Global Category Manager - Compute and Network, Electro-Mechanical Strategic Sourcing Team

Description

Are you inspired by invention? Is problem solving through teamwork in your DNA? We apply advances in robotics and software to solve real-world problems that delight our customers in ways we can't even imagine yet.

Amazon's Robotic Delivery & Packaging Innovation (RDPI) organization is located in the greater Boston area, the epicenter of robotics innovation, with development hubs also in Seattle and Europe. Our diverse teams come from all over the world to design, test, and build our dynamic fleet of robots, manipulation systems, and packaging automation solutions. We design autonomous movement and mobility, artificial intelligence and machine learning, manipulation, simulation, robotic management software, predictive analytics, and much more.

The RDPI Supply Chain organization sources and manufactures a portfolio of robotics and automation technologies and is responsible for designing the supplier base, supporting and recommending the selection of technologies and components, and getting the right solution to the right place at the right time to support our network of global fulfillment and transportation solutions.

The Electromechanical Strategic Sourcing team is looking for a Global Commodity Manager to own tier 1 system level sourcing for the compute and network infrastructure that runs our robotic workcells and stations. The portfolio covers industrial and panel PCs, AI/GPU compute platforms, network switches, industrial server racks and UPS, touchscreen displays and projectors, and fixed and handheld barcode scanners. you will collaborate with other category managers supporting Tier 2 components (e.g. processors, GPUs, memory, SSDs and switch silicon). You will work closely with them so that their component strategies and allocations become solid supply plans with our system suppliers. You will also work with the network security organization on network device selection.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a self-managed and driven sourcing strategist with hands-on experience in industrial and panel PCs, AI/GPU compute platforms, network switches, industrial server racks and UPS, touchscreen displays, and barcode scanners. You should have proven ability to engage in Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VAVE) and DFx (Design for Excellence) exercises with suppliers, development and manufacturing engineering teams, provide independent technical feedback to design groups, and support design decisions. Experience mapping and aligning compute and network technology roadmaps, creating sourcing strategies, and the business acumen to support engineering teams in applying reliable, scalable compute and network solutions through a strong supplier base without capacity constraints, while achieving SKU standardization, harmonization, and cost reduction goals is essential.

The Global Category Manager has an important role in ensuring their respective categories and suppliers meet the technical and commercial specifications necessary for RDPI to satisfy its internal Manufacturing Operations, Supplier Quality, Supply Chain, and Hardware Engineering customers.

Key job responsibilities
Technical Leadership & Strategy:

- Serve as technical subject matter expert for compute and network technologies, leveraging engineering background to develop deep understanding of industrial compute architecture, network infrastructure, system integration, and manufacturing processes

- Translate complex technical specifications into clear sourcing strategies, considering performance, availability, scalability, product lifecycle, and supply chain risks

- Define and execute sourcing strategies aligned with program roadmaps, SKU standardization targets, and long-term cost reduction goals

Supplier Management & Cost Optimization:

- Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and manage strategic supplier relationships across industrial PC, network equipment, rack, display and scanner manufacturers, and regional distributors

- Drive global initiatives, designing multi-region supply chain for cost optimization, tariff mitigation, and lead time reduction

- Hold system suppliers to pricing, capacity and lead time commitments through component market constraints, and build total cost of ownership models that include software licensing and support

- Own supplier performance management through scorecards and business reviews with senior stakeholders

- Travel to supplier sites domestically and internationally (approximately 25%)

Cross-functional Leadership:

- Lead initiatives spanning multiple teams and programs, including SKU standardization, product lifecycle and end of life transitions, and supplier qualification to industrial cybersecurity requirements such as IEC 62443

- Collaborate with engineering, operations, and program teams to define technical requirements and ensure sourcing strategies meet cost, quality, and capability targets while reducing single-source dependencies

A day in the life
Amazon offers a full range of benefits that support you and eligible family members, including domestic partners and their children. Benefits can vary by location, the number of regularly scheduled hours you work, length of employment, and job status such as seasonal or temporary employment. The benefits that generally apply to regular, full-time employees include:

1. Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
2. Maternity and Parental Leave Options
3. Paid Time Off (PTO)
4. 401(k) Plan

If you are not sure that every qualification on the list above describes you exactly, we'd still love to hear from you! At Amazon, we value people with unique backgrounds, experiences, and skillsets. If you’re passionate about this role and want to make an impact on a global scale, please apply!

Basic Qualifications

- 3+ years of business development, partnership management, or sourcing new business experience
- 3+ years of working with Advanced Compute technologies including, but not limited to: Accelerated Compute, High Performance Compute, Visual/Spatial Compute, and/or IoT. experience
- Experience using data and metrics to determine and drive improvements
- 5+ years of negotiations/cost savings, supplier excellence, and risk mitigation experience
- Bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or another technical field

Preferred Qualifications

- Master's degree or equivalent
- Experience in stakeholder management, dealing with multiple stakeholders at varied levels of the organization
- Experience sourcing industrial PCs, servers, network switches, displays or rack infrastructure in industrial automation or robotics.
- Experience managing semiconductor allocations and shortages with an electronics or component sourcing team.
- Experience building total cost of ownership models, including software licensing and support.
- Experience managing product lifecycle and end-of-life transitions.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment while managing multiple stakeholders and first-of-their-kind programs.
- Highly effective oral and written communication skills.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.