Category Specialist

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:Category Manager__The work model for the role is: Onsite, Mebane, NCYour role and responsibilities In this role as Category Specialist, you will support, develop, implement, and optimize local/regional sourcing initiatives and strategies. Working closely with plant leadership, operations, supply chain, engineering, and finance, you will drive procurement excellence primarily across indirect spending categories and capital investment projects. You will be responsible for managing the full supplier lifecycle, including sourcing, supplier onboarding, contract negotiation, performance management, and project execution support.You will be mainly accountable for:Supporting the development and implementation of regional/global sourcing strategies in close alignment with the regional/global category leader.Developing and implementing local category strategies for primarily indirect spend and capital expenditures in alignment with business objectives.Managing planning and tracking of procurement activities, cost budgets, service objectives and savings forecasts; Negotiating and drafting agreements with suppliers and periodically renewing price lists and terms and conditions.Managing the complete supplier lifecycle including onboarding, qualification, performance monitoring, and stakeholder reporting; Partnering with cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives and capital projects.Qualifications for the role Bachelor degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering or related fields.MINIMUM 2 years experience in Category Management or Strategic SourcingProficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP Systems, and data analytics toolsExperience with Power BI, Ariba, and/or SAP, a plus.Possess strong communication, execution, and cross-functional collaboration capability to drive change and achieve common goals.Candidates must already have US 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 youWe empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.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: As 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 View phone number on click.appcast.io.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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or by sending an email to View email address on click.appcast.io. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]Go 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 insurancePaid Parental LeaveEmployee Assistance ProgramHealth Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoptionEmployee discount programRetirement401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)Time offABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.#LI-onsite#ABBCareers#RunwithABB#RunwhatrunstheworldBuilding 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 to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.Job SummaryJob number: JR00043217Date posted : 2026-08-06Profession: Quality & Operational ExcellenceEmployment type: Full TimeType: external