Associate Director, Category Management

Company Description AbbVie’s mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas – immunology, oncology, neuroscience, and eye care – and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at Follow @abbvie on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and Tik Tok. Purpose The Associate Director, Category Management partners with Director and VP‑level business or functional stakeholder(s) to develop global procurement strategies, contributing to a cross‑functional team that informs strategy through analysis, market expertise, and understanding of broader business objectives. This role builds an annual strategic plan to achieve ambitious performance targets aligned with organizational goals. Responsibilities Partner with Director and VP‑level business or functional stakeholders to develop global procurement strategies for the API, Intermediates and Starting Materials category, acting as a Business Partner. Build a comprehensive annual strategic plan for the category, incorporating category strategies that align with overall business goals. Contribute to a cross‑functional team that informs strategic decision‑making by leveraging market intelligence, staying abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics. Define and develop strategic value drivers with key category suppliers to secure collaborative partnerships that challenge the status quo to achieve cost savings, optimise processes, and enhance overall procurement value. Integrate sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measures into category strategies, collaborating with suppliers to enhance sustainable and responsible sourcing practices. Support Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) strategies, driving innovation with key category suppliers and collaborating to enact creative and cutting‑edge solutions that deliver on long‑term business needs. Develop and activate mitigation strategies to proactively define and manage procurement risk across the relevant category, ensuring compliance. Ensure effective project management from initiation to completion, directing and guiding cross‑functional teams to deliver strategic category‑related projects. Identify opportunities for process optimisation and efficiency gains, leveraging data analytics to develop long‑term continuous improvement programmes that achieve strategic objectives. Drive the end‑to‑end procurement process from sourcing strategy to contract negotiation and execution, leading negotiations with key category suppliers and strengthening decisions with strong analytical insight and strategic perspective. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt. or related field. Master’s degree is strongly preferred. Minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or related business or operations function. Previous experience leading category teams, partnering with major suppliers, reporting and presenting to senior leaders. Strong proficiency in developing high‑impact executive‑level deliverables. Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry is strongly preferred. Comprehensive expertise in category management (ideally for a similar category/direct materials), including market analysis, cost and financial assessment, ensuring strategic and informed procurement decisions. Fluency in negotiation, bidding, adept in overseeing complex projects with a focus on effective change management. Proficiency and deep understanding of key contract terms. Strong capabilities in internal stakeholder management and influence, aligning procurement strategies with business needs and fostering collaborative supplier relationships. Strategic thinking and accountability, anticipating future trends, and taking responsibility for impactful procurement outcomes that challenge the status quo. Innovative problem‑solving skills combined with a significant executive presence, enabling creative solutions and influential communication at all organisational levels. High cross‑functional leadership abilities, conflict resolution skills, effectively navigating & harmonising diverse team dynamics. Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, facilitating empathetic interactions, effective communication, and robust relationship‑building across a matrixed organisation. High resilience under pressure and autonomous work ethic, maintaining performance in challenging situations and making independent decisions. Additional Information 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 US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more: What AbbVie Has to Offer: Our work can—and does—have a tangible, lasting impact on millions of people. We do not only deliver results, but also work in a sustainable, purpose‑driven way to build a better future for all. #J-18808-Ljbffr