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Senior Specialist, Category Management (R&D Services)

AbbVie


Job Location:

North Chicago, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer
Posted: 30 May 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 27 August 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

The Senior Specialist Category Management executes sub-category procurement strategy in support of R&D portfolio priorities as part of the larger category management team reporting to Category Managers and Directors. This role supports end-to-end execution of the procurement process including sourcing contracting and supplier relationship management with a bias for action speed of execution and quality ensuring activities comply with defined processes and align with broader category strategy. The Senior Specialist also contributes to procurement projects and continuous improvement initiatives building category expertise and enabling procurement to operate as a trusted partner to R&D stakeholders.

Responsibilities:

  • Partner with Category Directors and Associate Directors to execute subcategory-specific procurement strategies aligned to R&D portfolio priorities and timelines.
  • Implement and monitor effectiveness of strategies for the relevant category ensuring alignment with R&D and overall business goals and enabling timely delivery of programs across discovery pre-clinical and development stages.
  • Report on supplier performance and operational health informing Category Leaders to enable strategic decision-making incorporating industry trends emerging technologies and market dynamics; translate analysis into clear insights and recommendations for category leadership.
  • Monitor initiatives to drive value with category suppliers tracking cost savings and measurable value delivery against Category Management Plans.
  • Enable sustainability and environmental social and governance (ESG) measures working alongside suppliers to advance sustainable and responsible sourcing practices.
  • Execute Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategies managing relationships with category suppliers and collaborating to deliver solutions that address long-term business needs and anticipate scientific requirements.
  • Implement mitigation strategies to proactively manage procurement risk across the relevant category maintaining process governance and policy compliance.
  • Ensure effective project management from initiation to completion collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver strategic category-related projects. Assist category leaders with opportunities for process optimization and efficiency gains executing continuous improvement programs across people process governance systems and reporting that achieve strategic objectives.
  • Assist with the end-to-end procurement process from sourcing strategy to contract negotiation and execution supporting negotiations with category suppliers and facilitating decisions by developing the required analysis and gathering relevant data.
  • Develop own capabilities and build category expertise in accordance with individual learning path. Actively support team goals ensuring performance targets and objectives are delivered successfully.
  • Support stakeholder engagement by building working relationships with R&D customers and cross-functional partners; surface feedback on service execution or alignment gaps to category leaders.
  • Operate effectively in a fast-moving ambiguous environment demonstrating accountability adaptability and open dialogue consistent with AbbVies Ways We Work.

Qualifications :

 

  • Bachelors degree in Business Administration Supply Chain Management Science Finance Engineering or related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement supply chain or related business or operations function; pharmaceutical life sciences or R&D category experience preferred.
  • Previous experience in category management contract negotiation and supplier relationship management.
  • Familiarity with procurement systems such as SAP and Ariba preferred.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Power Platform).
  • Fast learner comfortable navigating across a range of industries and sectors with the ability to operate through ambiguity and shifting priorities.
  • High cross-functional collaboration abilities and teamwork skills effectively navigating and coordinating diverse team dynamics.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence facilitating empathetic interactions effective communication and robust relationship-building across a matrixed organization.
  • Impactful executive functioning abilities and autonomous work ethic maintaining efficient performance in challenging situations and building consensus in decision-making.
  • Solid analytical and financial acumen with the ability to quantify value track savings and communicate impact clearly.

Key Stakeholders:

Business Leads Business Partners Category Leads Procurement Leads/Managers Procurement Strategy & Capabilities Office R&D Stakeholders (Discovery Pre-Clinical Development Sciences)


Additional Information :

Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law: 

  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this roleat  the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on manyfactors  including  geographic location and we may ultimately  pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be  modified in the future. 

  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation holidays sick) medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

  • This job is eligible to  participate in our short-term incentive programs. 

Note: No amount of pay is  considered to be wages or compensation until such amount isearned  vested  and determinable. The amount and availability of  any bonus commission incentive benefits or any other form of compensation and benefits that areallocable to a   particular employee  remains in the Companys sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be  modified at the Companys sole and absolutediscretion  consistent with applicable law. 

AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity driving innovation transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. 

US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more visit  & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation click here to learn more:

Work :

No


Employment Type :

Full-time


About Company

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AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on creating medicines and solutions that put impact first — for patients, communities, and our world. We aim to address complex health issues and enhance people's lives through our core therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuro ... View more

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