Category Manager Procurement, Marketing

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

     

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your family, be your true self, and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:

• Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of.

• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.

• An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution · Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program, and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.

• A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries worldwide and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.

• A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

THE OPPORTUNITY: 

We have an exciting opening for a Category Manager Procurement specializing in Marketing. This role can be based in either Abbott Park, IL or Willis Tower, Chicago, IL.

As a Category Manager Procurement, you will be responsible for managing global categories within Marketing and business management. You will collaborate closely with key stakeholders, regions, divisions, and fellow Category Managers. Your mission is to elevate marketing efforts while driving value, quality, and innovation, all while adhering to the highest standards of business ethics and integrity.

In this role, you will develop and execute category strategies and workstreams in Marketing. You will proactively seek and lead innovative ways to enhance marketing procurement processes and customer service levels. Opportunities for development and increased responsibility across categories will be available.

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON:

Category Leadership

• Lead Marketing Procurement category currently spanning $250M–$350M in global Marketing and Advertising spend.

• Translate business priorities, challenges, and strategic objectives into actionable procurement strategies and executional excellence that unlock value and enable best‑in‑class marketing.

• Provide compelling category insights and market intelligence to influence Marketing leadership’s strategic planning, including trends across marketing technology platforms, AI/GenAI tools, digital activation, and evolving agency models.

Value Creation & Strategic Execution

• Identify and drive cost improvement opportunities; partner with Marketing leadership to prioritize, resource, and execute value‑creation initiatives.

• Own cost‑savings targets, performance reporting, and category KPIs.

• Lead complex global RFQs/RFIs/RFPs, ensuring best‑in‑class agency and supplier partnerships.

• Conduct market research, benchmarking, and capability assessments to stay ahead of industry dynamics and emerging digital trends.

• Support vendor screening and selection processes and guide stakeholders on sourcing best practices.

Negotiation & Contracting

• Develop and execute fact‑based negotiation strategies with high‑profile suppliers and agency partners.

• Partner with Legal and business stakeholders to structure and execute Master Service Agreements and Statements of Work.

Operational Excellence

• Recommend and implement process improvements to streamline sourcing and vendor management workflows.

• Utilize procurement tools and technologies to enhance cycle times, efficiency, and customer experience.

• Escalate issues appropriately and drive resolution with urgency and accountability.

• Elevate procurement organization by teaching, training and guiding other individuals in Marketing Procurement.

Relationship Management

• Build strong, trust‑based relationships with key agencies, suppliers, global Marketing leaders, and cross‑functional partners.

• Maintain ongoing engagement with regional and divisional teams to ensure alignment, satisfaction, and continuous improvement.