JobsMotorola Solutions

Procurement Category Manager - Enterprise Software

Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL

Posted Aug 30, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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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, highest-value software contract you've negotiated. What made it complex, and what did you end up trading to get the terms you needed?

depth of hands-on negotiation experience on enterprise-scale deals, not just participation

Tell me about a time a senior stakeholder pushed back on your sourcing recommendation. What did you do?

ability to hold ground with executives while still building buy-in rather than just complying or steamrolling

Give me an example where you delivered a cost savings target that looked unrealistic at the start. How did you get there?

whether stated savings numbers reflect genuine methodology or inflated reporting

Tell me about a junior team member you coached through a difficult negotiation or a mistake they made. What did you actually do to help them improve?

genuine mentorship experience versus a generic answer about being a team player

Tell me about a process you personally changed in a procurement team, maybe around RFx or contract management, that made things faster or cheaper.

concrete process improvement ownership rather than vague continuous improvement talk

Technical

Walk me through a global sourcing strategy you built for software, maybe cybersecurity or network operations tools. What did the market and spend analysis actually show you, and what did you decide to do with it?

whether the candidate has real experience structuring category strategy rather than just running one-off deals

How do you structure an RFP for enterprise software when the requirements are still fuzzy because the business stakeholders haven't fully defined what they need?

practical RFx process discipline versus theoretical knowledge

What eProcurement platforms and procure-to-pay tools have you actually used day to day, and where did you see the process break down?

real familiarity with the systems versus resume-listed tools

How do you calculate and defend a cost savings or ROI number to finance when some of the value is soft, like risk reduction or supplier performance improvement?

financial rigor and whether they can distinguish hard savings from cost avoidance

What data privacy or regulatory considerations come up specifically when sourcing cybersecurity or network software, and how have you built those into a contract?

awareness of compliance and data protection issues relevant to this category, beyond generic contract language

Situational

Say you're negotiating a renewal with a cybersecurity software vendor who knows they're deeply embedded and hard to replace. How do you approach that negotiation?

tactical thinking under leverage imbalance and whether they understand vendor lock-in dynamics

Imagine a key software supplier's performance is slipping, but the business unit using it says everything is fine and doesn't want you involved. What do you do?

how they navigate supplier accountability when internal stakeholders resist procurement's involvement

You're managing sourcing across teams in different countries with different priorities and maybe different laws. How do you keep a global strategy coherent without ignoring local needs?

experience actually working cross-border, not just claiming international exposure

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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 innovation, new technology and thinking creatively? Do you thrive in a global environment and excel at negotiating complex contracts? We're seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Global Category Manager to lead our sourcing strategy for these critical areas. Overview:  This leadership 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 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.

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