Procurement Director – Category Management Lead, IT
AbbVie
August 22, 2026
Remote friendly (North Chicago, IL)
United States
$160,500 - $305,000 USD yearly
Corporate Functions
Purpose
- Shape long-term strategies for multiple procurement categories, aligning with business objectives. Provide strategic advising and oversee category procurement execution (supplier management, risk mitigation, operations excellence). Lead strategy through execution with Category Managers, business partners, cross-functional partners, and capability owners; IT categories include Software, Hardware, Telecom, Cloud, and related services.
Responsibilities
- Create overarching category strategy, including supplier strategies, governance mode, and Supplier Relationship Management; implement innovative approaches to improve procurement efficiency/effectiveness.
- Use strategic data analytics to transform procurement operations and decision-making.
- Lead complex programs from strategy through implementation; ensure procurement projects align to long-term vision.
- Manage stakeholder engagement across Enterprise, Operations, and R&D for IT categories.
- Develop category playbooks, negotiation strategy, and term sheets.
- Manage Category Council to ensure strategy pull-through and address regional/local needs.
- Establish project/supplier strategy teams with clear roles, escalations, and timelines.
- Oversee long-term category strategy across multiple categories to optimize cost, efficiency, and quality.
- Act as link between procurement and business units; advise senior business leadership when acting as business partner.
- Oversee market trend and supplier landscape analysis.
- Champion sustainability/ESG alignment; lead supplier risk identification/mitigation and ensure global compliance across the value chain.
- Lead and directly manage category managers; mentor and develop the team.
- Implement scalable workforce plans for future needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 12+ years in procurement, supply chain, or related operations.
- Experience leading category management teams and reporting to senior procurement leadership.
- Strong executive presence and influence skills.
- Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry (required).
Benefits
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs.
- Shape long-term strategies for multiple procurement categories, aligning with business objectives. Provide strategic advising and oversee category procurement execution (supplier management, risk mitigation, operations excellence). Lead strategy through execution with Category Managers, business partners, cross-functional partners, and capability owners; IT categories include Software, Hardware, Telecom, Cloud, and related services.
Responsibilities
- Create overarching category strategy, including supplier strategies, governance mode, and Supplier Relationship Management; implement innovative approaches to improve procurement efficiency/effectiveness.
- Use strategic data analytics to transform procurement operations and decision-making.
- Lead complex programs from strategy through implementation; ensure procurement projects align to long-term vision.
- Manage stakeholder engagement across Enterprise, Operations, and R&D for IT categories.
- Develop category playbooks, negotiation strategy, and term sheets.
- Manage Category Council to ensure strategy pull-through and address regional/local needs.
- Establish project/supplier strategy teams with clear roles, escalations, and timelines.
- Oversee long-term category strategy across multiple categories to optimize cost, efficiency, and quality.
- Act as link between procurement and business units; advise senior business leadership when acting as business partner.
- Oversee market trend and supplier landscape analysis.
- Champion sustainability/ESG alignment; lead supplier risk identification/mitigation and ensure global compliance across the value chain.
- Lead and directly manage category managers; mentor and develop the team.
- Implement scalable workforce plans for future needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 12+ years in procurement, supply chain, or related operations.
- Experience leading category management teams and reporting to senior procurement leadership.
- Strong executive presence and influence skills.
- Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry (required).
Benefits
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs.