Category Manager

ABB; Pinetops (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k with company contributions

Employee stock plan

Job summary

ABB's Distribution Solutions Division in Pinetops, NC seeks a Category Manager to develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned categories, drive cost, quality, delivery and supplier performance, and optimize contracts with key vendors.

You will collaborate with operations, engineering and finance to translate business needs into category plans, lead negotiations, manage spend analytics, and deliver measurable savings while upholding HSE standards and ABB policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, business, engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in category management, strategic sourcing or procurement.
• Strong category strategy development, spend analysis and supplier segmentation.
• Proven supplier management, negotiation, cost savings and risk mitigation.
• Data-driven with spend analytics, KPIs and procurement systems experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategy for assigned category or group.
• Plan and track procurement activities, costs, budgets and savings forecasts.
• Minimize risk by adhering to quality and commercial procedures.
• Define standard agreements with major suppliers.
• Design cost-out programs to reach financial targets.
• Promote collaboration across divisions to maximize results.

Skills

Category management

Strategic sourcing

Supplier negotiation

Cost analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Procurement, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SAP

Oracle

Coupa

Ariba

ERP systems

Job description

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:Procurement Manager__As a Category Manager, 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 an assigned category or group of categories. 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.The work model for the role is: Onsite, Pinetops NC, 3022 NC-43This role is contributing to the Electrification Distribution Solutions Division in Pinetops, NC.Your responsibilities:Ensures all relevant parties understand strategies and execute processes accordingly.Manages planning and tracking of procurement activities, cost budgets, emerging country spending, and savings forecast.Minimizes risk regarding quality and financial exposure by buying in accordance with quality and commercial procedures and company guidelines.Defines and establishes local standard agreements with all major suppliers.Designs and implements cost-out programs and/or processes to reach financial targets.Accountable for the health and safety of all employees and contractors for the teams in scope, and continuous improvement in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) processes and integrity performance.Promotes and enables collaboration in the division, across divisions, business areas, and teams to maximize results for ABB.Provides and maintains standard terms in purchase contracts/terms and conditions in line with company directives and guidelines.Your background:Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, Procurement, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).Minimum of 5 years’ experience in category management, strategic sourcing, procurement, or supply chain roles within a manufacturing environment.Strong category strategy development skills, including spend analysis, market assessment, and supplier segmentation.Proven supplier management and negotiation expertise, with a track record of cost savings, contract optimization, and risk mitigation.Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and cost drivers (e.g., direct materials, MRO, or CAPEX categories).Experience with contract management, including drafting, reviewing, and enforcing commercial terms and service-level agreements.Data-driven decision-making skills, with proficiency in spend analytics, KPIs, and procurement systems (e.g., ERP, SAP, Oracle, Coupa, Ariba).Strong cross-functional collaboration abilities, working effectively with operations, engineering, quality, finance, and suppliers.Knowledge of local and regional supplier markets, regulations, and compliance requirements relevant to the manufacturing sector.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, able to influence internal teams and drive category initiatives at the local level.Candidates must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.More about usABB'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 switchgear (1 to 66 kilovolts), indoor and outdoor circuit breakers, reclosers, fuses, contactors, relays, instrument transformers, sensors, motor control centers, as well as low-voltage switchgear for the ANSI standard markets.Why ABB?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.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 without regard to their- sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdfAs an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to [e-mail]. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner. #LI-OnsiteABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employeesGo to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn moreHealth, Life & DisabilityChoice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core PlusVision benefitCompany paid life insurance (2X base pay)Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximumsShort Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paidLong Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insuranceParental Leave – up to 6 weeksEmployee Assistance ProgramHealth Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoptionEmployee discount programRetirement401k Savings Plan with Company ContributionsEmployee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)Time offABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.Ready to make an impact?Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.