At a Glance
- Tasks: Purchase materials, negotiate with suppliers, and drive cost reduction initiatives.
- Company: ABB, a leader in electrical power management and innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a Top Employer and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a collaborative environment that values your ideas.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to: Unit Manager
In this role, you will have the opportunity to purchase materials according to required technical specifications, price, delivery schedule, and terms. Each day, you will ensure purchasing activities align with corporate purchasing policies and procedures. You will also showcase your expertise by executing purchasing strategies and identifying new suppliers in cooperation with the relevant category team.
Our teams support each other, collaborate, and never stop learning. Everyone brings something unique, and together we push ideas forward to solve real problems. Being part of our team means your work matters - because the progress we make here creates real impact out there.
What’s in it for you? We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.
Your Role and Responsibilities:
- Work model: Onsite at our Coleshill location
- Executes projects & programmes to drive improvement in cost, quality, delivery, and working capital (payment terms, lead times, order quantities and purchased material inventory), in accordance with group/business procurement guidelines and manufacturing unit objectives.
- Negotiating agreements with main suppliers and periodically renews price lists and terms and conditions.
- Ensuring technical, commercial and regulatory requirements are captured and met.
- Manage supplier performance, quality, delivery and risk.
- Manage RFQ packages and supplier selection.
- Analysing and evaluating bids to determine the optimal value.
- Drive cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure Purchase Orders process is aligned with corporate policies and procedures, providing proper monitoring, and tracking supplier performance to PO requirements.
- Tracks the procurement processes and activities and creates and updates reports, as required, following the ABB standards.
- Manage and support the activities of one team member, ensuring objectives and deadlines are achieved.
Qualifications for the Role:
- Procurement experience within a manufacturing and/or engineering environment.
- Previous people management or supervisory experience, with the ability to lead, coach and develop team members.
- Strong project management and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience delivering cost reduction and continuous improvement programmes.
- Commercially minded with excellent negotiation skills.
- Comfortable working closely with engineers and technical teams.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) is an advantage.
Benefits:
- ABB offers a full range of benefits to help you thrive at work and beyond.
- Competitive salary.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Competitive contributory pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Flexible benefits scheme (Includes options to buy/sell holidays, health checks, dental, eye care, gym memberships, cycle to work, gadget discounts and more).
- Internal mobility opportunities, mentorships & access to projects globally.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Generous employee referral scheme.
For the 6th consecutive year ABB UK has been recognised as a Top Employer in UK. Being certified as a Top Employer showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.
ABB Installation Products Division (formerly Thomas & Betts) helps manage the connection, protection and distribution of electrical power from source to socket. The Division’s products are engineered to provide ease of installation and perform in demanding and harsh conditions, helping to ensure safety and continuous operation for utilities, businesses and people around the world.
Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world.
Senior Buyer, Cable Management Products employer: ABB
ABB is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture in the heart of Aberdeen's thriving Oil & Gas sector. With a focus on employee growth and development, you will have access to competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and flexible perks that enhance work-life balance, making it a rewarding place to advance your career in automation sales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer, Cable Management Products
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like ABB.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer, Cable Management Products
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to ABB:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to ABB. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like ABB.
How to prepare for a job interview at ABB
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at ABB!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at ABB. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into ABB's culture.
