Senior Manager, Category Management (Tier 2 & Tier 3)
Veo Robotics
Who we are
With its A.I.-powered robotic technology platform, Symbotic is changing the way consumer goods move through the supply chain. Intelligent software orchestrates advanced robots in a high-density, end-to-end system – reinventing warehouse automation for increased efficiency, speed and flexibility.
What we need
Symbotic is seeking a Senior Manager, Category Management to own the strategy, performance, and scalability of our Tier 2 and Tier 3 robotics component & sub assembly and repair suppliers. This individual will lead sourcing initiatives for critical component categories, drive supplier optimization, and partner cross-functionally to enable innovation and operational excellence.
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
Develop and execute end-to-end category strategies for Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers across mechanical, electrical, and OEM components. Develop and manage strategy for repair spend.
Lead dual-sourcing and risk mitigation strategies to ensure supply resilience, cost competitiveness, and scalability.
Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements through supplier consolidation, commercial negotiations, and value engineering.
Collaborate with Engineering, Supplier Quality, and External Manufacturing to align sourcing decisions with product roadmaps and NPI timelines.
Lead RFx activities, supplier selection, and contract negotiations, ensuring compliance with company standards and industry best practices.
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
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 roles, 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 experience, and data-driven decision-making skills.
Program management skills to execute projects from end to end.
Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; Power BI, Tableau, or similar visualization tools a strong plus.
Strong relationship-building skills with cross-functional partners including Engineering, Quality, and Finance.
Our Environment
Up to 25% 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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About Symbotic
Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, AI-powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next-gen technology, high-density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce the Symbotic platform transforms the flow of goods and the economics of supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com.
We are a community of innovators, collaborators and pioneers who embrace our differences, because we know unique perspectives make us stronger and smarter. Every perspective matters. We depend on the collective voices of our employees, customers and community to help guide us as we build a better place to work – for you and the world. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.