Supplier Development Specialist: Dairy Innovation and Business Development

Abbott•Columbus, OH

1d•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 involves supporting supplier development and ingredient innovation initiatives to enhance supply resiliency and front-end supplier readiness. The role also requires representing Dairy on prioritized ingredient qualification and innovation projects in collaboration with Category Managers and the Ingredient Center of Excellence. Key activities include upfront ingredient pre-qualification screening, facilitating Technical Review Board (TRB) and Design for Manufacturing processes, leading ingredient manufacturing performance improvement programs, accelerating supplier onboarding, and driving cost-saving initiatives. The specialist will also build and maintain strong technical relationships with ingredient suppliers and external research partners, and collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Medical, Regulatory, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and external suppliers to ensure compliant, high-quality ingredient supply.

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