ABBOTT LABORATORIES NPI Supplier Development Specialist Salary in the United States

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 103,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.

The NPI Supplier Development Specialist will be responsible for all phases of materials management in support of NPI (New Product Introduction) including the overall adherence to internal processes where applicable. This position plays a key role in developing Supply Chain strategies, deployment of such strategies and management of inventory plans to meet development goals of the independent project teams and organization. Applies best-practices processes and concepts to ensure high quality planning outcomes for given product line(s) that incorporate prototype/production planning, procurement, inventory and materials management concepts as well as supplier selection. Knowledge and adherence to the company’s internal policies and procedures to solve problems in the Supply Chain process is a must. Helps provide direction and policy enforcement for experienced and junior NPI Purchasing personnel under the guidance of the Supplier Development Manager or Supply Chain Manager.

Impact this role will have on Abbott Medical Devices:

• The candidate will work with minimal supervision while performing high level planning assignments requiring professional judgment and critical thinking.
• Researches potential suppliers and makes recommendations on most suitable suppliers based on known attributes. Performs detailed supplier evaluations, RFQ’s, proposal review, negotiates prices, and maintains necessary records of material movement throughout the development process.
• Determines material requirements from NPI/ME Engineering and New Product build schedules, and maintains procured inventory at planned levels. Insures new products are ready from a materials standpoint for production release within the project schedules. Collaborates with cross functional teams to transition projects from R&D to Operations in support of product launch.
• Responsible for managing part obsolescence in the development process.
• Responsible for the overall qualification of suppliers.
• Meets R&D requirements and production volumes. Insures adherence to the internal process including performing supply chain risk assessments on suppliers and materials.
• Collaborates and develops strong relationships with key internal customers, including R&D Engineering, Mfg Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, Production, Customer Service, and Finance departments and continually evaluates and implements opportunities to improve output, efficiency and support level. Conducts on-site supplier assessments on manufacturing capability, capacity and technology.
• Works with Engineering to assist in developing efficient processes for out- processing operations including DFM options.
• Quickly and proactively resolve and/or escalate scheduling issues related to NPI builds and inspection issues and or constraints.
• Develops risk mitigation strategies around continuity of supply, including management of safety stock, Supply Agreements and other necessary production ramp up requirements. .
• The ideal candidate is assertive and possesses a self-starter mentality, a history of taking ownership and driving change. The candidate thrives in a dynamic work environment, and seeks out challenges to solve.

Your experience(s), education and knowledge will further expand Abbott Medical Devices marketplace success:

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline, Supply Chain or equivalent
• 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in purchasing/commodity management
• 3+ years working in a highly regulated environment 
• 3+ years working with purchasing/commodity mgt software
• Experience negotiating terms purchasing agreements
• Experience working in a broader enterprise/cross-division business unit model preferred
• Ability to work within a team and as an individual contributor in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to leverage and/or engage others to accomplish projects.
• Strong verbal and written communications with ability to effectively communicate at multiple levels in the organization.
• Remain current on field(s) of expertise, regulatory requirements, as well as industry trends.
• Ability to travel approximately 20-30%, including internationally.