Category Manager Procurement, Marketing

The Opportunity

Abbott is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Category Manager Procurement, Marketing to lead high-impact marketing procurement initiatives across a diverse portfolio of marketing and advertising spend. In this role, you will partner with Marketing, Legal, Finance, and supplier partners to deliver innovative sourcing strategies, drive value creation, and enable best-in-class marketing capabilities. This position can be based at either our Willis Tower office in downtown Chicago, IL, or Abbott Park, IL, and is a 5-days onsite role.

What You'll Work On

• 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.

Required 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (MBA or other relevant graduate degree).

• Experience supporting global or regional marketing procurement categories.

• Strong understanding of media, digital marketing, marketing technology ecosystems, AI/GenAI tools, and emerging marketing trends.

• Experience managing agency relationships and evaluating agency capabilities and performance.

• Knowledge of procurement systems, sourcing tools, and contract management processes.

• Demonstrated success driving business transformation, process improvements, and operational efficiencies.

• Experience mentoring, coaching, or developing procurement professionals.

• Professional procurement certifications (e.g., CPSM, CIPS, CPM) are a plus.