Associate Director, Category Management
AbbVie
5 months ago
Remote friendly (North Chicago, IL)
United States
Corporate Functions
Purpose
The Associate Director, Category Management partners with VP-level business or functional stakeholder(s) to develop global procurement strategies, contributing to a cross-functional team that informs strategy through analysis, market expertise, and understanding of broader business objectives. This role builds an annual strategic plan and leads a team of managers to achieve ambitious performance targets aligned with organizational goals.
Responsibilities
- Partner with VP-level business or functional stakeholders to develop global procurement strategies for an individual procurement category.
- Build a comprehensive annual strategic plan for the relevant category, incorporating category strategies aligned with overall business goals.
- Contribute to a cross-functional team by leveraging market intelligence and staying abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics.
- Define and develop strategic value drivers with key category suppliers to secure collaborative partnerships and achieve cost savings, optimize processes, and enhance procurement value.
- Integrate sustainability and ESG measures into category strategies, collaborating with suppliers to enhance sustainable and responsible sourcing.
- Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategies, driving innovation and creative solutions for long-term business needs.
- Develop and activate mitigation strategies to proactively define and manage procurement risk across the category, ensuring compliance.
- Lead project management from initiation to completion, directing cross-functional teams; identify process optimization and efficiency gains using data analytics.
- Drive end-to-end procurement from sourcing strategy through contract negotiation and execution; lead negotiations with analytical and strategic insight.
- Lead and coach managers: set performance targets, provide coaching, evaluate performance, and support workforce/capability planning.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or related business/operations.
- Experience leading category teams, partnering with major suppliers, and reporting to senior leaders.
- Strong proficiency developing executive-level deliverables.
- Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry strongly preferred.
- Expertise in category management (market analysis, cost/financial assessment); fluency in negotiation and bidding.
- Strong internal stakeholder management and influence.
- Strategic thinking, accountability, and ability to challenge the status quo with impactful outcomes.
- Innovative problem-solving and executive presence; strong cross-functional leadership and conflict resolution.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; resilient under pressure and able to work autonomously.
Benefits
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) for eligible employees.
- Eligible to participate in long-term incentive programs.
The Associate Director, Category Management partners with VP-level business or functional stakeholder(s) to develop global procurement strategies, contributing to a cross-functional team that informs strategy through analysis, market expertise, and understanding of broader business objectives. This role builds an annual strategic plan and leads a team of managers to achieve ambitious performance targets aligned with organizational goals.
Responsibilities
- Partner with VP-level business or functional stakeholders to develop global procurement strategies for an individual procurement category.
- Build a comprehensive annual strategic plan for the relevant category, incorporating category strategies aligned with overall business goals.
- Contribute to a cross-functional team by leveraging market intelligence and staying abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics.
- Define and develop strategic value drivers with key category suppliers to secure collaborative partnerships and achieve cost savings, optimize processes, and enhance procurement value.
- Integrate sustainability and ESG measures into category strategies, collaborating with suppliers to enhance sustainable and responsible sourcing.
- Lead Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategies, driving innovation and creative solutions for long-term business needs.
- Develop and activate mitigation strategies to proactively define and manage procurement risk across the category, ensuring compliance.
- Lead project management from initiation to completion, directing cross-functional teams; identify process optimization and efficiency gains using data analytics.
- Drive end-to-end procurement from sourcing strategy through contract negotiation and execution; lead negotiations with analytical and strategic insight.
- Lead and coach managers: set performance targets, provide coaching, evaluate performance, and support workforce/capability planning.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or related business/operations.
- Experience leading category teams, partnering with major suppliers, and reporting to senior leaders.
- Strong proficiency developing executive-level deliverables.
- Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry strongly preferred.
- Expertise in category management (market analysis, cost/financial assessment); fluency in negotiation and bidding.
- Strong internal stakeholder management and influence.
- Strategic thinking, accountability, and ability to challenge the status quo with impactful outcomes.
- Innovative problem-solving and executive presence; strong cross-functional leadership and conflict resolution.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence; resilient under pressure and able to work autonomously.
Benefits
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) for eligible employees.
- Eligible to participate in long-term incentive programs.