JobsMotorola Solutions

Procurement Category Manager

Motorola Solutions · Chicago, IL

Posted Apr 14, 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

Walk me through a category you owned end to end. What was the sourcing strategy and how did you decide it was the right one?

whether the candidate actually thinks in terms of category strategy versus just running transactions

Describe a negotiation where the supplier had more leverage than you did. How did you get to a good outcome anyway?

real negotiation skill under unfavorable power dynamics, not just textbook tactics

Tell me about a time a senior stakeholder disagreed with your sourcing recommendation. How did you handle it?

ability to influence upward and hold ground with data rather than just deferring

Tell me about a time you had to manage several category initiatives at once with a tight deadline. How did you decide what got your attention first?

prioritization and time management under competing pressures

Tell me about a supplier relationship you turned around from adversarial to collaborative.

relationship-building skill and long-term thinking about supplier partnerships versus transactional dealing

Technical

Tell me about a time you ran a competitive RFx process. How did you structure it and what was the outcome?

hands-on knowledge of sourcing mechanics and rigor in running a fair, effective bid process

Give me an example of a cost reduction initiative you led. How did you calculate and validate the savings?

whether claimed savings are real and defensible, not soft or double-counted

How do you manage a contract from negotiation through renewal so nothing falls through the cracks, especially around compliance terms?

process discipline and awareness of legal and regulatory obligations in contract lifecycle management

What KPIs have you used to track supplier performance, and what did you do when a supplier consistently missed them?

whether they have a real performance management framework versus ad hoc check-ins

What procurement tools or systems have you used day to day, and how did they fit into your sourcing and reporting work?

practical fluency with procurement technology rather than just naming tools

Situational

Say a key supplier that supports mission-critical public safety equipment starts slipping on delivery. Walk me through what you do in the first week.

how they prioritize risk to supply continuity given the safety-critical nature of Motorola's products

Imagine you have five stakeholders across engineering, finance, and operations who all want different things from a category strategy. How do you bring them to one plan?

cross-functional facilitation skill and ability to align competing priorities into a single strategy

If you found out midway through a sourcing event that the budget you were given was unrealistic, what would you do?

financial judgment and willingness to raise hard truths to stakeholders early

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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 In Global Procurement, we don’t just manage a supply chain; we build the lifelines that connect people in their moments of greatest need. Every component we source and every partnership we forge directly impacts the reliability of the communication systems used by police, fire, and emergency services worldwide. We are a team of strategic orchestrators, navigating a complex global landscape to ensure that when the call for help comes, the technology is ready. Join us in building a more resilient world. 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 Motorola Solutions is building talent pipelines to meet future hiring demands. This is a pipeline role, while there is not an immediate opening, we want to build relationships with prospective candidates like you. If your background is a match to our requirements, we’ll follow up with an exploratory conversation. This role demands a proactive, results-oriented individual with a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of the procurement lifecycle. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic sourcing plans for assigned categories, negotiating favorable contracts, and managing key supplier relationships. Success in this role requires strong collaboration with internal stakeholders at all levels and the ability to influence decision-making. What You'll Do: • Strategic Sourcing & Negotiation: Develop and execute strategic sourcing strategies, including leading competitive bidding processes (RFx), negotiating favorable terms and conditions, and managing contract lifecycle. Secure optimal pricing, quality, and service levels. • Supplier Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement. Conduct regular performance reviews and manage supplier performance to meet business objectives. • Cost Reduction & Process Improvement: Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives, process improvements, and best practices. Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) to demonstrate the value delivered. • Stakeholder Management: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, from individual contributors to senior leadership, to understand business requirements and align procurement strategies with overall organizational goals. Present confidently and persuasively. • Contract Management: Manage the entire contract lifecycle, from negotiation and execution to renewal and termination. Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. • Budgeting & Financial Analysis:Develop and manage budgets, forecast spend, and analyze financial data to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements. What You'll Bring: • Proven experience in procurement, with a focus on strategic sourcing and category management. • Strong negotiation and contract management skills. • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. • Proficiency in using procurement tools and technologies. • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines. • Experience working with diverse stakeholders at all organizational levels. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Preferred Qualifications: • Proven cost reduction expertise. • Strong budget planning skills. • Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), or Project Management Professional (PMP). NOTE: This is a hybrid role - Candidate must reside in the Chicagoland area with the ability to work from the office up to 3 days per week. LI-#AB1 LI-#HYBRD Target Base Salary Range: $95,000.00 - $160,000.00 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.  Basic Requirements • 3+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, operations or sales • Legal authorization to work in the U.S. indefinitely is required. Employer work permit sponsorship is not available for this position. Travel Requirements 10-25% Relocation Provided None Position Type Experienced Referral Payment Plan No 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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