JobsMotorola Solutions

Procurement Category Manager - Cybersecurity Software

Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL

Posted Aug 19, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

Apply at Motorola Solutions

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Tell me about the most complex, high-value contract you negotiated with a software supplier. What were the sticking points and how did you get to a deal that protected the company?

depth of real negotiation experience versus just running an RFP process

Tell me about a time a cost savings target you were given seemed unrealistic. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?

how the candidate balances aggressive targets against supplier relationships and risk

Tell me about a supplier relationship that started rocky and how you turned it into a productive partnership.

supplier relationship management skill beyond transactional negotiation

Tell me about a junior procurement team member you coached. What was the gap you were closing and how did you approach it?

genuine mentorship experience versus a claimed responsibility with no substance

Give me an example of a process improvement you identified and implemented in a procurement function. What was broken and how did you fix it?

proactive process ownership rather than just executing existing procedures

Technical

Walk me through a global sourcing strategy you built for a software or technology category, from market analysis through execution.

whether the candidate can structure a category strategy end to end, not just execute tasks handed to them

Describe how you have run an RFP or RFQ from initial development through contract execution. What did you do differently based on the risk profile of what you were buying?

actual hands-on RFx process knowledge versus buzzword familiarity

What's your experience with eProcurement platforms and procure-to-pay processes? Which systems have you used and what did you actually do in them day to day?

whether their systems experience is real and current or a resume line

How do you evaluate risk when negotiating contract terms for network operations software, things like data protection, liability caps, and renewal terms?

contract risk literacy specific to software and data-sensitive categories

What experience do you have with international procurement, and what's different about negotiating or managing suppliers across regions?

whether the global aspect of the role is something they've actually done versus domestic-only experience

Situational

Cybersecurity software vendors often have limited competition and strong leverage over buyers. How would you approach sourcing a category where switching costs are high and there are only a few credible suppliers?

ability to think strategically about supplier power dynamics, not just run a standard RFP

A business stakeholder wants to fast-track a cybersecurity software purchase without going through your normal sourcing process because of an urgent security need. What do you do?

whether they can hold process discipline under pressure without becoming an obstacle to the business

Senior leadership disagrees with your recommended sourcing strategy for a critical software category. How do you get buy-in, or do you adjust your approach?

skill at managing up and influencing without authority

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Motorola Solutions from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Motorola Solutions.

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 The Supply Chain and Procurement organization is a fast-paced and dynamic environment, delivering best-in-class communications equipment and solutions for customers around the world. Our purpose is to deliver exceptional value and customer experience through agility, speed, and collaboration. We plan what products and services are needed, source efficiently and ethically from a diverse supply base, launch new products, make and deliver solutions on time, and exceed customer expectations through outstanding quality, service and support. We are a central point in our efforts to bring value and lead technology innovation. 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 Are you a strategic procurement leader with a passion for cybersecurity and network operations? Do you thrive in a global environment and excel at negotiating complex contracts? We're seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Senior Global Category Manager to lead our sourcing strategy for these critical areas. Overview:  This role requires a seasoned procurement professional with a proven track record of driving significant cost savings and efficiency improvements. You will be responsible for developing and executing global sourcing strategies for cybersecurity and network operations software, building strong supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations. You will also mentor and coach other members of the procurement team. What You'll Do: • Global Sourcing Strategy: Develop and execute comprehensive global sourcing strategies for cybersecurity and network operations software, encompassing market analysis, spend analysis, and the identification of cost optimization opportunities. • Contract Negotiation & Management: Lead and negotiate complex, high-value contracts with global suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions while mitigating risk. Manage the entire contract lifecycle, from initiation to renewal. • Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, driving collaboration and continuous performance improvement. Conduct regular performance reviews and foster strategic partnerships. • RFx Management: Lead and execute complex Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Quotes (RFQs), and other formal sourcing methodologies, from initial development through contract execution. Leverage eProcurement platforms and procure-to-pay processes. • Cost Savings & Financial Management: Achieve ambitious cost savings targets and demonstrate a clear return on investment for procurement initiatives. • Stakeholder Management: Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders across various global business units and functions, aligning sourcing strategies with business objectives and securing buy-in from senior leadership. • Team Leadership & Mentorship: Coach and mentor junior procurement team members, sharing best practices and promoting professional development. • Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and optimize the overall procurement process. What You'll Bring: • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred. • Extensive experience in strategic sourcing and category management, with a strong focus on cybersecurity and network operations software. • Proven ability to manage and negotiate large, complex, enterprise-wide contracts. • Expertise in RFx processes, from development to contract execution. • Experience with eProcurement platforms and procure-to-pay processes. • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • Demonstrated success in managing projects/programs to completion. • Ability to work independently and as part of a global team. • A high level of urgency, integrity, dependability, and results-orientation. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience with international procurement. • Relevant Data Protection / Privacy Management qualification. Location: Employee must be based in the Greater Chicago or Greater Boston Area with the expectation to be in office up to 3 days per week. Target Base Salary Range: $110,000.00 - $125,000.00 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.  #LI-AB1 #LI-HYBRID Basic Requirements • Bachelor's Degree • 3+ years of Procurement Category Management 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 Under 10% Relocation Provided None Position Type Experienced Referral Payment Plan Yes 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.

Apply at Motorola Solutions

Related jobs

Cyber Security - 2027 Summer Internship (Chicago Hybrid)

Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Global Product Manager

Motorola Solutions · Schaumburg, IL

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Finance & Accounting Intern (2027 Internship)

Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL

Posted Sep 17 · Verified Sep 20

Marketing - 2027 Summer Internship

Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL

Posted Sep 16 · Verified Sep 20

M&A Integration Manager

Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL

Posted Sep 16 · Verified Sep 20

VS&A Supply Chain Intern 2027 internship

Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL

Posted Sep 16 · Verified Sep 20