At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive supply chain strategy and build strong supplier partnerships in the energy sector.
- Company: ABB, a global leader in energy industries with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and extensive employee benefits.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to driving excellence and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy transition while growing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain and procurement, especially in high-voltage equipment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hybrid/ Flexible working. 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: IAEN Supply Chain Manager.
We are seeking a commercially driven and strategically minded Strategic Buyer to support the successful delivery of a diverse Energy Industries project portfolio. This is a high‑impact role where you will shape and execute supply chain strategy, drive measurable cost savings, and build strong supplier partnerships that deliver competitive advantage. You will work cross‑functionally with Sales, Engineering, Quality and Project teams to ensure procurement and logistics activities meet contractual, financial, quality and HSE requirements while keeping projects on schedule.
Our Team Dynamics: 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: In this role, you’ll help run what runs the world, by taking on meaningful work that drives real impact.
- Work model: hybrid from our St Neots location.
- Develop and execute strategic supply chain initiatives aligned to project and sales objectives.
- Identify, qualify and manage strategic suppliers, building high‑performing, long‑term partnerships.
- Lead commercial negotiations to deliver cost reductions and optimise contractual terms in line with KPI targets.
- Support bid and proposal activities, ensuring technically and commercially competitive submissions.
- Evaluate supplier bids against defined technical and commercial criteria to ensure best‑value selection.
- Manage framework agreements, subcontracts and end‑to‑end procurement activities in line with corporate policies and governance requirements.
- Oversee purchase order management, delivery commitments and supplier performance including OTD, quality and lead time, proactively resolving issues and mitigating risk.
- Maintain robust supplier governance and accurate system data such as Pro‑Supply to ensure compliance and transparency.
Qualifications For The Role:
- Proven experience in Supply Chain, Procurement and Logistics.
- Proven experience in electrical procurement, particularly high‑voltage equipment.
- Strong ability to assess supplier technical compliance against electrical RFQs including ratings, certifications and safety requirements.
- Demonstrated track record of delivering procurement and logistics savings at bid stage and during project execution.
- Commercially astute negotiator with strong supplier management capability.
- Goal‑oriented, resilient and able to independently deliver agreed objectives.
- Collaborative, solution‑focused approach with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Passion for driving excellence in Procurement and Logistics.
Benefits:
- 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.
- Hybrid/ Flexible working.
- Private medical cover.
- Generous bonus scheme.
For the 5th 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.
More About Us: The Energy Industries Division serves a wide range of industrial sectors, including hydrocarbons, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, power generation and water. With its integrated solutions that automate, digitalise and electrify operations, the Division is committed to supporting traditional industries in their efforts to decarbonise. The Division also supports the development, integration and scaling up of new and renewable energy models. The Division’s goal is to help customers adapt and succeed in the rapidly changing global energy transition.
Join us. Be part of the team where progress happens, industries transform, and your work shapes the world. Run What Runs the World.
Strategic Buyer - Energy Industries employer: ABB
At ABB, we pride ourselves on being a top employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and continuous learning. Our hybrid working model from the St Neots location allows for flexibility while you engage in meaningful projects that drive real impact in the energy sector. With competitive benefits, opportunities for internal mobility, and a commitment to employee growth, joining our team means being part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a difference in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer - Energy Industries
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ABB and its projects. Understand their supply chain strategies and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Strategic Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to drive cost savings. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the ABB team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer - Energy Industries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Buyer role. Highlight your experience in supply chain, procurement, and logistics, especially if you've worked with high-voltage equipment. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the energy industry and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since this role involves leading commercial negotiations, make sure to highlight your negotiation successes in your application. We love seeing examples of how you've delivered cost reductions or optimised contracts in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABB
✨Know Your Supply Chain Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of supply chain management, procurement, and logistics. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-voltage equipment and how you've successfully delivered cost savings in past roles. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of a Strategic Buyer.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you managed to optimise contractual terms and achieve KPI targets. This is crucial for the role, so demonstrating your commercial acumen will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves cross-functional collaboration, be ready to talk about how you've worked with different teams like Sales, Engineering, and Quality. Share specific instances where your collaborative approach led to successful project outcomes, as this aligns with their team dynamics.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about ABB's strategic initiatives in the energy sector and how they plan to tackle challenges in procurement and logistics. This shows your genuine interest in the company and the role, plus it gives you a chance to assess if it's the right fit for you.