Category Analyst - Chicago, IL | Motorola Solutions Job

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. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions foster the collaboration that’s critical for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses, and ultimately, safer nations. Connect with a career that matters, and help us build a safer future.

Department Overview

The Supply Chain organization is a fast-paced and dynamic environment, delivering best-in-class communications equipment and solutions for customers around the world. "We aim to be a trusted advisor to our business partners – providing innovative solutions at the best possible value for their sourcing needs."

Job Description

The Category Analyst provides essential tactical, analytical, and operational support to Category Managers within the Global Procurement organization. This role is structured as a developmental pathway to Category Management, offering broad exposure to end-to-end procurement strategies, strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier evaluation without direct category ownership.

Working closely with Category Managers and cross-functional partners, the Category Analyst will execute data-driven analysis, support RFx processes, assist with contract renewals, and perform day-to-day procurement operations. The ideal candidate possesses strong analytical skills, proactive problem-solving abilities, and a desire to build a career in strategic sourcing.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Analysis & Insights: Analyze spend data, market trends, and industry dynamics to identify cost-saving opportunities, demand patterns, and process improvements.
• RFx & Sourcing Execution: Support Category Managers in preparing, issuing, and evaluating RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs. Help aggregate bid responses and create scenario analyses for sourcing decisions.
• Contract Management & Renewals: Assist with tracking contract milestones, managing renewals, and preparing preliminary commercial terms and risk assessments under guidance.
• Supplier Relationship Management (SRM): Support supplier scorecard tracking, performance metrics gathering, and preparation for Strategic Business Reviews (SBRs).
• Stakeholder & Operational Support: Coordinate cross-functional requirements with internal stakeholders to support active sourcing initiatives and day-to-day procurement requests.
• Process Improvement: Identify efficiencies in sourcing workflows, tools, and reporting to streamline operations across categories.

Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (VLOOKUP, Pivot Tables, data modeling) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) or ERP/procurement platforms (e.g., SAP, Workday, Coupa).

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Strong interest in growing into a Category Manager role.
• Proven analytical and quantitative problem-solving skills with high attention to detail.
• Basic understanding of contract structure, legal terminology, and commercial negotiation principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with comfort preparing slides and presenting data to leadership.
• Exposure to cost-reduction modeling or supplier scorecards.
• Relevant certifications (or pursuit of): CPSM, MCIPS, CPM, or PMP.
• Travel: Minimal travel required (up to 10%).

Target Base Salary Range: $75,000  - $110,000 USD

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

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Experience: 2+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, financial analysis, or business operations.

Travel Requirements

10-25%

Relocation Provided

None

Position Type

Experienced

Referral Payment Plan

Yes

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.