Brand Supply Chain Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Brand Supply Chain Manager

🔹 Company: Abbott Laboratories

🔹 Location: Zwolle, Netherlands & Basel, Switzerland

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Healthcare

🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Driving global supply chain excellence for top-tier products
• Navigating mid-term and long-term planning horizons to meet commercial demands and operational capacities
• Ensuring seamless demand, supply, and inventory management for assigned strategic products and markets
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive appropriate supply chain strategies

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset and strong leadership skills to manage complex supply chain challenges and drive performance improvements.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Demand Management: Accountable for robust replenishment planning and processes, coordination of planning activities on New Product Introductions and Label changes, cross-functional communication, proactive backorder avoidance, demand risk analysis, and regular commercial alignment.

✅ Supply Management: Manage shortage of supplies, ensure close collaboration with manufacturing sites, provide monthly Replenishment forecast, maintain Service Level Agreements (SLA), create strategic Long term procurement plans, and develop Long Range Plan & capacity analyzes.

✅ Inventory Management: Provide Inventory projections, define and implement inventory strategies, and create, implement, and monitor strategic long term inventory plans.

✅ Other: Ensure compliance with local and Abbott quality, financial, and regulatory rules, provide Master Data input for new material creation in SAP, manage/lead projects, drive and maintain effective relationships, optimize Supply chain Planning parameters, represent Supply Chain in various meetings, support/escalate Supply Chain issues, and provide appropriate CAPA in case of performance below target.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong communication skills to effectively manage various stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Master's degree (MSc) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or equivalent experience.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in a supply chain environment, preferably in the pharmaceutical industry.

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical skills and the ability to make sound decisions
• Excellent communication skills in English and the ability to work cross-functionally in an international environment
• Ability to anticipate challenges and work proactively on mitigation strategies
• Strong foundation in basics of Supply Chain management
• Good understanding of S&OP/MRP (Material Requirement Planning)/MPS (Master Production Schedule) planning systems and business applications
• Experience with systems such as SAP ECC/APO and Power BI

Preferred Skills:

• Innovation and initiative to identify and implement business process improvements
• Adaptability and flexibility in a changing environment
• Strategic thinking skills and global stakeholder management

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the pharmaceutical industry and familiarity with Abbott's systems and processes will have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €70,000 - €90,000 per year (based on industry standards for a mid-level supply chain manager in the Netherlands and Switzerland)

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health insurance, pension plans, and employee discounts
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional overtime)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and location.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Abbott Laboratories operates in the healthcare industry, focusing on nutrition, diagnostics, medical devices, and branded generic pharmaceuticals.

Company Size: With over 10,000 employees, Abbott Laboratories is a large organization that offers extensive resources and opportunities for professional growth.

Founded: Abbott Laboratories was founded in 1888 and has since grown into a global healthcare leader with a strong reputation for innovation and quality.

Company Description:

• Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life
• The company's portfolio spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional, and branded generic medicines
• Abbott serves people in more than 160 countries and has a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and employee development

Company Specialties:

• Nutrition
• Diagnostics
• Medical Devices
• Branded Generic Pharmaceuticals

Company Website: https://www.abbott.com/

ASSUMPTION: Abbott Laboratories' extensive global presence and diverse product portfolio offer unique opportunities for career growth and development within the healthcare industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position with opportunities for growth and advancement within the supply chain and logistics functions.

Reporting Structure: The Brand Supply Chain Manager reports directly to the Senior Supply Chain Manager and works closely with various cross-functional teams, including Commercial, Operations, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, MS&T, and Finance.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position with regular travel requirements to coordinate with global teams and stakeholders.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding responsibilities and leadership opportunities within the supply chain function
• Cross-functional project assignments and collaborations with other departments
• Professional development and training opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow within the organization and take on more significant responsibilities as they develop their skills and demonstrate strong performance.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Abbott Laboratories' offices in Zwolle and Basel are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster innovation and productivity.

Office Location(s): Zwolle, Netherlands & Basel, Switzerland

Geographic Context:

• Zwolle is a vibrant city in the Netherlands with a rich history and a strong focus on sustainability and innovation
• Basel is a cultural hub in Switzerland, known for its art, history, and international organizations

Work Schedule: Standard office hours with flexibility for occasional overtime to meet project deadlines or address supply chain challenges

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, international environment and be willing to travel as needed to coordinate with global teams and stakeholders.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and cross-functional stakeholders
• Final interviews with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Supply chain expertise and strategic thinking
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Abbott's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant supply chain experience and skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• Research Abbott Laboratories and the specific business units relevant to this role to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its products

ATS Keywords: Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Inventory Management, Demand Planning, Strategic Planning, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Pharmaceutical Industry, SAP, Power BI

ASSUMPTION: Abbott Laboratories uses Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help ensure that your application is not overlooked.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• SAP ECC/APO
• Power BI
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, JIRA)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Abbott's preferred tools and technologies is not required but may be an advantage in the application process.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Quality: Abbott is committed to delivering high-quality products and services that meet or exceed customer expectations
• Innovation: Abbott fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to drive growth and success
• Collaboration: Abbott values cross-functional collaboration and teamwork to achieve common goals

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Strong focus on results and performance
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Abbott's commitment to quality and continuous improvement?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve a common goal?
• How do you approach professional development and growth opportunities within an organization?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Abbott's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the organization's success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing complex supply chain challenges and risks in a dynamic and global environment
• Balancing short-term demands with long-term strategic planning
• Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and priorities
• Adapting to changes in the market, regulatory environment, or organizational structure

ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be able to navigate these challenges effectively and contribute to Abbott's continued success in the global healthcare market.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other supply chain management positions but focuses specifically on strategic products and assigned markets
• Unlike other roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry and its unique regulatory and operational challenges
• Career progression in this role may lead to more senior supply chain leadership positions or cross-functional opportunities within Abbott

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles and the pharmaceutical industry to better understand the unique demands and opportunities of this position.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a strategic inventory management plan to optimize stock levels and reduce waste
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to launch a new product and manage its supply chain from inception to market maturity
• Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks and disruptions to ensure business continuity and minimize impact on customers

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and accomplishments in managing supply chain projects and driving performance improvements.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the most significant supply chain challenges facing Abbott Laboratories in the next 1-3 years, and how this role will address them?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to drive supply chain strategies and performance improvements?
• What opportunities exist for professional development and growth within Abbott's supply chain and logistics functions?
• How does Abbott Laboratories support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in this role?
• Can you provide an example of a time when Abbott Laboratories successfully navigated a significant supply chain challenge, and what lessons were learned from that experience?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to understanding Abbott's unique challenges and opportunities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Abbott Laboratories careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant supply chain experience and skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• Research Abbott Laboratories and the specific business units relevant to this role to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its products
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.