EMS Category Manager

Motorola Solutions•Schaumburg, IL

79d•$130,000 - $155,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Global EMS Category Manager to take ownership of our Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) supplier portfolio. This is a strategic role focused on developing, executing, and optimizing a global category strategy to deliver competitive advantage, drive significant cost savings, and ensure long-term supply chain resilience. The ideal candidate will transform supplier relationships into strategic partnerships and act as a key driver of continuous improvement and innovation within the EMS category. The EMS Category Manager is responsible for elevating the EMS supply base from a transactional relationship to a strategic, performance-driven partnership.

Requirements

Must have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of prior experience and a proven track record in successfully managing and strategically sourcing Global EMS suppliers within a high-growth or complex technology/manufacturing environment.
Effective strategic problem-solving skills and exceptional negotiation skills with a focus on win-win, long-term outcomes.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with proven ability to work and influence people from various levels (from operations floor to executive leadership) and functions (Engineering, Finance, Legal).
Strong data analysis skills and a deep understanding of forecasting methods, cost drivers, and TCO methodologies in the EMS space.
High proficiency in MS Office / Google Documents; specifically, advanced MS Excel / Google Sheets skills (e.g., pivot tables, advanced formulas, financial modeling).
Demonstrated ability to strategically manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, dynamic global environment.
Energetic, Positive, Executive Presence, with a Team Player personality.
Chicago, IL. and the surrounding metropolitan area
5+ 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.

Nice To Haves

Spanish language proficiency and prior experience with complex project management (e.g., NPI/NPD launches, strategic transitions) in a procurement capacity.

Responsibilities

Develop, deploy, and execute a comprehensive Global EMS Category Strategy that aligns with the company's long-term product roadmap and operational goals.
Identify and capitalize on market trends, geopolitical shifts, and technological advancements within the EMS sector to proactively position our supply chain for competitive advantage.
Own the strategic relationship with Global EMS suppliers, establishing senior-level engagement and joint business planning.
Implement robust supplier performance management frameworks, focusing on continuous improvement in quality, delivery, cost , and innovation).
Act as the final point of commercial and strategic escalation for complex cross-functional and operational issues, driving root cause resolution and systemic process improvements.
Lead complex, global business quotation exercises and strategic sourcing initiatives, utilizing advanced financial modeling and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to guide project awards.
Conduct high-stakes, sophisticated cost negotiations that secure competitive and sustainable pricing structures, moving beyond short-term tactical savings to long-term commercial models.
Negotiate, draft, and finalize multi-year, strategic Global EMS Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Supply Agreements, ensuring favorable terms, intellectual property protection, and robust risk mitigation clauses.
Design and execute an aggressive, on-going cost improvement and annual cost reduction roadmap (e.g., Value Engineering, VA/VE, Design-to-Cost initiatives) in collaboration with Engineering and Operations teams.
Utilize strong data analysis skills to interpret market intelligence, commodity trends, and EMS cost drivers to develop predictive costing models and drive data-backed negotiations.