Procurement Manager Switchgear Europe

ABBis a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’.

ABB Electrifications Distribution Solutions unit is a global leader in power distribution. The unit provides solutions for a stronger, smarter, greener power network including medium and low voltage switchgear, automation and protection and packaged solutions like secondary compact substations.

Your role and responsibilities:

As strategic procurement manager for our Secondary gas-insulated switchgear (SGIS) business in Europe, you will lead a European team of Procurement Specialists located in Norway and Poland to create, design and execute purchasing strategies that effectively support the European SGIS business by optimizing costs, ensuring quality, enhancing availability and reliability of suppliers and supplied products. The role focuses on ensuring effective, timely and compliant execution in accordance with company and Procurement team strategy and processes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop a high-performing team of Procurement Specialists, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement

• Design, develop and implement effective and result-oriented sourcing strategies across Europe to support the business strategy to ensure that suppliers have the capability and capacity to meet current and future evolving requirements for the European SGIS business, especially with focus on the SF6-free transition in Europe.

• Ensure relevant stakeholders understand the European strategy for the SGIS business and execute processes accordingly whilst facilitating alignment between European procurement activities and overall business line strategy.

• Implement programs across different manufacturing units to drive improvement in cost, quality, availability and delivery in accordance with group/business area procurement guidelines and global division/business area objectives.

• Secure full utilization of the SAP Ariba platform according to the relevant procedure, both related to sharing supplier information and finding existing high-performing suppliers to ABB.

• Close cooperation & collaboration with operational purchasing. Ensure buyers minimize risk regarding quality and financial exposure by buying in accordance with quality and commercial procedures and company guidelines.

• Lead a team focused on monitoring the procurement processes and activities, addressing and resolving issues related to procurement cost, quality, availability and delivery.

• Monitor and report internal and supplier performance (Key Performance Indicators), identifying potential quality issues, and development actions.

• Leverage category teams collaborating actively with regional and global teams to ensure appropriate supplier selection, contract & price list availability and that supplier relationship management & category strategies are in place.

• Define and establish (local) standard agreements with all major local suppliers to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.

• Provide and maintain standard terms in purchase contracts/terms and conditions in line with company directives and guidelines, ensuring consistency and compliance across activities.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s/master’s degree within Supply Chain Management

Solid experience working with budget & performance management

Experience working with strategy & strategy implementation in the field of strategic procurement

Solid and proven management skills

Excellent data analysis and reporting skills

Good understanding of supplier relationship management

Familiarity with SAP Ariba platform is an advantage

Pragmatic in problem-solving with excellent communication skills in English (Norwegian is a strong plus)

Excellent networking skills to be able to proactively collaborate across the line & matrix organizations

Strong mindset for integrity and inclusive culture, fostering a speak-up culture

Leader, not a manager -- inspiring the team to be ambitious

Strong strategic mindset, good listening skills

Collaborative with „one level up “thinking -- teams-up across the entire organization where needed, with peers, partners, customers, suppliers, or other divisions

The position will be based in Skien. Application end date: 15.08.25

At ABB, you’re not just taking a job --- you’re gaining an opportunity to grow. We place great emphasis on personal and career development, offering an inclusive and flexible work environment where you can thrive. We believe that diversity is key to creating innovative solutions!

With us, you will get:

The opportunity to work in an international company with engaging projects.

Focus on your personal development and career opportunities.

A collaborative work environment with an emphasis on collaboration and diversity.

Competitive salary, along with comprehensive insurance and pension plans.

Access to on-site fitness facilities, corporate sports activities and company cabins.

Flexible working arrangements to support work-life balance.

ABB is a supplier of critical infrastructure. Personnel safety is therefore important to ABB and our customers. In collaboration with Meditor, ABB in Norway conducts background checks on candidates who receive offers of employment. This is to ensure compliance with ABB’s guidelines for recruitment and personnel safety, as well as compliance with legal requirements related to trade sanctions. Candidates will be asked to provide relevant information.