About 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 114,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.
Abbott in Ireland
Abbott has been operating in Ireland since 1946 and serves the Irish market with a diverse range of healthcare products including diagnostics, diabetes care, medical devices and nutritional products. In Ireland, Abbott currently employs about 6,000 people across ten sites located in Dublin, Donegal, Clonmel, Cootehill, Galway, Kilkenny, Longford and Sligo.
Please note any offer of employment for this position is conditional upon the successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination, including drug and alcohol screening, conducted by a medical practitioner designated by the Company.
Diabetes Care Kilkenny
Our new manufacturing facility in Kilkenny, reflects the growing demand for Abbott's global Diabetes Care products. The facility will be a centre for world-class engineering, quality, medical device manufacturing, and other science-based professionals to produce life-changing technologies that enable people with diabetes to live the best and fullest lives they can. At Abbott in Kilkenny, you can shape your career as you help shape the future of healthcare .
Purpose of the Job
The Category Manager Plastics is responsible for managing the procurement category for plastics, including supplier selection, negotiation, contracting and strategic sourcing. The role supports business growth through cost reduction initiatives, quality and service improvements, and proactive risk mitigation. This position plays a key role in ensuring reliable supply of injection‑molded parts for the region while developing strong supplier and internal stakeholder relationships. This role can be based in Witney UK or Kilkenny.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the overall supplier relationship for designated plastics suppliers, serving as the primary interface between suppliers and internal functions.
Lead procurement activities for injection‑molded components supporting regional operations.
Develop and implement cost‑effective purchasing strategies, managing supplier pricing and cost structures to meet company targets.
Drive cost‑reduction initiatives through competitive tendering, negotiations, and identification of alternative sourcing opportunities.
Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to support performance, quality and continuous improvement.
Collaborate with user departments to enhance supply chain performance, reduce lead times, and minimise inventory and material liabilities.
Identify risks to supply continuity early and implement effective mitigation strategies.
Work closely with Supplier Quality Assurance to evaluate, audit and support suppliers, raising and addressing performance concerns proactively.
Contribute effectively as part of cross‑functional teams and support global procurement initiatives.
Ensure compliance with the company’s quality systems, GMP standards, corporate policies and all relevant regulatory requirements.
Adhere to all EHS regulations and standards, ensuring a safe working environment for self and others, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
Maintain full compliance with training, documentation and procedural requirements, including timely completion of mandatory training.
Ensure all actions and behaviours align with the organisation’s core values and Code of Conduct.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Science, or a related discipline.
Experience in plastic molding, injection molding, and/or direct material procurement is required.
Significant procurement experience, including driving cost‑reduction initiatives and leading change implementation.
Strong understanding of manufacturing and operational KPIs, ideally within injection molding environments.
Experience with quarterly financial planning and budgeting processes.
Ability to work under pressure and deliver within tight timelines.
Flexible and adaptable to evolving business needs and priorities.
Knowledge of GMP regulations and related industry standards.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
Ability to analyse and resolve complex issues effectively.
Excellent attention to detail with high standards of accuracy.
What we Offer
Attractive compensation package that includes competitive pay, as well as benefits such as
Family health insurance,
Excellent pension scheme
Life assurance
Career Development
Growing business plus access to many more benefits.
Connect with us at www.abbott.com or https://www.ie.abbott/, on LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Abbott and on Twitter @AbbottNews.
Abbott is an equal opportunities employer.
The base pay for this position is
N/AIn specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.