Manager, Category Management (Tier II)

What we need

Symbotic is seeking a Manager, Category Management to own the strategy, performance, and scalability of Tier 2 suppliers supporting our robotics platforms, with a focus on electrical and OEM components. This role is accountable for category strategy, supplier performance, and cost optimization, partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to support product execution and growth. 

The ideal candidate will be available to work in a hybrid environment with a minimum of 3 days a week in our Wilmington, MA headquarters.   

What we do   

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

What you’ll do

• Own and execute end-to-end category strategies for Tier 2 robotics components, including electrical, and OEM-supplied parts. 

• Develop sourcing strategies for repair and aftermarket spend within assigned categories 

• Lead dual-sourcing, risk mitigation, and capacity planning efforts to ensure supply continuity and scalability. 

• Drive total cost of ownership improvements through negotiations, supplier consolidation, and value engineering. 

• Partner with Engineering, Supplier Quality, and External Manufacturing to align sourcing decisions with product roadmaps and NPI timelines. 

• Lead RFx processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations in accordance with company standards. 

• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs, SLAs, and continuous improvement metrics; proactively manage quality and delivery risks. 

• Influence resource planning and internal investment cases by articulating sourcing trade-offs, risks, and ROI. 

• Serve as a strategic advisor and subject matter expert for internal stakeholders on supplier market trends, cost drivers, and sourcing strategies.  

• Develop business cases to secure project approval, ensure effective resource allocation, and drive organizational change through proactive change management. 

What you'll need

• The ideal candidate will be available to work in a hybrid environment with a minimum of 3 days a week in our Wilmington, MA headquarters.   

• Bachelor’s degree required; Mechanical or Industrial Engineering preferred (MBA a plus). 

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in category management, strategic sourcing, or supply chain roles supporting engineered components. 

• Experience sourcing Tier 2 components within robotics, automation, or industrial technology environments. 

• Strong commercial acumen with demonstrated negotiation and supplier management experience. 

• Ability to manage complex initiatives end-to-end using structured, data-driven approaches. 

• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools preferred. 

• Strong cross-functional partnership skills, particularly with Engineering, Quality, and Finance. 

Our Environment 

• Up to 20% of travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to client and other customer locations. 

• The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses personally to be reimbursed on a bi-weekly basis. 

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