Manager, Category Management

Allergan; North Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick)

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan

Eligibility in long-term incentive programs

Job summary

Allergan is seeking a Manager, Category Management to support R&D by developing and executing category strategies. This role requires a minimum of 7 years in procurement, focusing on developing innovative sourcing strategies and managing supplier relationships.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree, has a scientific background, and is adept at leading complex negotiations within the pharmaceutical industry. A comprehensive benefits package is provided.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement or category management.
• Scientific background preferred in life sciences or related fields.
• Proven experience in executing sourcing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with R&D.
• Drive structured sourcing and demand management initiatives.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing execution and contract negotiations.

Skills

Procurement expertise

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Financial acumen

Supplier negotiation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree

MBA or equivalent advanced degree

Job description

Purpose

The Manager, Category Management serves as a strategic partner to senior stakeholders within R&D, supporting the development and execution of category strategies within R&D Procurement. This role translates business priorities into actionable sourcing strategies grounded in market intelligence, scientific understanding, and enterprise value creation.

Responsibilities

• Partner with R&D, scientific, and functional stakeholders to develop and execute category strategies, ensuring alignment with research and development priorities.
• Contribute to the development of multi‑year category strategies informed by market intelligence, supplier capabilities, scientific trends, and business needs.
• Apply category management and strategic sourcing expertise to drive structured sourcing, demand management, and value creation initiatives.
• Build and manage supplier relationships across R&D categories, enabling innovation and long‑term partnerships.
• Define and deliver value drivers beyond cost (speed to clinic, quality, innovation, risk mitigation), aligned with R&D priorities.
• Support Supplier Relationship Management activities, including performance governance, supplier reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Integrate ESG and sustainability considerations into sourcing and supplier selection processes.
• Identify and help mitigate supply, operational, and regulatory risks across the category landscape.
• Lead end‑to‑end sourcing execution, including competitive events, negotiation, and contract execution.
• Drive cross‑functional project execution, ensuring stakeholder alignment, disciplined delivery, and measurable outcomes.
• Mentor and develop analysts and junior team members, building category capability and analytical rigor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Scientific background (life sciences, biology, chemistry, biomedical, or related field) preferred, particularly for R&D‑aligned categories.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in procurement, category management, or related strategic roles.
• Demonstrated experience executing sourcing strategies and category initiatives (or equivalent in strategic sourcing, consulting, or business strategy roles).
• Experience supporting R&D, scientific, or technical organizations within the pharmaceutical, biotech, or life sciences industry preferred.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and execution levels across complex categories.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, including cost modeling, market analysis, and value quantification.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and build alignment across a matrixed organization.
• Experience leading supplier negotiations and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong collaboration, change management, and cross‑functional teamwork capabilities.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and fast‑paced environments.

Benefits

• Compensation range is the possible base pay the company believes will be paid at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary by location and other factors.
• Comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical, dental, vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
• Eligibility to participate in long‑term incentive programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.