Manager role.
Basic understanding of contract structure, legal terminology, and commercial negotiation principles.
Exposure to cost-reduction modeling or supplier scorecards.
Relevant certifications (or pursuit of): CPSM, MCIPS, CPM, or PMP.

Responsibilities

Analyze spend data, market trends, and industry dynamics to identify cost-saving opportunities, demand patterns, and process improvements.
Support Category Managers in preparing, issuing, and evaluating RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs. Help aggregate bid responses and create scenario analyses for sourcing decisions.
Assist with tracking contract milestones, managing renewals, and preparing preliminary commercial terms and risk assessments under guidance.
Support supplier scorecard tracking, performance metrics gathering, and preparation for Strategic Business Reviews (SBRs).
Coordinate cross-functional requirements with internal stakeholders to support active sourcing initiatives and day-to-day procurement requests.
Identify efficiencies in sourcing workflows, tools, and reporting to streamline operations across categories.