Category Manager

Location: Pinetops

This job is with ABB, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.

At ABB, we help industries outrun - leaner and cleaner. Here, progress is an expectation - for you, your team, and the world. As a global market leader, we’ll give you what you need to make it happen. It won’t always be easy, growing takes grit. But at ABB, you’ll never run alone. Run what runs the world.
This Position reports to:
Procurement Manager

The work model for the role is:
Hybrid, Mebane, NC

Your role and responsibilities
In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop, plan, and implement procurement strategy focused on optimizing costs, quality, delivery, and reliability of suppliers and supplied products for the  Steel (Raw and Components Category).  Each day, you will ensure execution in accordance with company, procurement, and supply base management instructions and procedures. You will also showcase your expertise by recommending frame agreements to management and executing upon approval.

This role is contributing to the Business Line Category Management Team in the Electrification Distribution Solutions Division in North America (US, MX & CAN)

You will be mainly accountable for:
Leveraging the Continuous Improvement Process Sourcing process for implementing effective sourcing strategies in line with business strategy and ensuring that the supply base/suppliers have the capability and capacity to meet current and future business requirements.

Managing planning and tracking of procurement activities, cost budgets, emerging country spending, and savings forecasts.

Negotiating agreements with main suppliers, and periodically renews price lists, and terms and conditions.

Ensuring identification, investigation, and selection of appropriate suppliers (focusing on quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability) in accordance with company policies.

Qualifications for the role
Bachelor degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering or related fields.

Minimum 7 years experience in Category Management or Strategic Sourcing. Preferred experience in the North American Steel Commodities market as well as deep knowledge around manufacturing processes in sheet metal fabrication, machined parts and similar.

Skilled in true end to end category strategies, complex supplier negotiations with focus on total cost of ownership and developing suppliers via Supplier Relationship Management processes.

Experience collaborating in diverse cross functional teams and enjoy leading cross functional teams to drive change and achieve common goals .

Strong communication skills;
English

Ability to travel up to 25% (domestic and international)

Candidates must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US

More about us
ABB's Distribution Solutions Division facilitates the efficient and reliable distribution, protection and control of power by improving electric power quality while strengthening the resilience of the grid. The Division offers segment-specific products and solutions that largely serve utilities, industry and infrastructure segments, often providing the requisite medium-voltage link between high-voltage transmission systems and low-voltage users. With ABB Ability™ enabled connected solutions at its core, the offering includes medium-voltage air- and gas-insulated switch gear (1 to 66 kilovolts), indoor and outdoor circuit breakers, reclosers, fuses, contractors, relays, instrument transformers, sensors, motor control centers, as well as low-voltage switch gear for the ANSI standard markets.

Why ABB?
What's in it for you
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment…