EMS Category Manager

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. Our critical communications, video security and command center technologies support public safety agencies and enterprises alike, enabling the coordination that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals and safer businesses. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.

Department OverviewOur Supply Chain and Procurement organization operates in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, delivering best-in-class communications equipment and solutions to customers worldwide. We strive to be a trusted advisor to our business partners, providing innovative solutions that maximize value for their sourcing needs.
This role requires a procurement and supplier expert with strong commercial and contractual experience in strategic sourcing and category management. You will implement high-quality, innovative, and cost-effective methodologies to support company and departmental objectives. This position involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, fostering a cooperative environment. Exceptional verbal and written communication, strong organizational skills, and effective time management are essential.
Job Description

Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and results-oriented Global EMS Category Manager to take ownership of our Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) supplier portfolio. This is a strategic role focused on developing, executing, and optimizing a global category strategy to deliver competitive advantage, drive significant cost savings, and ensure long-term supply chain resilience. The ideal candidate will transform supplier relationships into strategic partnerships and act as a key driver of continuous improvement and innovation within the EMS category.

Key Strategic Responsibilities:

The EMS Category Manager is responsible for elevating the EMS supply base from a transactional relationship to a strategic, performance-driven partnership.

• Global EMS Category Strategy Leadership:

  • Develop, deploy, and execute a comprehensive Global EMS Category Strategy that aligns with the company's long-term product roadmap and operational goals.

  • Identify and capitalize on market trends, geopolitical shifts, and technological advancements within the EMS sector to proactively position our supply chain for competitive advantage.

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• Supplier Relationship and Performance Management:

  • Own the strategic relationship with Global EMS suppliers, establishing senior-level engagement and joint business planning.

  • Implement robust supplier performance management frameworks, focusing on continuous improvement in quality, delivery, cost , and innovation).

  • Act as the final point of commercial and strategic escalation for complex cross-functional and operational issues, driving root cause resolution and systemic process improvements.​

• Strategic Sourcing and Commercial Excellence:

  • Lead complex, global business quotation exercises and strategic sourcing initiatives, utilizing advanced financial modeling and total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis to guide project awards.

  • Conduct high-stakes, sophisticated cost negotiations that secure competitive and sustainable pricing structures, moving beyond short-term tactical savings to long-term commercial models.

  • Negotiate, draft, and finalize multi-year, strategic Global EMS Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Supply Agreements, ensuring favorable terms, intellectual property protection, and robust risk mitigation clauses.

• Cost Management and Value Engineering:

  • Design and execute an aggressive, on-going cost improvement and annual cost reduction roadmap (e.g., Value Engineering, VA/VE, Design-to-Cost initiatives) in collaboration with Engineering and Operations teams.

  • Utilize strong data analysis skills to interpret market intelligence, commodity trends, and EMS cost drivers to develop predictive costing models and drive data-backed negotiations.

Requirements:

• Education: Must have at least a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.

• Experience: Minimum 5 years of prior experience and a proven track record in successfully managing and strategically sourcing Global EMS suppliers within a high-growth or complex technology/manufacturing environment.

Skills:

• Effective strategic problem-solving skills and exceptional negotiation skills with a focus on win-win, long-term outcomes.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with proven ability to work and influence people from various levels (from operations floor to executive leadership) and functions (Engineering, Finance, Legal).

• Strong data analysis skills and a deep understanding of forecasting methods, cost drivers, and TCO methodologies in the EMS space.

• High proficiency in MS Office / Google Documents; specifically, advanced MS Excel / Google Sheets skills (e.g., pivot tables, advanced formulas, financial modeling).

• Demonstrated ability to strategically manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced, dynamic global environment.

• Traits: Energetic, Positive, Executive Presence,  with a Team Player personality.

• Location: Chicago, IL. and the surrounding metropolitan area

• Added Advantages: Spanish language proficiency and prior experience with complex project management (e.g., NPI/NPD launches, strategic transitions) in a procurement capacity.

Target Base Salary Range: $130,000.00 - $155,000.00

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. 

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Basic Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain 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 RequirementsUnder 10%
Relocation ProvidedNone
Position TypeExperienced
Referral Payment PlanYes

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.