SPOTLIGHT ON THE CONTRACTS OPERATIONS
TEAM

mika mika
Author(s):

Abbott

Publish Date:

September 2026 | 5 min read

Abstract:

In this article, Contracts & Tender Manager Alison Shepherd offers an insight into the role of Abbott's Contracts Operations team and how they support customers throughout the contract lifecycle.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your role?

I’ve been with Abbott for nearly 25 years, so I’ve got a lot of history and experience within the nutrition division. Over the years, I’ve seen the business evolve and have been a part of some rewarding projects. I’ve worked with many different people, both internal and external, and built some fantastic relationships along the way.

Today, I lead the Contracts Operations team and am responsible for both tender management and contract operations. I work closely with colleagues across Abbott and NHS stakeholders, coordinating activities ranging from tender responses and contract implementation through to ongoing operational support. Having worked within the business for many years, I've developed a broad understanding of how different functions connect, which helps me support colleagues, share knowledge and navigate the complexities of contract delivery.

Tell us about the Contracts Operations team.

We're a dedicated, specialised, and close-knit team based at Abbott's head office in Maidenhead. The Contracts Operations Specialists and I are involved throughout the contract journey, from supporting tender preparation through to implementation and ongoing contract management. This early involvement gives us valuable insight into contract requirements and helps ensure a smooth transition from award to delivery

As a team, we oversee a broad range of operational activities including contract implementation, pricing management, reporting, product changes, contract administration and customer communications. We work across multiple functions to help ensure contractual commitments are delivered consistently and supported throughout the life of a contract.


As we sit at the intersection of so many business areas, we're often coordinating activity between customers, Contract Managers and internal teams. This helps create a joined-up approach and ensures important information is shared consistently across the contract lifecycle.

This broad involvement gives us a unique perspective across both the commercial and operational aspects of Abbott's contracts, helping us connect people, coordinate activities and support successful contract delivery./p>

What does a typical day look like for the team?

No two days are the same. One day we may be supporting a new product launch, implementing contractual changes, updating pricing structures or coordinating customer reporting, while the next could involve preparing tender information, working with finance teams, supporting customer review meetings or helping colleagues navigate contractual requirements.

To do this successfully, we stay closely connected with teams across Abbott Nutrition, ensuring we're aware of new products, service developments, operational changes and business priorities. This enables us to translate change into practical customer solutions and ensure contracts continue to run smoothly.


At the same time, we maintain a strong focus on governance and compliance, ensuring our processes are robust, transparent and aligned with both contractual requirements and Abbott's high standards.

What would you say is a quality that makes your team successful?

I'd highlight two qualities: thoroughness and accountability.


Thoroughness is important because we manage a wide range of activities across contract operations, pricing, reporting and administration. We work carefully and methodically, taking the time to understand requirements, consider the detail and ensure activities are completed to a high standard and to customer satisfaction.



Accountability is equally important. We work across many areas of the business and are often approached with questions that don't sit neatly within one function. We take ownership, draw on our experience and networks, and work collaboratively to find solutions and support good outcomes for both customers and colleagues.

What are you most proud of when you think about your team and the work you do?

I think it's the way our team works together and the role we play across the wider business. While much of our work happens behind the scenes, we're involved in many activities that are essential to effective contract management, from pricing and reporting through to compliance and customer communications. This ensures a seamless experience for customers.



I'm incredibly proud of the knowledge, dedication and expertise within the team. Through experience, continuous improvement and documented processes, we've created a strong foundation that promotes consistency, enables informed decision-making and provides business continuity.



I'm also proud of our hands-on approach. We take ownership, support one another and continually look for ways to improve how we work. Whatever the challenge, the team is always willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved. We're a specialised team, and we're proud of the role we play in helping contracts run smoothly and enabling success for both our customers and colleagues.

Returning to the UK, I eventually took on a role as a healthcare assistant. The hospital obviously saw some potential in me as they encouraged me to become a nurse. They put me through university, where I qualified with a degree in 2017. After that, I was a community nurse for two years before joining Abbott.

What tends to be the most challenging part of your role?

It can sometimes feel like a challenge to fit everything in, especially at the start of the week, but we always manage to. That’s thanks to being part of such a supportive and resourceful team.

Having good communication and team support is a big advantage. For example, sometimes you might come across a specific question that you don’t have the answer to, but you can almost guarantee another member of the team will, so we can pool our shared knowledge and experience to resolve queries together.

What are you most passionate about when it comes to your role?

I love training. Once upon a time, I might have been nervous about public speaking, but now I don’t even think twice about standing in front of a room of a hundred people and talking in detail about something like pumps that I know so well. It’s become second nature.

In a similar way, some patients might initially be nervous about using their feeding equipment, but after training, I can see the relief in their faces when they realise it’s manageable and not as daunting as they expected. It’s a great feeling to know you’ve taught them something and helped them gain that confidence.

Tell us a little about yourself, what do you like to do outside of work?

My family and I are big football fans, so you’ll find us on the terraces at Charlton Athletic most weekends. Recently, I’ve gotten into running and regularly attend the local park run on a Saturday morning. In fact, I’ve just completed the Brighton and London marathons, which my wife and I did together.

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