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, committed to progress and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and extensive employee benefits.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team that values diversity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global energy transition while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain and procurement, especially in electrical equipment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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.
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 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:
- 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.
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.
Strategic Buyer - Energy Industries employer: BlackBerry Inc.
At ABB, we pride ourselves on being a top employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, where your contributions truly matter. With a competitive salary, generous benefits, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, our St Neots location offers a dynamic environment for Strategic Buyers to thrive and make a real impact in the energy sector. Join us to be part of a team that not only supports your ambitions but also drives meaningful change in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer - Energy Industries
✨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 BlackBerry Inc..
✨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 Strategic Buyer - Energy Industries
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 BlackBerry Inc.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to BlackBerry Inc.. 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 BlackBerry Inc..
How to prepare for a job interview at BlackBerry Inc.
✨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 BlackBerry Inc.!
✨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 BlackBerry Inc.. 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 BlackBerry Inc.'s culture.