EMS Category Manager

AT ABB, we help industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. As a global market leader, we provide the tools and support to drive progress. The AMC Category Manager (America & Canada Regions) reports to the Global Category Manager and supports regional/global sourcing initiatives to optimize supplier cost, quality, delivery, and reliability.

The role is hybrid, with on‑site location in Houston, TX, Bartlesville, OK, or Quebec.

Responsibilities

• Define, plan, and lead regional sourcing strategies in alignment with the global EMS category strategy, delivering on cost reduction, localization, dual/resourcing initiatives, and ensuring cross‑functional alignment with SCM, R&D, Quality, Finance, and Operations.
• Own supplier relationship management (SRM) and risk management: lead SRM efforts with EMS vendors to drive performance, continuous improvement, and innovation; proactively manage risk by executing mid‑ and long‑term mitigation plans, addressing component shortages, and geopolitical/regulatory impacts.
• Plan and lead negotiations & commercial excellence: manage complex negotiations to optimize total cost of ownership (TCO), including pricing, cost avoidance, payment terms, lead times, and service levels, ensuring commercial competitiveness and contract compliance.
• Drive financial planning & category performance: lead budgeting and forecasting for EMS spend, including NMI baseline accountability, and report on savings, supplier development, and performance KPIs with regional stakeholders in a disciplined performance‑management cadence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Master Degree in Engineering (preferred Electronics, electrical or related field), Production/Operations management, or Supply Chain.
• 8+ years experience in a similar position or in sourcing and supply‑chain management, working as a category buyer or category responsible for EMS, Electronics, or Electrical Mechanical Devices companies, with at least 3 years focused on EMS or Electronics in a regional or global scope.
• Knowledge of SAP Ariba, Silicon Expert, IHS Market Software and familiarity with compliance and regulatory frameworks (e.g., USMCA, RoHS, ITAR).
• Strategic mindset with strong analytical and commercial acumen.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills – able to collaborate cross‑functionally across regions and time zones.
• Bias for action and ability to operate in fast‑paced, matrixed environments; strong problem‑solving skills and resilience in managing supplier escalations and disruptions.
• Fluent in English, written and oral.
• Candidates must already have work authorization that permits employment in the US.

Benefits

Health, Life & Disability

• Choice 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 Plus.
• Vision benefit.
• Company‑paid life insurance (2X base pay).
• Company‑paid ADÄDD (1X base pay).
• Voluntary life and ADÄDD – 100% employee paid up to maximums.
• Short‑term disability – up to 26 weeks – company paid.
• Long‑term disability – 60% of pay – company paid, with options to buy‑up to 66 ⅔ % of pay.
• Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance).
• Parental leave – up to 6 weeks.
• Employee assistance program.
• Health advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation, virtual health, and infertility/adoption.
• Employee discount program.

Retirement

• 401(k) savings plan with company contributions.
• Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP).

Time off

ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time‑away policy.

Equal Employment Opportunity

ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, marital status, citizenship, age, race, ethnicity, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.

For more information regarding your EEO rights as an applicant, see the EEOC website.

Seniority Level

• Not applicable.

Employment Type

• Full‑time.

Job Function

• Marketing and Sales.

Industries

• Appliances, Electrical, and Electronics Manufacturing.