Jobs › Abbott

Senior Procurement Specialist - Operations

Abbott · Chicago, IL · $78,000–$156,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 6, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a cost saving you delivered. How did you prove it was real?

What they are checking: Whether they can quantify savings in a way finance accepts, not just quote a lower unit price.

Tell me about a time you had to push back on an operations leader's request.

What they are checking: Whether they can say no with reasons and alternatives while keeping the plant's trust.

Tell me about a time you improved a procurement process, not just a price.

What they are checking: Whether they look for lasting process gains that drive procurement excellence across the operation.

What would you do

A plant needs a part urgently and the approved supplier is out. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they solve the shortage without skipping supplier qualification that a regulated site requires.

A supplier misses delivery dates three times in a month. How do you handle the conversation?

What they are checking: Whether they address performance directly with facts and a corrective plan instead of just complaining.

About the work

What kinds of operations spend have you bought, such as raw materials, MRO or services, and how did your approach differ?

What they are checking: Whether they adjust sourcing tactics to the type of spend instead of using one playbook for everything.

Walk me through how you run a competitive bid from requirements to award.

What they are checking: Whether they run a fair, documented process that the business and audit can both stand behind.

How do you work with quality when a new supplier needs to be approved?

What they are checking: Whether they know supplier qualification steps and plan time for them early in sourcing.

What do you look at in a supplier's financial or operational data before you commit volume to them?

What they are checking: Whether they check supplier risk before awarding business rather than after something breaks.

How do you keep purchase orders, contracts and pricing in the ERP system accurate?

What they are checking: Whether they keep the system clean, since wrong pricing in the ERP causes invoice disputes and bad reports.

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The full job description

As published by Abbott.

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries. JOB DESCRIPTION: Working at Abbott At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and family, be your true self and live a full life. You’ll also have access to: • Career development with an international company where you can grow the career you dream of . • Free medical coverage for employees* via the Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO • An excellent retirement savings plan with high employer contribution • Tuition reimbursement, the Freedom 2 Save student debt program and FreeU education benefit - an affordable and convenient path to getting a bachelor’s degree. • A company recognized as a great place to work in dozens of countries around the world and named one of the most admired companies in the world by Fortune. • A company that is recognized as one of the best big companies to work for as well as a best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists. The Opportunity Abbott is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist, Operations to help drive procurement excellence and deliver best value across the organization. In this highly visible role, you will partner with stakeholders, category leaders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to execute sourcing and contracting strategies, drive savings initiatives, enhance operational efficiency, and support the One Abbott Procurement model while ensuring compliance, quality, and exceptional customer service. What You’ll Work On • Lead procurement and contracting activities with new and existing suppliers. • Execute purchasing and supply management strategies developed by Category Managers and Category Leaders. • Partner closely with Legal and category teams throughout the contract development and negotiation process. • Drive cost savings, supplier performance, and value-creation initiatives across procurement categories. • Research, evaluate, and analyze supplier proposals, product offerings, and pricing to identify optimal solutions. • Lead complex RFPs, bidding events, and procurement projects from planning through execution. • Manage purchase order approvals up to $1,000,000 and support PO conversion and change management activities. • Resolve complex procurement, operational, and invoice-related issues while identifying root causes and implementing solutions. • Enable supplier integration efforts and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success. • Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and cross-functional business partners. • Identify and implement process improvements to enhance procurement efficiency, cycle times, and customer service levels. • Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor, providing guidance and training to procurement team members. • Support supplier diversity initiatives and foster relationships with diverse suppliers. • Promote compliance with corporate policies, procurement standards, and ethical business practices. • Collaborate across functions and geographies while applying cultural awareness in global supplier engagements. Required Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, Business, Finance, or a related field. • 4+ years of procurement, sourcing, supply chain, purchasing, or related business experience. • Experience managing supplier relationships, contracts, and procurement activities. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex business issues. • Ability to effectively partner with cross-functional stakeholders and influence outcomes. • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. • Commitment to high ethical standards and compliance-driven decision-making. Preferred Qualifications • CPM (Certified Purchasing Manager) certification or similar procurement certification. • 2+ years of advanced functional procurement or strategic sourcing experience. • Experience leading RFPs, supplier negotiations, and sourcing projects. • Project management experience with the ability to drive initiatives from concept through execution. • Advanced relationship-building, influencing, and stakeholder management skills. • Strong interpersonal and leadership abilities, including mentoring and coaching team members. • Experience working with supplier performance management and procurement technology tools. • Advanced proficiency in spreadsheet and data analysis tools. • Demonstrated success delivering cost savings and operational improvements. • Strong intercultural, networking, and collaboration skills within global organizations. Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives: www.abbottbenefits.com Follow your career aspirations to Abbott for diverse opportunities with a company that can help you build your future and live your best life. Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to employee diversity. Connect with us at www.abbott.com , on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews and @AbbottGlobal. The base pay for this position is $78,000.00 – $156,000.00 In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted. JOB FAMILY: Category Management DIVISION: GPS Global Purchasing Services LOCATION: United States > Chicago : Willis Tower Building 233 S Wacker Dr. ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS: WORK SHIFT: Standard TRAVEL: Not specified MEDICAL SURVEILLANCE: Not Applicable SIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES: Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday) Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans. EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdf EEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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