Category Specialist

Overview

Procurement and supplier management role for ABB's Home Solutions business in India, with a focus on Conventional Wiring Accessories, based in Nelamangala, Bangalore.

What you'll do

• Manage the assigned suppliers and product portfolio for the Home Solutions business in India, acting as the primary Procurement contact for local and global stakeholders.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with business priorities and relevant regional and global category strategies.
• Identify and deliver sustainable cost-reduction and value-engineering opportunities through negotiations, benchmarking, cost-breakdown analysis, specification optimization, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Lead commercial negotiations and manage prices, contracts, terms and conditions, and local framework agreements.
• Onboard, evaluate, and develop suppliers; monitor performance in cost, quality, delivery, innovation, and sustainability; and ensure compliance with procurement policies and KPIs.
• Assess supplier capabilities and risks, identify and develop competitive local and alternative sources, reduce supply vulnerabilities, and coordinate corrective actions with Quality, Engineering, and Operations.
• Represent Procurement in new product development, localization, and product-transfer initiatives, ensuring early supplier involvement, competitive sourcing, cost transparency, and delivering project milestones.
• Conduct benchmark studies, market assessments, and data-driven analysis to support sourcing decisions and business objectives.
• Ensure effective execution of procurement activities and resolve critical commercial, delivery, or supplier issues in coordination with operational purchasing, logistics, and other relevant functions.

What you'll need

• Full-time BE/Diploma in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• 8–15 years of procurement and supply chain experience in Conventional Wiring Accessories, electrical accessories, or closely related product segments.
• Solid understanding of the Conventional Wiring Accessories supply market, manufacturing technologies, cost drivers, and supplier landscape.
• Practical experience in sourcing, supplier negotiation, contract management, cost analysis, and cost-reduction initiatives across technical categories.
• Solid analytical and digital skills, including advanced use of Microsoft Excel and experience with procurement, ERP, and data-visualization tools.
• Experience with SAP and Power BI.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work in a matrix organization with local and global stakeholders.
• Experience with supplier onboarding, evaluation, performance improvement, risk management, and lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of ABB systems and tools together with a solid continuous improvement mindset.
• Availability for regular supplier and ABB site visits within India and occasional international travel.

Details

• Reports to: Procurement Manager, BL Home Solutions.
• Based in Nelamangala, Bangalore, India.
• Work model: On-site.
• Availability for regular supplier and ABB site visits within India and occasional international travel.