Zebra Technologies

Global Category Manager - Memory & Semiconductors

Zebra Technologies$122K — $184K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or Finance; MBA or industry certifications preferred.
  • 8+ years in strategic sourcing or category management, with 3-5 years specifically in semiconductors or electronic components.
  • In-depth understanding of semiconductor manufacturing and market dynamics.
  • Based in the US with a hybrid work requirement (3 days in office).

Responsibilities

  • Develop category strategies aligned with business objectives and engineering roadmaps.
  • Act as a market expert, identifying trends and mitigating supply chain risks.
  • Lead complex negotiations and manage global sourcing agreements with suppliers.
  • Cultivate executive supplier relationships and drive performance improvements.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize design and TCO.
  • Manage a high-value spend portfolio and drive savings initiatives.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work options with flexible hours.
  • Wellness programs and community service days.
  • Comprehensive healthcare and wellness benefits.
  • Modernized parental leave and employee assistance programs.
  • Paid time off and learning and development opportunities.
Full Job Description
What We're Looking For:
Are you a strategic sourcing expert with a deep understanding of global semiconductor markets and memory technologies?

We are seeking a highly strategic Global Category Manager for Memory & Semiconductors to lead one of our most critical hardware supply chains. In this role, you will be much more than a tactical buyer; you will act as a key advisor to our engineering and business leadership. By applying your deep knowledge of silicon market cycles, fab capacity dynamics, and semiconductor pricing trends, you will define and execute 1- to 3-year strategic category plans. You will navigate complex global supply markets, secure long-term continuity of supply for critical components (DRAM, NAND, logic, microcontrollers), and foster executive-level relationships with tier-1 technology partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Strategic Category Leadership: Develop and execute comprehensive, multi-year category strategies for Memory and Semiconductors, aligning supplier capabilities with our hardware engineering roadmaps and business objectives.
  • Market Intelligence & Risk Mitigation: Act as the internal subject matter expert on semiconductor market trends, fab capacity constraints, and pricing cycles. Proactively identify supply chain risks and develop robust mitigation strategies to ensure continuity of supply.
  • Complex Deal Negotiation: Lead end-to-end strategic sourcing events. Negotiate complex global master agreements, capacity reservations, and pricing models with tier-1 semiconductor manufacturers and distributors.
  • Executive Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Cultivate and manage strategic partnerships with key silicon suppliers. Conduct regular Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and drive supplier innovation, performance, and continuous cost improvements.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner tightly with Hardware Engineering, Product Management, and Supply Chain teams to influence early design decisions, ensuring we are designing for supply chain resilience and optimal Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
  • Spend & Portfolio Management: Manage a high-value global spend portfolio. Drive analytics, perform detailed TCO modeling, track market indices, and deliver against aggressive savings and value-creation targets.


Job Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree required (Supply Chain, Engineering, Business Administration, or Finance preferred). MBA or industry certifications (CPSM, CPIM) are a strong plus.
  • 8+ years of progressive strategic sourcing and category management experience, with a mandatory minimum of 3-5 years specifically managing semiconductor, memory, or complex electronic component categories.
  • Deep understanding of the semiconductor manufacturing lifecycle, supply chain complexities, and key market players.
  • Must reside in the US with the ability to work a hybrid schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote) out of either Lincolnshire, IL, Holtsville, NY or Austin, TX. Some light travel to be expected.


Key Skills and Competencies
  • Technical Acumen: Ability to translate complex engineering requirements into strategic sourcing strategies.
  • Negotiation & Contracting: Mastery of complex, high-stakes contract negotiations.
  • Executive Presence: Exceptional ability to present to, influence, and inspire trust with executive leadership both internally and externally.
  • Agility & Resilience: Proven ability to navigate volatile market conditions and manage allocations during industry shortages.


Pay Range:
$122,800.00 - $184,200.00 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 12% 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.

Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience.

Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long-term incentive equity awards.

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 companywide well-being day to promote revitalization and success.

Job Posting Statement:

To protect candidates from falling victim to online fraudulent activity involving fake job postings and employment offers, please be aware our recruiters will always connect with you via @zebra.com email accounts. Applications are only accepted through our applicant tracking system and only accept personal identifying information through that system. Our Talent Acquisition team will not ask for you to provide personal identifying information via e-mail or outside of the system. If you are a victim of identity theft contact your local police department.

AI Technology Statement:

Zebra Technologies leverages AI technology to evaluate job applications using objective, job-relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and promotes fairness in the hiring process. However, every decision regarding interviews and hiring is made by our dedicated team, because we believe people make the best decisions about people. For more on how we use technology in hiring and how we process applicant data, see our Zebra Privacy Policy.

About Zebra Technologies

Zebra Technologies is a global leader in enterprise mobile computing, data capture, and printing solutions. The company provides hardware and software solutions that enable businesses to improve productivity, increase efficiency, and enhance customer service. Zebra Technologies serves a wide range of industries, including healthcare, retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and government. The company was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Zebra Technologies is committed to sustainability and has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.
Learn more about Zebra Technologies
Size
9,800 employees
Market Cap
$12.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$504 million
Founded
1991
5 Year Trend
+9.5%
Revenue
$4.4 billion
NASDAQ

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