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
The Director, Category Management Lead shapes long-term strategies for multiple procurement categories, aligning with business objectives. Provides strategic advising and oversees category procurement execution, including supplier management, risk mitigation, and operations excellence (IT categories include IT Professional Services and Outsourced Services).
Responsibilities
- Build overarching category strategy (supplier strategies, governance, Supplier Relationship Management) and drive procurement efficiency and effectiveness.
- Use data analytics strategically to improve procurement operations and decision-making.
- Lead complex programs from strategy through implementation; manage strategic procurement projects.
- Lead stakeholder engagement across Enterprise, Operations, R&D, and Operations for IT categories.
- Create category playbooks, negotiation strategies, and term sheets.
- Manage Category Council to ensure category strategy rollout and regional/local alignment.
- Form 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 (serve as strategic advisor if no business partner role).
- Conduct market trend analysis and supplier landscape assessments.
- Champion sustainability/ESG initiatives.
- Develop strategic partnerships with suppliers; identify and mitigate supplier risks.
- Ensure compliance with global standards across the value chain.
- Lead and mentor category managers; implement workforce plans for scalable capability.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt., Finance, or related field; Master’s preferred.
- 12+ years in procurement/supply chain/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).
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs.
The Director, Category Management Lead shapes long-term strategies for multiple procurement categories, aligning with business objectives. Provides strategic advising and oversees category procurement execution, including supplier management, risk mitigation, and operations excellence (IT categories include IT Professional Services and Outsourced Services).
Responsibilities
- Build overarching category strategy (supplier strategies, governance, Supplier Relationship Management) and drive procurement efficiency and effectiveness.
- Use data analytics strategically to improve procurement operations and decision-making.
- Lead complex programs from strategy through implementation; manage strategic procurement projects.
- Lead stakeholder engagement across Enterprise, Operations, R&D, and Operations for IT categories.
- Create category playbooks, negotiation strategies, and term sheets.
- Manage Category Council to ensure category strategy rollout and regional/local alignment.
- Form 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 (serve as strategic advisor if no business partner role).
- Conduct market trend analysis and supplier landscape assessments.
- Champion sustainability/ESG initiatives.
- Develop strategic partnerships with suppliers; identify and mitigate supplier risks.
- Ensure compliance with global standards across the value chain.
- Lead and mentor category managers; implement workforce plans for scalable capability.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt., Finance, or related field; Master’s preferred.
- 12+ years in procurement/supply chain/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).
- Eligible for long-term incentive programs.