Artificial Intelligence (AI), Automation, Business Skills, Category Management, Computer Engineering, Cost Control, Cross-Functional, DNA, Design For Excellence (DFX), Distribution Channel, Electromechanics, High Reliability, Hubs, Leadership, Machine Learning, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Negotiation Skills, Network Support, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), Predictive Modeling, Problem Solving Skills, Product Support, Product/Service Launch, Requirements Management, Robotic Simulation Software, Robotics, Robotics Software, Scorecarding, Sourcing Strategy, Strategic Planning, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), Supply Chain, Supply Chain Optimization, Team Player, Technical Leadership, Technical Strategy, Technical Support, Technical/Engineering Design, Test Design, Time Management, Value Analysis, Value Engineering, Vehicle Fleets, Vendor/Supplier Management, Vendor/Supplier Planning, Vendor/Supplier Quality Management, Vendor/Supplier Relations, Vendor/Supplier Selection, Willing to Travel
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" experiences 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, support and recommend the selection of technologies and components, getting the right solution to the right place at the right time to support our network of global fulfillment and transportation solutions.
The Strategic Sourcing team is seeking an experienced Sr. Global Category Manager for Sensors and Pneumatics (Robotics Applications) with a strong technical background in sensor technologies, pneumatic system design, and vacuum generation for robotic manipulation platforms. This role requires deep expertise in global supplier management, new supplier introduction, supplier development, and executing sourcing decisions to support new product introduction and long-term commodity strategy.
The ideal candidate for this position will be a self-managed and driven sourcing strategist with hands-on experience in photoelectric and inductive sensors, safety light curtains, pressure and flow sensing, pneumatic valves and manifolds, vacuum generators, and suction cup end-effector technologies. 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 detection, process monitoring, and pneumatic actuation technology roadmaps, creating sourcing strategies, and business acumen to support engineering teams in applying high-reliability, high-performance sensing and pneumatic solutions through a strong supplier base without capacity constraints while achieving design standardization and harmonization, and cost reduction goals is essential.
The Sr. 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 sensor technologies, pneumatic systems, and vacuum solutions, leveraging engineering background to develop deep understanding of detection principles, pneumatic actuation, and component manufacturing processes
- Translate complex technical specifications into clear sourcing strategies, considering reliability, availability, scalability, and supply chain risks
- Define and execute sourcing strategies aligned with program roadmaps, supplier diversification targets, and long-term cost reduction goals
Supplier Management & Cost Optimization:
- Identify, evaluate, negotiate, and manage strategic supplier relationships across sensor OEMs, pneumatic component manufacturers, and regional distributors
- Drive global initiatives, designing multi-region supply chain for cost optimization, tariff mitigation, and lead time reduction
- 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 large-scale initiatives spanning multiple teams and geographies, including supplier qualification, dual sourcing, and technology transitions
- 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:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
Maternity and Parental Leave Options
Paid Time Off (PTO)
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!
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Amazon.com Inc
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