Category Lead, Indirect – Capital Procurement at Abbott

Weesp, North Holland, Netherlands

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

HealthcareIndustries

Requirements

Deep technical understanding of capital equipment, engineering services, and infrastructure investments
Strategic foresight and strong stakeholder engagement skills
Recognized as a thought leader in capital sourcing
Ability to influence functional strategy and lead cross-functional initiatives
Expertise in total cost of ownership (TCO) improvements
Knowledge of GxP, EHS, and Corporate Procurement policies
Understanding of industry benchmarking, capital sourcing trends, and innovations
Proficiency in digital tools and supplier collaboration models
Strong relationship management with internal (Engineering, Operations, Finance, Project Management, Site Leadership) and external stakeholders (suppliers, industry partners)
Education and experience in relevant field (implied by role level)

Responsibilities

Develop and implement capital procurement strategies aligned with Abbott’s manufacturing and investment roadmap
Lead sourcing initiatives for capital equipment, automation systems, engineering services, and construction projects
Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, and Project Management teams to ensure procurement supports project timelines and technical specifications
Drive supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution for high-value capital projects
Manage supplier relationships to ensure performance, innovation, and risk mitigation
Support capital planning processes, including budgeting, forecasting, and lifecycle cost analysis
Lead cross-functional teams to deliver strategic sourcing outcomes
Identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and supplier innovation
Ensure compliance with GxP, EHS, and Corporate Procurement policies
Define and execute category strategy for capital procurement, aligned with global investment priorities
Drive TCO reductions and value creation across capital categories
Coordinate across divisions and functions to share best practices and ensure alignment
Understand strategic needs of business units and negotiate solutions meeting technical and financial objectives
Benchmark against industry peers and advise on capital sourcing trends and innovations
Lead change and innovation in capital sourcing approaches, including digital tools and supplier collaboration
Partner with Engineering Directors, Project Managers, and Site Leadership to align procurement with project goals
Collaborate with One Procurement colleagues to leverage scale and synergies
Build and maintain strategic relationships with key capital suppliers and industry partners
Foster collaborative environment across internal and external stakeholders
Promote value of strategic procurement and build support for sourcing initiatives
Manage supplier performance and continuous improvement programs
Ensure adherence to Corporate and Divisional procurement policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements
Support audit readiness and documentation for capital procurement activities

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

SourcingProcurement StrategySupplier NegotiationContract ExecutionSupplier ManagementStakeholder EngagementCapital EquipmentEngineering ServicesTotal Cost of Ownership

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the employment type for this Category Lead position?

This is a full-time position.

Is this role remote or does it require office presence?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are required for the Category Lead role?

The role requires deep technical understanding, strategic foresight, strong stakeholder engagement, strategic thinking, and relationship management skills.

What is the company culture like at Abbott?

Abbott emphasizes making a difference in healthcare, shaping careers while impacting lives globally, and fostering a collaborative environment across 113,000 colleagues in over 160 countries.

What makes a strong candidate for this Category Lead position?

Strong candidates will have experience leading sourcing initiatives, partnering with cross-functional teams like Engineering and Operations, driving cost reductions, and acting as a thought leader in capital procurement.

Abbott

Healthcare solutions in diagnostics and devices

About Abbott

Abbott Laboratories focuses on improving health through various medical technologies and health solutions. The company operates in areas such as cardiovascular health, diabetes management, diagnostic testing, nutrition, and neuromodulation for chronic pain and movement disorders. Abbott's products include advanced medical devices and diagnostic tests that help healthcare professionals and patients manage health conditions effectively. For example, their cardiovascular technologies assist in heart health management, while diabetes care products enable accurate glucose monitoring without painful fingersticks. Unlike many competitors, Abbott emphasizes accessibility and affordability in its offerings, aiming to make life-changing technologies available to a broader audience. The company's goal is to positively impact global health and well-being, supported by a commitment to sustainability and a 2030 Sustainability Plan.

Lake Bluff, IllinoisHeadquarters

1888Year Founded

IPOCompany Stage

HealthcareIndustries

10,001+Employees

Risks

Departure of key leader Dr. Adamson may affect Abbott's Heart Failure division.

Integration challenges with Medtronic could impact glucose monitor-insulin pump rollout.

Thermo Fisher's microfluidics expansion may increase competition for Abbott.

Differentiation

Abbott integrates continuous glucose monitoring with automated insulin delivery systems.

Abbott's microfluidic devices streamline diagnostic processes efficiently.

Abbott's neuromodulation products target specific nervous system areas for chronic pain relief.

Upsides

Microfluidic technology offers cost-effective solutions in diagnostics.

Strategic partnerships like Abbott-Medtronic enhance product offerings and market reach.

Significant investments indicate strong market confidence in Abbott's healthcare solutions.

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