Category Manager Procurement, Marketing
Abbott • Abbott Park, Illinois • Full Time
Posted on Thu, May 28, 2026
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Working at Abbott
At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your 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.
Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
An excellent retirement savings plan with a high employer contribution · Tuition 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 worldwide 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 the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
We have an exciting opening for a Category Manager Procurement specializing in Marketing. This role can be based in either Abbott Park, IL or Willis Tower, Chicago, IL.
As a Category Manager Procurement, you will be responsible for managing global categories within Marketing and business management. You will collaborate closely with key stakeholders, regions, divisions, and fellow Category Managers. Your mission is to elevate marketing efforts while driving value, quality, and innovation, all while adhering to the highest standards of business ethics and integrity.
In this role, you will develop and execute category strategies and workstreams in Marketing. You will proactively seek and lead innovative ways to enhance marketing procurement processes and customer service levels. Opportunities for development and increased responsibility across categories will be available.
WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON:
Category Leadership
Lead Marketing Procurement category currently spanning $250M–$350M in global Marketing and Advertising spend.
Translate business priorities, challenges, and strategic objectives into actionable procurement strategies and executional excellence that unlock value and enable best‑in‑class marketing.
Provide compelling category insights and market intelligence to influence Marketing leadership’s strategic planning, including trends across marketing technology platforms, AI/GenAI tools, digital activation, and evolving agency models.
Value Creation & Strategic Execution
Identify and drive cost improvement opportunities; partner with Marketing leadership to prioritize, resource, and execute value‑creation initiatives.
Own cost‑savings targets, performance reporting, and category KPIs.
Lead complex global RFQs/RFIs/RFPs, ensuring best‑in‑class agency and supplier partnerships.
Conduct market research, benchmarking, and capability assessments to stay ahead of industry dynamics and emerging digital trends.
Support vendor screening and selection processes and guide stakeholders on sourcing best practices.
Negotiation & Contracting
Develop and execute fact‑based negotiation strategies with high‑profile suppliers and agency partners.
Partner with Legal and business stakeholders to structure and execute Master Service Agreements and Statements of Work.
Operational Excellence
Recommend and implement process improvements to streamline sourcing and vendor management workflows.
Utilize procurement tools and technologies to enhance cycle times, efficiency, and customer experience.
Escalate issues appropriately and drive resolution with urgency and accountability.
Elevate procurement organization by teaching, training and guiding other individuals in Marketing Procurement.
Relationship Management
Build strong, trust‑based relationships with key agencies, suppliers, global Marketing leaders, and cross‑functional partners.
Maintain ongoing engagement with regional and divisional teams to ensure alignment, satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
Serve as a strategic advisor, bringing forward innovative solutions and partnership opportunities.
Strategic Influence
Provide thought leadership across digital marketing procurement, contributing strategic guidance and category expertise to senior stakeholders.
Lead and influence cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑impact initiatives in a fast‑paced, evolving environment.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Educational Background: Bachelor’s Degree required. Advanced education is preferred.
6+ years of experience in marketing/Marketing Technology procurement and/or advertising agency role in account management, media planning/investment or strategy/planning.
Demonstrated ability to lead large, high‑visibility initiatives from concept to delivery, achieving clear business outcomes.
Outstanding communication and executive‑level influencing skills, with a history of shaping decisions and gaining alignment from senior leadership.
Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving skills and high tolerance for ambiguity.
Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com
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 www.abbott.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott, and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
The base pay for this position is
$99,300.00 – $198,700.00In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.