Senior Manager, Category Management (Tier 2 & Tier 3)

Industrialinnovationfund; United States; Remote; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in automation technology seeks a Senior Manager, Category Management, to oversee sourcing and supplier strategy for robotics components. This role requires deep expertise in strategic sourcing and cross-functional collaboration, focusing on enhancing operational excellence and supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in strategic sourcing or supply chain leadership.
• Proven success in sourcing complex engineered components.
• Program management skills to execute projects end-to-end.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers.
• Lead risk mitigation strategies for supply resilience.
• Drive total cost of ownership improvements through negotiation.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Commercial acumen

Relationship-building skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business

MBA

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

Who we are

With its AI-powered robotic technology platform, Symbotic is transforming how consumer goods move through the supply chain. Our intelligent software orchestrates advanced robots in a high-density, end-to-end system, reinventing warehouse automation to enhance efficiency, speed, and flexibility.

What we need

Symbotic is seeking a Senior Manager, Category Management to oversee the strategy, performance, and scalability of our Tier 2 and Tier 3 robotics component and sub-assembly suppliers. This individual will lead sourcing initiatives for critical component categories, drive supplier optimization, and collaborate cross-functionally to foster innovation and operational excellence.

What we do

Our global sourcing, procurement, and third-party supplier team develop innovative category management strategies in partnership with the business. The team focuses on strategic third-party agreements and supports supplier relationship management, including commercial and financial pricing models for overall supplier performance.

What you’ll do

1. Develop and implement end-to-end category strategies for Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers across mechanical, electrical, and OEM components. Manage strategies for repair spend.
2. Lead dual-sourcing and risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply resilience, cost competitiveness, and scalability.
3. Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements through supplier consolidation, negotiations, and value engineering.
4. Collaborate with Engineering, Supplier Quality, and External Manufacturing to align sourcing decisions with product roadmaps and NPI timelines.
5. Lead RFx activities, supplier selection, and contract negotiations, ensuring compliance with standards and best practices.
6. Monitor supplier performance via KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement metrics; proactively address quality and delivery risks.
7. Influence resource planning and internal investment decisions by articulating sourcing trade-offs, risks, and ROI.
8. Serve as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert on supplier market trends, cost drivers, and sourcing strategies for internal stakeholders.
9. Develop business cases to secure project approval, facilitate resource allocation, and drive organizational change through proactive change management.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor's degree required; Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing) or Business preferred. MBA is a plus.
• Minimum 10 years in strategic sourcing, category management, or supply chain leadership, with deep experience in Tier 2/Tier 3 supplier strategy.
• Proven success sourcing complex engineered components within robotics, automation, or industrial tech environments.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and data-driven decision-making ability.
• Program management skills to execute projects end-to-end.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools are a strong plus.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, and Finance.

Our Environment

• Up to 25% travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive or fly to client and other locations.
• The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses for reimbursement on a bi-weekly basis.

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About Symbotic

Symbotic is a leader in automation technology, reimagining the supply chain with its AI-powered robotic and software platform. We transform warehouses into strategic assets for major retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies, leveraging next-gen technology, high-density storage, and machine learning to address complex distribution challenges. Our platform enhances the speed, agility, accuracy, and efficiency of goods movement, transforming the flow of goods and the economics of supply chain management for our clients. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com.

We are a community of innovators, collaborators, and pioneers who embrace diversity, believing that unique perspectives strengthen us. We are committed to creating a better workplace for all and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, respecting all backgrounds and identities.