Senior Procurement Specialist - Operations

Job ID: 31158200Company: Abbott LaboratoriesLocation: United States - Illinois - ChicagoJob Type: Full timeCategory: ProcurementIndustry: HealthcarePosted Date: 2026-08-06Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.Working at AbbottAt Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to:Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of .Free medical coverage for employees* via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPOAn excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contributionTuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree.A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune.A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.The OpportunityAbbott 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 OnLead 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 QualificationsBachelor’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 QualificationsCPM (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.Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity.Connect with us at , on Facebook at and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal.The base pay for this position is $78,000.00 – $156,000.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.Skillsprocurementcontract managementsupplier relationship managementsourcingcost savings initiativessupply managementsupplier performance managementrfp managementprocurement project managementstakeholder managementnegotiationprocess improvementkpi developmentsupplier integrationcompliance managementdata analysisspreadsheet softwareprocurement technology toolsmentoringcoachingstrategic sourcingsupplier diversity initiativescross-functional collaborationintercultural communication