Senior Buyer/Sourcing Specialist @ ABB

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 role sits within ABB's Robotics business, a leading global robotics company. We're entering an exciting new chapter as we’ve announced the plan for SoftBank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. SoftBank is a globally recognized technology group and investor/operator focused on AI, robotics, and next-generation computing. By joining us now, you’ll be part of a pioneering team shaping the future of robotics—working alongside world-class experts in a fast-moving, innovation-driven environment.

This Position reports to:

Procurement Team Leader

Your role and responsibilities (Mandatory)

We are looking for an experienced Senior Sourcing Specialist to support our robotics and automation business in Bac Ninh.

In this role, you will lead sourcing and supplier development activities for mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation components used in industrial robot systems and automated production lines. You will work closely with Engineering, Project Management, Quality, Planning, Logistics and global SCM teams to secure competitive cost, reliable delivery, required quality and sustainable supplier performance.

The ideal candidate has strong sourcing experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment, combined with a solid technical background and the ability to understand drawings, technical specifications and production processes.

The work model for the role is onsite & hybrid

This role is contributing to the SCM team in ABB Robotics Vietnam.

You will be mainly accountable for:

1. Strategic Sourcing and Procurement

• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities for assigned product categories and projects.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies aligned with project requirements, cost targets, quality standards and delivery schedules.
• Manage RFQ and RFI processes, including supplier identification, technical clarification, quotation analysis and commercial negotiation.
• Conduct cost breakdown analysis, price benchmarking and total cost of ownership evaluation.
• Negotiate pricing, payment terms, lead time, warranty, delivery conditions and long-term supply agreements.
• Prepare commercial evaluations and sourcing recommendations for approval.
• Support both project procurement and ongoing operational purchasing requirements.

2. Technical Sourcing

• Source mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation-related materials and services, including:

+ CNC machining and precision mechanical parts

+ Sheet metal, welding and fabricated structures

+ Electrical cabinets and control panels

+ Sensors, motors, drives, connectors, cables and pneumatic components

+ PLCs, industrial control devices and standard automation components

+ Tooling, jigs, fixtures and engineering services

+ On-site installation, commissioning and technical manpower services

• Review engineering drawings, bills of materials, specifications and technical requirements together with Engineering and Quality teams.
• Support technical and commercial clarification between suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Assess supplier manufacturing processes, technical capability, capacity and quality controls.

These sourcing categories are consistent with the scope described for ABB Robotics procurement activities in Bac Ninh, covering mechanical parts such as sheet metal, welding and CNC, as well as electrical and automation components such as pneumatic parts, sensors, motors, connectors and PLCs

3. Supplier Development and Localization

• Identify, evaluate and develop qualified suppliers in Vietnam, with a strong focus on Northern Vietnam.
• Build a reliable local supplier network to improve responsiveness, reduce lead time and lower dependency on imported or single-source suppliers.
• Coordinate supplier qualification, technical assessment, factory audits, sample approval and production readiness.
• Work with suppliers to improve production capability, quality systems, delivery performance and cost competitiveness.
• Establish risk mitigation and backup sourcing plans for critical materials and services.
• Maintain long-term strategic relationships with key suppliers.

The internal recruitment material also highlights supplier localization, NPI support, supplier audits, production readiness, cost reduction and supplier performance management as relevant capabilities for senior procurement profiles.

4. Project and Operational Support

• Ensure sourcing milestones are completed in line with project schedules.
• Issue purchase orders and follow up on order confirmation, production progress and delivery status when required.
• Proactively manage material shortages, supplier delays, quality issues and capacity risks.
• Coordinate with Planning and Logistics teams to ensure timely material availability.
• Maintain accurate sourcing, supplier and purchasing data in SAP or other ERP systems.
• Ensure purchasing documentation complies with company policies and audit requirements.

5. Supplier Performance Management

• Monitor supplier performance in terms of quality, cost, delivery, responsiveness and compliance.
• Lead regular supplier performance reviews and follow up on corrective action plans.
• Coordinate supplier improvement activities with Quality, Engineering, Operations and Project teams.
• Escalate critical supplier risks and implement recovery plans.
• Drive continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives across the supplier base.

6. Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Project Management, Quality, Planning, Logistics, Finance and Production teams.
• Act as the main commercial contact between internal stakeholders and suppliers.
• Provide clear sourcing status, cost analysis, supplier risk and mitigation updates to management.
• Collaborate with regional and global procurement teams on category strategy, supplier selection and sourcing initiatives.
• Support junior buyers and share sourcing knowledge, tools and best practices within the SCM team.

Our team dynamics (Optional)

You will join a talented, high performing team, where you will be able to thrive.

Qualifications for the role (Mandatory)

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas:

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical or Electronic Engineering

Automation or Mechatronics

Industrial Engineering

Supply Chain Management

Business Administration with strong technical sourcing experience

An engineering or technical degree is strongly preferred.

Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in sourcing, procurement, supplier development or supply chain management.

At least 2 years in a senior buyer, sourcing specialist or equivalent role is preferred.

Experience in one or more of the following industries:

• Industrial robotics
• Factory automation
• Electronics or electrical equipment
• Machinery and equipment manufacturing
• Automotive or industrial manufacturing
• Engineering project or system integration business

More about us (Mandatory)

ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation Business area provides robotics, and machine and factory automation including products, software, solutions and services. Revenues are generated both from direct sales to end users as well as from indirect sales mainly through system integrators and machine builders. www.abb.com/robotics

We value people from different backgrounds. Could this be your story? Apply today or visit www.abb.com to read more about us and learn about the impact of our solutions across the globe.