Contract Innovation Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Overview:
At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer's and partner's needs and solve their challenges.
Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.
You'll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about-locally and globally.
Come make an impact every day at Zebra.
What We're Looking For:
We are seeking a Senior Director of Sourcing and Procurement to act as the chief architect of our global direct materials strategy. In this highly visible, transformative role, you will oversee all Strategic Category Management for Direct Components-specifically Semiconductor, Electrical, and Mechanical categories.
This is not a traditional operational procurement role. You will be a vital partner to our engineering and product development teams, leading our strategic component category and supplier management strategies. If you are a visionary leader who thrives on navigating complex global markets, mitigating risk, and building high-performance teams, this is your opportunity to shape the future of Zebra's hardware innovation.
Key Responsibilities & Strategic Impact

• Architect the Category Strategy: Partner cross-functionally to design, establish, and execute the long-term global sourcing strategies for highly complex, mission-critical direct components (Semiconductors, Electrical, and Mechanical).
• Lead Advanced Sourcing & New Product Development: Actively embed procurement into the New Product Development (NPD) process from the ideation phase. Drive advanced sourcing initiatives to ensure early supplier involvement, secure emerging technologies, and align component selection with product roadmaps to mitigate lifecycle risks.
• Drive Strategic Component Supplier Excellence: Own the strategic relationships and management of our Strategic Component Supplier ecosystem, ensuring alignment with our overarching contract manufacturing and Joint Development Manufacturing (JDM) strategies.
• Executive Partnership & Influence: Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team, engineering, and product leadership. Align global procurement strategies with product roadmaps, market dynamics, and corporate financial goals.
• Market Intelligence & Risk Mitigation: Navigate volatile global supply chain dynamics (particularly in the semiconductor and electronics markets). Leverage deep market intelligence, advanced analytics, and deal strategy to secure competitive pricing, ensure continuity of supply, and proactively adapt to market shifts.
• Transformational Leadership: Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing team of procurement directors, managers, and professionals. Cultivate a culture of strategic thinking, continuous improvement, and high accountability.
• Process & Contract Innovation: Redefine standard contract development, negotiation processes, and organizational change management protocols to drive enterprise-wide efficiencies and maximize supplier performance.

What You Bring to the Table
Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree required.

• Experience: 20+ years of progressive procurement and supply chain experience, with a heavy emphasis on direct materials sourcing in the technology or electronics manufacturing sector.
• Hardware (HW) & Semiconductor Supply Chain: Proven, hands-on experience navigating the unique complexities of the global Hardware (HW) supply chain, with a specific, mandatory background in semiconductor sourcing, capacity management, and market dynamics
• Leadership Scope: Minimum of 10 years of people management experience, with a proven track record of developing senior-level talent and creating high-performance cultures.
• Domain Expertise: Deep understanding of the global market landscapes for Semiconductors, Electrical, and Mechanical components. Significant experience managing Strategic Component Suppliers and complex contract manufacturing models, including Joint Development Manufacturing (JDM) and Original Design Manufacturing (ODM).
• Executive Presence: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated history of successfully influencing Chief Executive-level leaders and leading cross-functional transformational initiatives.
• Commercial Acumen: Elite negotiation skills and the ability to leverage complex analytics to drive deal strategy, cost reduction, and value creation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or Master of Business Administration (MBA) highly preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at workplace.accommodations@zebra.com.
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We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at workplace.accommodations@zebra.com .
Pay Range:
$202,560.00 - $303,840.00 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 30% 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.