Senior Specialist, Category Management (R&D Services)
AbbVie
August 19, 2026
Remote friendly (North Chicago, IL)
United States
$84,500 - $162,000 USD yearly
Operations
Senior Specialist, Category Management executes sub-category procurement strategy as part of the larger category management team, reporting to Category Managers and Directors. Contributes to end-to-end procurement including contracting and supplier relationship management, ensuring activities comply with defined processes and broader category strategy. Enables execution of procurement projects and continuous improvement initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- Partner with Category Directors and Associate Directors to execute subcategory-specific procurement strategies.
- Implement and monitor effectiveness of strategies; ensure alignment with business goals.
- Report on supplier process/operational health to inform strategic decision-making (industry trends, emerging technologies, market dynamics).
- Monitor initiatives to drive value with suppliers; track cost savings and enhance procurement value.
- Enable sustainability and ESG measures with suppliers to enhance sustainable sourcing.
- Execute Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategies; manage relationships and develop creative solutions for long-term needs.
- Implement mitigation strategies to proactively manage procurement risk while maintaining compliance.
- Manage projects from initiation to completion with cross-functional teams; support process optimization and continuous improvement.
- Support end-to-end procurement from sourcing strategy to contract negotiation/execution (analysis and data for negotiations).
- Develop capabilities and category expertise; support team goals and performance targets.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 5 years in procurement, supply chain, or related business/operations.
- Experience in category management, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Power Platform).
- Fast learner across industries; strong cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Strong executive functioning and autonomous work ethic.
Benefits:
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick); medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) (eligible employees).
- Short-term incentive program eligible.
Responsibilities:
- Partner with Category Directors and Associate Directors to execute subcategory-specific procurement strategies.
- Implement and monitor effectiveness of strategies; ensure alignment with business goals.
- Report on supplier process/operational health to inform strategic decision-making (industry trends, emerging technologies, market dynamics).
- Monitor initiatives to drive value with suppliers; track cost savings and enhance procurement value.
- Enable sustainability and ESG measures with suppliers to enhance sustainable sourcing.
- Execute Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategies; manage relationships and develop creative solutions for long-term needs.
- Implement mitigation strategies to proactively manage procurement risk while maintaining compliance.
- Manage projects from initiation to completion with cross-functional teams; support process optimization and continuous improvement.
- Support end-to-end procurement from sourcing strategy to contract negotiation/execution (analysis and data for negotiations).
- Develop capabilities and category expertise; support team goals and performance targets.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 5 years in procurement, supply chain, or related business/operations.
- Experience in category management, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Power Platform).
- Fast learner across industries; strong cross-functional collaboration.
- Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
- Strong executive functioning and autonomous work ethic.
Benefits:
- Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick); medical/dental/vision insurance; 401(k) (eligible employees).
- Short-term incentive program eligible.