Strategic Buyer / Category Specialist

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:

We’re now seeking our new team member who is passionate about the procurement field and who wants to contribute and grow within an exciting organization. As strategic buyer/ category specialist for our Secondary gas-insulated switchgear (SGIS) business in Europe, you will be part of a European team of Procurement Specialists located in Norway and Poland. The focus of the team is 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.

Key responsibilities:

Responsible for Source-To-Contract activities (request for quotation, evaluating, negotiating, pre-qualifying suppliers, contract management and supplier relationship management).

Follow up supplier performance with regards to complaints/financial compensations, delivery accuracy, and audits.

Collaborate cross-functionally with Technology and Production environments to develop new and existing suppliers by achieving the best commercial terms.

Act as the primary contact for supplier-driven innovation.

Participate in procurement strategy work for the European organization and for the business line/division categories.

Participate in and lead improvement projects within the business line/division and international category teams.

Interact and collaborate between both European Secondary Switchgear locations and with the global procurement teams on business line level

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.

Ensure that all procurement activities are conducted in accordance with the current group instructions and compliance, as well as internal procedures and rules.

Qualifications:

Bachelor or master’s in business and administration or Engineering

5-7 years of experience within the field of strategic procurement

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

Excellent data analysis and reporting skills

Good understanding of supplier relationship management

Familiarity with SAP Ariba platform is an advantage.

Service minded and proactive team member

Enjoys working in a global setting and in international teams

The location for this position will be 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.