Sr. Global Category Manager -- Outsourcing

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 customers’ and partners’ 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. 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. What We’re Looking For Our Senior Global Category Manager is more than a role; it’s a pivotal leadership position at the heart of our supply chain. You will own executive‑level supplier relationships, shape strategic sourcing initiatives, and serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership. If you thrive on solving complex challenges and making a tangible impact, we want to hear from you. The Zebra Supply Chain Experience As a member of our global supply chain organization, you will experience an environment where innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to positive impact come to life. Our customer‑first approach and agility enable us to adapt swiftly to challenges and create exceptional value. Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of our operations; we drive an operating model and value set where accountability and consistency are genuine. Together, we inspire one another, embrace continuous improvement, and make a meaningful impact. Must be able to work on a hybrid schedule (3 days in office/2 remote) in a local office. Work locations include Austin, TX; Lincolnshire, IL; Holtsville, NY; and Milpitas, CA. Responsibilities Owns Supplier Relationship Management and is executive sponsor for stakeholders. Cultivates deep, strategic partnerships with key suppliers to foster innovation and long‑term value creation. Engages with the management team and stakeholder team members to drive strategic initiatives, balancing the RFx process and TCO evaluation of suppliers against business requirements and supplier preferences. Inspires trust and confidence with executive leadership. Manages the full sourcing process for a strategic outsourcing supplier, including supply market analysis, spend leverage, business requirements, cost models, negotiations, contract terms, execution, and monitoring of complex contracts and supplier business reviews. Collaborates independently with key stakeholders to develop the annual category management plan incorporating strategy, goals, challenges, constraints, and objectives with a 1 to 3‑year horizon. Key outputs include spend breakdown, sourcing pipeline, process improvements, supplier rationalizations, targeted reviews, and sourcing levers. Leads highly complex projects, driving deliverables, analytics, negotiations, and mandatory project management details (regional to global scope). Projects support key strategic priorities and impact multiple functions. Maintains accountability, delivering against timelines, building relationships, and becoming a trusted advisor with business stakeholders, executive management, and suppliers. Performs significant total cost of ownership evaluations, conduct complex pricing audits, and perform impact analyses for continuous cost improvements. Negotiation strategy and execution: leads the most strategic and high‑stakes negotiations quarterly or annually. Risk management and mitigation: develops and implements advanced risk management strategies. Acts as the final escalation point for all cross‑functional needs on supplier negotiation and performance management. Enables senior leadership to drive major sourcing decisions and investment via clear influential narratives in presentations. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration, Supply Chain, Engineering, Accounting/Finance, or equivalent. Minimum 12 years as a procurement professional. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Oracle (or similar). Must be able to work on a hybrid schedule (3 days in office/2 remote) in a local office. Work locations include Austin, TX; Lincolnshire, IL; Holtsville, NY; and Milpitas, CA. Flexibility to attend and/or host evening conference calls (due to supplier manufacturing base in Asia). Travel requirements 10–25% domestically and internationally. Preferred Qualifications Familiarity with outsourcing operation models (Contract Manufacturing, JDM, ODM, or OEM) and ability to link production processes to transformation costs. MBA. Strong familiarity with the IT hardware industry. Deep understanding of cost models and supplier strategy development. Experience managing outsourced manufacturing. Strong knowledge of operations, negotiations, and supplier performance reviews. Expertise in contract negotiations, particularly high‑value deals and key priorities. Ability to evaluate, modify, and ensure contract compliance; execute compliance effectively. Key Skills And Competencies Strategic Sourcing Stakeholder Management Project Management Spend Analytics Supplier Management Contract Compliance Strategic Collaboration Management Executive Presentation Leadership Negotiation Execution 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. Know Your Rights Conozca Sus Derechos Pay Range $156,960.00 – $235,440.00 Annual Incentive Compensation In addition to base pay, this role offers the opportunity to earn a performance‑based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 20% of base pay, in accordance with the 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 offer a comprehensive benefits program that includes healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development. We provide community service days, traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program, and paid time off depending on the country of employment. Benefits We understand the importance of work‑life balance and well‑being. 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. Job Posting Statement To protect candidates from fraudulent activity, please note that recruiters will always connect via @zebra.com email accounts. Applications are accepted only through our applicant tracking system, which is the sole source for personal identifying information. Our Talent Acquisition team will not ask for personal identifying information via email or outside that system. If you suspect identity theft, contact your local police department. AI Technology Statement Zebra Technologies leverages AI to evaluate job applications using objective, job‑relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and fairness. Nevertheless, all interview and hiring decisions are made by our dedicated team. #J-18808-Ljbffr Zebra Technologies