Senior Procurement Specialist - Operations

The Opportunity

Abbott is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist, Operations to help drive procurement excellence and deliver best value across the organization. In this highly visible role, you will partner with stakeholders, category leaders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to execute sourcing and contracting strategies, drive savings initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, and support the One Abbott Procurement model while ensuring compliance, quality, and exceptional customer service.

What You’ll Work On

• Lead procurement and contracting activities with new and existing suppliers.

• Execute purchasing and supply management strategies developed by Category Managers and Category Leaders.

• Partner closely with Legal and category teams throughout the contract development and negotiation process.

• Drive cost savings, supplier performance, and value-creation initiatives across procurement categories.

• Research, evaluate, and analyze supplier proposals, product offerings, and pricing to identify optimal solutions.

• Lead complex RFPs, bidding events, and procurement projects from planning through execution.

• Manage purchase order approvals up to $1,000,000 and support PO conversion and change management activities.

• Resolve complex procurement, operational, and invoice-related issues while identifying root causes and implementing solutions.

• Enable supplier integration efforts and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and cross-functional business partners.

• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency, cycle times, and customer service levels.

• Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor, providing guidance and training to procurement team members.

• Support supplier diversity initiatives and foster relationships with diverse suppliers.

• Promote compliance with corporate policies, procurement standards, and ethical business practices.

• Collaborate across functions and geographies while applying cultural awareness in global supplier engagements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, Finance, or a related field.

• 4+ years of procurement, sourcing, supply chain, purchasing, or related business experience.

• Experience managing supplier relationships, contracts, and procurement activities.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex business issues.

• Ability to effectively partner with cross-functional stakeholders and influence outcomes.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Commitment to high ethical standards and compliance-driven decision-making.

Preferred Qualifications

• CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager) certification or similar procurement certification.

• 2+ years of advanced functional procurement or strategic sourcing experience.

• Experience leading RFPs, supplier negotiations, and sourcing projects.

• Project management experience with the ability to drive initiatives from concept through execution.

• Advanced relationship-building, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.

• Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities, including mentoring and coaching team members.

• Experience working with supplier performance management and procurement technology tools.

• Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet and data analysis tools.

• Demonstrated success delivering cost savings and operational improvements.

• Strong intercultural, networking, and collaboration skills within global organizations.