Overview As Procurement Category Manager in Chicago, you will drive strategic sourcing for the hardware category, shaping supplier partnerships and value through long-term agreements. You will collaborate across business units to align on requirements and budgets, leading cost-effective procurement strategies. Your work supports critical public safety technology by ensuring reliable hardware supply and optimal commercial terms. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to influence procurement outcomes in a global, safety-focused organization.
Compensation / Benefits- Incentive bonus plans
- Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
- 401K with Company Match
- 10 Paid Holidays
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Responsibilities- Lead and execute long-term agreements via RFx processes
- Analyze spend and industry dynamics to launch strategic sourcing for hardware
- Identify savings opportunities and drive process improvements in the hardware category
- Build positive cross-functional relationships to ensure early supplier involvement
- Lead negotiations on financial terms and risk mitigation for strategic contracts
- Collaborate with stakeholders to define requirements, budgets, and gaps
- Support best practices like supplier segmentation, scorecards, and business reviews
- Oversee supplier contract renewals and leverage pricing, quality, and service
- Develop strategic relationships with key suppliers and ensure appropriate engagement
- Identify efficiencies to maximize spend opportunities in hardware
- Provide procurement guidance on hardware initiatives and strategies
- Build relationships with senior leadership and provide subject matter expertise on complex purchasing
Key requirements- 7+ years of procurement experience with a hardware category focus
- Strong budget planning and cost reduction track record
- Proven contract negotiations experience with minimal legal guidance
- Excellent verbal and written communication; comfortable presenting to Directors/VPs
- Bachelor in business, finance, or similar discipline
- Legal authorization to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for this role
- Willingness to travel up to 25% and be based in Greater Chicago area
- Experience with complex supplier deals including services and integrated solutions
- strong communication skills
- cross-functional collaboration
- organizational and time-management abilities
- strategic sourcing
- category management
- RFx leadership
