Strategic Marketing Procurement Category Lead

Abbott Laboratories; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 99,000 - 199,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbott Laboratories in Chicago seeks a strategic Category Manager Procurement, Marketing, to lead high-impact marketing sourcing initiatives across a diverse spend portfolio. You will partner with Marketing, Legal, Finance, and suppliers to deliver innovative sourcing strategies and best-in-class capabilities.

This onsite role is based at Willis Tower or Abbott Park. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years in relevant procurement, with strong negotiation, analytics, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 6+ years of experience in Marketing Procurement, Marketing Technology Procurement, advertising agency account management, media planning/investment, or marketing strategy and planning.
• Experience developing and executing category management, sourcing, and supplier management strategies.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale, high-visibility initiatives and delivering measurable business outcomes.
• Experience leading complex sourcing events, supplier negotiations, and contract discussions.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and gain alignment across cross-functional and senior leadership teams.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage ambiguity effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Marketing Procurement category portfolio spanning approximately $150M-$350M in marketing and advertising spend.
• Develop and execute category strategies aligned with business priorities, growth objectives, and marketing goals.
• Provide category expertise and market intelligence across media, marketing technology platforms, AI/GenAI solutions, digital activation, and agency models.
• Identify and implement cost optimization and value creation opportunities while balancing quality, innovation, and business needs.
• Own category performance metrics, savings targets, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead complex RFIs, RFPs, and RFQs to identify and select best-in-class suppliers and agency partners.
• Conduct market research, supplier assessments, and competitive benchmarking to stay ahead of industry trends.
• Develop and execute negotiation strategies with agencies and strategic suppliers.
• Partner with Legal and business stakeholders to negotiate and manage Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Drive operational excellence by improving sourcing, contracting, and vendor management processes.
• Build strong relationships with Marketing leaders, agencies, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Serve as a trusted advisor by delivering strategic recommendations, innovative solutions, and procurement best practices.
• Mentor and support colleagues within the Marketing Procurement organization.
• Lead and influence cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact business initiatives.

Skills

Marketing procurement

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Strategic thinking

Communication

Presentation skills

Stakeholder management

Influence

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Abbott Laboratories in Chicago seeks a strategic Category Manager Procurement, Marketing, to lead high-impact marketing sourcing initiatives across a diverse spend portfolio. You will partner with Marketing, Legal, Finance, and suppliers to deliver innovative sourcing strategies and best-in-class capabilities.

This onsite role is based at Willis Tower or Abbott Park. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 6+ years in relevant procurement, with strong negotiation, analytics, and