Job Description

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 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

Category Manager

Working at Abbott

At Abbott, you can do work that matters, grow, and learn, care for yourself and your 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.
• Employees can qualify for free medical coverage in our Health Investment Plan (HIP) PPO medical plan in the next calendar year.
• An excellent retirement savings plan with a 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 worldwide 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 the best place to work for diversity, working mothers, female executives, and scientists.

The Opportunity

The Opportunity

This role is based in Plymouth, MN, supporting Abbott’s Electrophysiology (EP) Division. Abbott’s EP business is focused on advancing the treatment of heart disease through innovative technologies that address atrial fibrillation, helping patients restore their health and quality of life.

The  Category Manager will lead global sourcing strategies for the  Third-Party Manufacturing category. This high-impact role is responsible for driving value through improved quality, risk mitigation, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.

The Category Manager will collaborate cross-functionally with teams including Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, R&D, Legal, Program Management, and Finance to align sourcing strategies with business objectives and corporate priorities. Key responsibilities include complex data analysis, global spend evaluation, market research, strategy development, and implementation of programs that enhance Abbott’s competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global category strategies aligned with business goals and supply requirements.
• Build and manage relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Lead supplier selection and contract negotiations through to final approval.
• Conduct total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Perform market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities in contract manufacturing.
• Mitigate supply chain risks, including geopolitical, financial, and operational factors.
• Develop contingency and dual sourcing plans for critical components and services.
• Drive supplier development to improve quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Implement supplier scorecards and lead performance reviews.
• Ensure supplier compliance with regulatory, environmental, and ethical standards.
• Support sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives.
• Leverage SAP and other technologies to drive continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in a regulated environment; medical device experience preferred.
• 7 years of experience with MRP, DRP, ERP systems (SAP or similar), including forecasting and inventory management.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional projects and teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in category management, procurement, or supply chain roles.
• Experience in supplier relationship management (SRM).
• Proficiency in market research tools and techniques.
• Effective project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Experience in manufacturing or related industries is preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 10%, including internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Background in the medical device or related industry.

What We Offer

At Abbott, you can have a good job that can grow into a great career. We offer:

• A fast-paced work environment where your safety is our priority
• Production areas that are clean, well-lit and temperature-controlled
• Training and career development , with onboarding programs for new employees and tuition assistance
• Financial security through competitive compensation, incentives and retirement plans
• Health care and well-being programs including medical, dental, vision, wellness and occupational health programs
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement savings with a generous company match
• The stability of a company with a record of strong financial performance and history of being actively involved in local communities

Learn more about our health and wellness benefits, which provide the security to help you and your family live full lives:

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.

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The base pay for this position is $97,300.00 – $194,700.00. In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

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