Associate Specialist Procurement

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

The Associate Procurement Specialist plays a critical role in supporting procurement and supply management strategies across multiple categories and business functions. This position serves as a key operational partner, balancing transactional sourcing activities with exceptional customer service while helping drive procurement efficiencies, supplier performance, and business continuity.

What You'll Work On

• Serve as a first-line responder for procurement requests, balancing operational support and transactional sourcing activities.
• Execute procurement activities in alignment with established category and purchasing strategies.
• Support the development and management of Statements of Work (SOWs), Requests for Information (RFIs), and ordering documents.
• Manage day-to-day supply and procurement issues using established processes and procedures.
• Support ad hoc purchasing requests and one-time buying activities.
• Facilitate purchase order (PO) conversion and change management activities.
• Review and manage PO approvals up to $500,000 within delegated authority limits.
• Investigate and resolve operational issues, supplier concerns, and invoice discrepancies.
• Assist with supplier onboarding, integration efforts, and performance KPI tracking.
• Support savings initiatives and cost management objectives across assigned categories.
• Partner with internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams to ensure procurement needs are met.
• Assist in the creation, implementation, and administration of RFPs and sourcing events.
• Communicate with departments to gather information necessary to support purchasing decisions.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, customers, and business partners.
• Support supplier diversity initiatives and engagement with diverse suppliers.
• Participate in customer and stakeholder meetings to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
• Execute procurement activities in accordance with corporate policies and purchasing guidelines.
• Monitor procurement processes, cycle times, customer service levels, and total acquisition costs.
• Develop awareness and understanding of global business practices and supplier relationships.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, Science, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of procurement, purchasing, supply chain, sourcing, or related experience.
• Strong customer service orientation with the ability to support multiple stakeholders effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other business systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work within defined processes and procedures.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Supply Chain, Engineering, Science, or a related field.
• Exposure to procurement systems, purchasing processes, or supplier management activities.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at multiple levels.
• Effective networking and interpersonal skills.
• Strong mathematical and quantitative aptitude.
• Experience supporting sourcing projects, RFPs, or supplier negotiations.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage competing priorities.
• Experience working with supplier performance metrics and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices and purchasing compliance requirements.

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.

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