Sr. Global Category Manager -- Outsourcing

Zebra Technologies•Milpitas, CA

3d•$156,960 - $235,440•Hybrid

About The Position

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer’s and partner’s needs and solve their challenges. Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve. You’ll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally. Come make an impact every day at Zebra. What We're Looking For: At Zebra, our Senior Global Category Manager is more than a role; it's a pivotal leadership position at the heart of our supply chain. You won't just manage projects; you will own executive-level supplier relationships, shape our strategic sourcing initiatives, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. We are a team that values innovation and succeeds as one. If you are a leader who thrives on solving complex challenges and making a tangible impact, we want to hear from you. The Zebra Supply Chain Experience: As a member of our global supply chain organization, you will experience an environment where our values for innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to making a positive impact come to life. Our customer first approach and agility enable us to leverage the creativity of the team to adapt swiftly to challenges and create exceptional value for those we serve. Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of our operations. We drive an operating model and value set where accountability to one another is genuine and executed with consistency, knowing that we succeed as one. Together, we inspire one another, embrace continuous improvement, and make a meaningful impact!

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with a preference for Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, Accounting/Finance, or equivalent.
Minimum 12 years as a procurement professional.
Proficiency in spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel), presentation software (i.e. Microsoft PowerPoint), Oracle (or similar programs).
Must be able to work on a hybrid schedule (3 days in office/2 remote) in a local office.
Work location can be at one of these sites: US - Austin, TX, Lincolnshire, IL, Holtsville, NY, or Milpitas, CA.
Flexibility to attend and/or host evening conference calls (due to supplier manufacturing base in Asia).

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with various outsourcing operation models (Contract Manufacturing, JDM, ODM or OEM), with the ability to link production processes to transformation costs.
Proven capability in understanding complex cost models, performing detailed cost analysis and negotiating for cost savings.
MBA.
Strong familiarity with the IT hardware industry.
Deep understanding of cost models and Supplier Strategy development.
Experience in managing outsourced manufacturing.
Strong knowledge of operations, negotiations, and supplier performance reviews to drive improvement.
Expertise in contract negotiations, particularly handling high-value deals and identifying key priorities.
Ability to evaluate, modify, and ensure contract compliance.
Execute contract compliance effectively.

Responsibilities

Owns Supplier Relationship management and is executive sponsor for stakeholders.
Cultivates deep, strategic partnerships with key suppliers to foster innovation and long-term value creation.
Engages with management team and stakeholder team members to drive strategic initiatives effectively balancing the RFx process and the TCO evaluation of suppliers against the business stakeholder’s requirements and supplier preferences.
Recognized as a company expert within his/her field.
Inspire trust and confidence with executive leadership.
Manages full sourcing process for one of the strategic Outsourcing suppliers inclusive of supply market analysis, leverage spend, establishing business requirements, driving requirements, reviewing cost models, negotiating cost reductions, negotiating SOWs, contract terms, executing and monitoring complex contracts, conducting and monitoring supplier business reviews.
Independently collaborates with key stakeholders to develop annual category management plan that incorporates the stakeholder’s strategy, goals, challenges, constraints and objectives with a 1 to 3- year time horizon – key outputs included but not limited to spend breakdown, strategic sourcing pipeline, process improvements, supplier rationalizations, targeted supplier business reviews, sourcing levers, etc.
Simultaneously manages highly complex projects, leading all deliverables, analytics, negotiations and project management details (as needed). These projects will span from a regional to global scope and will support the company’s key strategic priorities. Additionally, these projects will typically impact multiple functions and involve medium to large sized project teams representing multiple business areas.
Maintains accountability, delivering against timelines, building relationships and becoming a trusted advisor with business stakeholders, executive management and suppliers.
Performs significant total cost of ownership evaluations, perform supply-market research, conduct the most complex pricing audits and impact analysis for the pursuit of continuous cost improvements.
Negotiation Strategy & Execution, Leads the most strategic and high-stakes negotiations quarterly or annually.
Risk Management & Mitigation, develops and implements advanced risk management strategies.
Acts as the final point of escalation for all cross-functional needs on supplier negotiation and performance management.
Enables senior leadership to drive major sourcing decisions and investment via clear influential narratives in presentation.