Hiring: Associate Director, Procurement Category Management & Capability Leadership – AI/Emerging Technology Company: AbbVie Location: North Chicago, IL Job Posted Time: 2026-09-11 11:05:32 Employment Type: Contract Target Skills & Keywords : AI, Change Management, Project Management, Stakeholder Management About the job Experience: •10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, technology, consulting or related business or operations function. Previous experience leading category teams, IT teams, consulting, partnering with major suppliers, and reporting to senior leaders. Strong proficiency in developing high-impact executive-level deliverables. Required Skills: •Partner with VP-level business or functional stakeholders to develop global procurement strategies for AI and Emerging Technologies in alignment with the internal governance, stage gate processes, approvals, and risk/regulatory requirements. •Drive Innovation/Thought Leadership and lead complex programs, initiatives from strategy through implementation. Orchestrate procurement projects with a strategic lens, ensuring they are not only aligned with overarching business objectives but also contribute to the long-term strategic vision. •Create comprehensive capability playbook, negotiation strategy and deployment training for the procurement team keeping with trends and market analysis to ensure is continuous evolving •Ensure education and governance of capabilities are aligned and continuously evolving •Contribute to a cross-functional team that informs strategic decision-making by leveraging market intelligence, staying abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and market dynamics. •Define and develop strategic value drivers with key category suppliers to secure collaborative partnerships that challenge the status quo to achieve cost savings, optimize processes, and enhance overall procurement value. •Integrate sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) measures into category strategies, collaborating with suppliers to enhance sustainable and responsible sourcing practices. •Lead the large and complex supplier roadmaps, strategies, programs and negotiations. Qualifications: •Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Mgmt, Technology or related field. Master’s degree is preferred or equivalent experience. •Minimum of 10 years of experience in procurement, supply chain, technology, consulting or related business or operations function. Previous experience leading category teams, IT teams, consulting, partnering with major suppliers, and reporting to senior leaders. Strong proficiency in developing high-impact executive-level deliverables. •Comprehensive expertise in category management, including market analysis, cost and financial assessment, ensuring strategic and informed procurement decisions. Fluency in negotiation and bidding, adept in overseeing complex projects with a focus on effective change management. •Strong capabilities in internal stakeholder management and influence, aligning procurement strategies with business needs and fostering collaborative supplier relationships. •Strategic thinking and accountability, anticipating future trends, and taking responsibility for impactful procurement outcomes that challenge the status quo. •Innovative problem-solving skills combined with a significant executive presence, enabling creative solutions and influential communication at all organizational levels. High cross-functional leadership abilities, conflict resolution skills, effectively navigating & harmonizing diverse team dynamics. •Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, facilitating empathetic interactions, effective communication, and robust relationship-building across a matrixed organization. High resilience under pressure and autonomous work ethic, maintaining performance in challenging situations and making independent decisions. •We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees. •This job is eligible to participate in our long-term incentive programs. Compensation: •$141,500 - $268,500 / year Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!