Supplier Development Specialist: Dairy Innovation and Business Development

Abbott•Columbus, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Abbott Nutrition is seeking a Dairy Innovation Supplier Development Specialist to join their Global Dairy Procurement Innovation & Supplier Development team. This role is crucial for strengthening and future-proofing Abbott’s dairy ingredient supply chain. The specialist will partner globally to deliver high-quality, resilient ingredient solutions that support the Infant, Adult, and Medical Nutrition portfolios. The position is based in Columbus, Ohio, and involves significant work activities such as continuous sitting for prolonged periods and keyboard use. Abbott offers a comprehensive benefits package, including career development, medical coverage, retirement savings plan, and tuition reimbursement.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Dairy Science & Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Business, or a related field.
2–3 years of experience in technical, manufacturing, dairy, or ingredient-focused roles.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences.
Proven problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail and organizational ability.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% domestically and internationally.

Nice To Haves

PMO qualification or project management experience.
Lean Six Sigma Certification and experience with Root Cause Analysis and data analytics.
Experience collaborating across functions such as R&D, Manufacturing, Legal, Logistics, Purchasing, and Supply Planning.
Familiarity with ingredient qualification, supplier development, or manufacturing performance improvement programs.
Demonstrated ability to influence, build relationships, and represent the organization with external suppliers and industry partners.

Responsibilities

Support supplier development and ingredient innovation initiatives to improve supply resiliency and front-end supplier readiness.
Represent Dairy on prioritized ingredient qualification and innovation projects in partnership with Category Managers and the Ingredient Center of Excellence.
Conduct upfront ingredient pre-qualification screening, including issuing technical RFIs, reviewing specifications, ingredient characterization, and assessing technical risk.
Facilitate and support the Technical Review Board (TRB) and Design for Manufacturing processes.
Lead and support ingredient manufacturing performance improvement programs, including root cause analysis and supply change assessments.
Accelerate supplier onboarding by leading agriculture and nutrition ingredient qualification projects and maintaining qualification roadmaps and readiness checklists.
Drive manufacturing and procurement cost-saving initiatives through cost/benefit analysis and data-driven recommendations.
Build and maintain strong technical relationships with ingredient suppliers and external research partners.
Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Medical, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to ensure compliant, high-quality ingredient supply.