Global Senior Category Manager - Travel

Overview 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 This role of Independent Contributor recognizes his/her category expertise, efficiency and effectiveness of complex regional to global multi-project management, demonstrates the leader capabilities, brings an innovation mindset and being an agent of change for the Procurement organization. More specifically, the Sourcing and Procurement Specialist Senior Advisor is responsible for leveraging their category expertise by working closely with the business stakeholders to identify, define and execute key projects that support defined business goals and objectives over a 12-36-month horizon. The Senior Advisor will handle multiple highly complex regional to global projects and lend his/her industry and category expertise with other team members. The Senior Advisor is a recognized member of the Procurement Leadership team with the expectation to support and drive Zebra and Procurement's goals and objectives. 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! Location Role is required to be onsite in Lincolnshire, IL office – preferred location (Hybrid – Minimum of 3 days in the office per week). Open to hybrid in Chicago, IL and Holtsville, NY. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Inspire trust and confidence with executive leadership. Engage 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. Ability to simultaneously manage 8+ 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. Manage full sourcing process for the most complex projects – inclusive of supply market analysis, leverage spend, establishing business requirements, driving requirements, negotiating SOWs, contract terms, executing and monitoring complex contracts, conducting and monitoring supplier. Independently collaborate with key stakeholders to develop an 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 include but are not limited to spend breakdown, strategic sourcing pipeline, process improvements, supplier rationalizations, targeted supplier business reviews, sourcing levers, etc. Maintain accountability, delivering against timelines, building relationships and becoming a trusted advisor with business stakeholders, executive management and suppliers. Perform 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. Work collaboratively with suppliers and stakeholders to identify and execute continuous cost improvements. Improve programs and resolve significant and unique strategic supplier performance issues to ensure business satisfaction. Contribute to measuring success, including savings, innovation related to process improvements, improved delivery and simplified processes. Maintain a high level of product and industry awareness to keep current on best practices, new suppliers, market trends, etc. Manage end-to-end Travel Operations to ensure the smooth execution of all aspects of Zebra's travel and expense program which will include, but not limited to, the following: Communication of new services, tools, and publications Training sessions Travel system escalations Reporting Policy exceptions Program audits Key Competencies & Experience Strategic Category Management: Requires a proven track record of developing and executing global multi-year category strategies for Travel. The role demands deep subject matter expertise in the Global Travel category (Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and related technology platforms, Airlines, Hotel and Lodging Programs, Ground Transportation (Car Rental, Car Services), Corporate Card Programs and Payment Solutions, etc.). Procurement & Travel Transformation & Operational Excellence: Requires demonstrable experience participating in or leading large-scale procurement & travel transformation initiatives, with a history of contributing to the evolution of a procurement & travel function from an operational to a strategic focus. Strategic Sourcing & Execution: Expertise in managing a portfolio of complex, global sourcing projects simultaneously, including leading cross‑functional teams and proactively managing project risks and dependencies, and change management to ensure successful implementation and adoption. Negotiation & Supplier Partnership: A documented history of structuring and leading complex, high‑value negotiations for non‑standard contracts, with a focus on optimizing total value beyond price (e.g., risk, innovation, long‑term partnership). Expertise in contract management, including ensuring compliance with terms, managing obligations, and resolving performance issues, is essential. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Proven ability to develop and manage strategic partnerships with critical suppliers, including establishing joint governance to drive innovation, mitigate risks, and create mutual, long‑term value. Stakeholder Influence & Communication: A history of building influential relationships with senior and executive‑level stakeholders, responsible for using data‑driven insights to build consensus and drive decisions. Ability to deliver compelling, persuasive presentations to any audience, including senior leadership, using data‑driven storytelling to influence key decisions and inspire action. Ambiguity Management: Expertise in navigating ambiguous business challenges and translating them into clear, actionable strategies with measurable outcomes. Digital Acumen & AI Application: High proficiency in using data analytics to create compelling business cases, with a focus on proactively identifying and evaluating opportunities to apply new technologies. Required Qualifications Bachelor's Degree required 12+ years of experience Sourcing/Procurement/Supplier Management experience Category Management in Travel experience Preferred Qualifications Master's degree preferred. Experience working with Navan highly desired Proven work experience in the field of Indirect Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management Excellent communication skills (listening, providing clear and concise information, using proper language and grammar) Project Management Demonstrated ability to interface with all levels of management and manage stakeholder issues Subject matter expert in Indirect Sourcing & Procurement discipline Ability to lead cross‑function teams collaboratively Overseeing highly complex issues and applying advanced root cause analysis Oversees management and strategy of documented processes Advanced analytical skills Highly experienced in effectively providing direction to manage in a fast‑paced, high growth, rapidly changing environment Ability to identify and manage process improvements including process/procedures design Spend Analytics Contract Compliance Supplier segmentation and score carding Executive Presentation Demonstrated leadership skills coupled with desire an ability for continuous learning & self‑development Strong proficiency in spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel), presentation software (i.e. Microsoft PowerPoint), Microsoft Word, Oracle iProcurement, Workday Scout, and SpendHQ (or similar programs). Ability to build, update, and monitor Power BI dashboards. Ability to implement new tools to automate business management procedures. Travel Requirement: Approximately 10-15% Equal Opportunity Employer Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io. Pay Range $156,960.00 - $235,440.00 Annual Incentive Compensation In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance‑based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 20% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan. Zebra Total Rewards Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive – including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work. Benefits We understand the importance of work‑life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual company‑wide well‑being day to promote revitalization and success. #J-18808-Ljbffr