JobsMotorola Solutions

Procurement Category Manager - Software

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 software category you owned end to end. What was your sourcing strategy and how did you build it?

whether the candidate has actually run category management, not just supported deals

Tell me about a software negotiation where the vendor had a lot of leverage, maybe because you were locked into their platform. How did you approach it?

negotiation skill under real constraints like vendor lock-in, common in software sourcing

Tell me about a time a supplier relationship went sideways. What happened and how did you fix it?

how they handle conflict and repair trust with vendors over time

Describe a time you had to convince someone senior to change their mind on a sourcing decision they'd already made up.

persuasion and confidence presenting to leadership, which the posting calls out directly

Technical

How do you structure an RFx process for a software purchase, from defining requirements through award?

whether they understand the mechanics of competitive bidding for software specifically

What terms do you always fight for in a software contract, and what have you learned to watch out for in license terms or auto-renewals?

depth of contract knowledge specific to software, like usage rights, true-up clauses, or termination terms

How do you track and report the savings or value you deliver so leadership actually believes the numbers?

credibility and rigor in KPI reporting, since the posting emphasizes demonstrating value

When you're forecasting software spend for a budget cycle, what data do you pull together and where do you usually see the numbers go wrong?

financial analysis skill and whether they've actually owned budgeting, not just sourcing

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

practical familiarity with procurement technology, listed as a required skill

Situational

A business stakeholder wants to renew a software contract quickly because their team is anxious about disruption, but you think the pricing is bad. What do you do?

ability to balance stakeholder urgency against getting real value, and to push back diplomatically

Say a VP wants to fast-track a software purchase outside the normal sourcing process because it's urgent. How do you handle that conversation?

ability to influence senior stakeholders and hold process discipline without damaging the relationship

You've got three stakeholder groups wanting different software tools that overlap in function. How do you sort that out?

skill at consolidating demand and managing competing internal interests, a core category management task

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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, mainly Software, 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. Location: Employee must be based in the Greater Chicago or Greater Boston Area with the expectation to be in office 3 days per week. Target Base Salary Range: $105,000.00 - $150,000.00 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 • 2+ years of experience in Logistics, Procurement, Category Management, Technical Sales, Supply Chain Management, Operations 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 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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