Category Specialist

Overview

Category Specialist acting as the interface between Procurement and Engineering, bringing procurement knowledge (market, suppliers, external intelligence) into the development process to optimize engineering cost, quality and technology. Contributes to the Smart Buildings division in Bangalore.

What you'll do

• Develop and implement local sourcing strategies to meet business targets while supporting regional and global sourcing initiatives.
• Manage Division SCM budgets, monitor KPIs, and coordinate with Global Commodity Managers to support cost, quality, delivery, and sustainability objectives.
• Identify cost-effective suppliers, lead cost-reduction initiatives, and collaborate with Engineering on technical changes and their commercial impact.
• Manage supplier development, RFQ evaluations, commercial negotiations, and long-term contract finalization in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate supplier audits, ensure closure of non-conformities, maintain reports as per ABB standards, and comply with health, safety, environmental, and business ethics requirements.
• Translate engineering requests into procurement parameters for execution.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering with experience in sourcing, procurement, or category management.
• Practical experience in plastic molding, high-speed metal stamping, and sheet metal cabinets.
• Experience in Low Voltage products such as MCB, RCCB, MCCB, and ACB.
• Extensive costing, negotiation, lean process, and supplier management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, SAP MM, data analytics, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience in New Product Development (NPD), Gate Model, Agile methodology, and end-to-end product lifecycle management.
• Ability to collaborate with design, manufacturing, and quality teams to advance innovation, ensure product quality, and meet project timelines.

Details

• Reports to: Procurement Manager.
• Work mode: On-site.
• Location: Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
• Main stakeholders: Procurement, Engineering, Quality & R&D.