Buyer - Space & Defense Systems Projects

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:
Purchasing Manager

As Buyer, you will be responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing procurement activities for highly complex technical projects. You will oversee supplier selection, qualification, and performance management, negotiate contractual agreements, and ensure the availability of all materials and services required to meet project objectives in terms of cost, quality, schedule, and compliance.

This role requires close collaboration with engineering, project management, sales, and operations teams to ensure a smooth and efficient procurement cycle throughout each project. The position supports ABB Canada's Automation, Measurement & Analytics division and is based in Québec.

The work model is hybrid, with three days per week on site.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Lead end‑to‑end purchasing activities for assigned projects, from RFQ issuance to supplier selection, contracting, and purchase order management.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and contractual conditions, ensuring compliance with ABB policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.
• Assess, qualify, and monitor suppliers through audits, KPIs, and monthly performance reviews; implement corrective actions when necessary.
• Review and act on MRP messages, maintain optimal inventory levels, and ensure on‑time delivery of materials by tracking shipments and expediting as required.
• Identify supply risks early, propose mitigation strategies, and resolve non‑conformance issues, claims, and back‑charges to protect project timelines and budgets.
• Work closely with engineering, project management, logistics, and sales to align procurement actions with technical specifications, project schedules, and cost targets.
• Conduct cost breakdowns, analyze market trends, prepare comparative evaluations, and support cost‑reduction initiatives across assigned commodity families.
• Ensure all procurement activities follow ABB standards and industry regulations; maintain accurate records and produce purchasing metrics and audit documentation.

Job requirements

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in procurement or project purchasing, ideally in a manufacturing or high‑technology environment.
• Bilingual (French & English), English required for communication with suppliers and clients outside Quebec.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills, including experience with complex technical projects.
• Ability to read and interpret technical specifications and engineering drawings (mechanical or electronic).
• Proficiency with MS Office tools, particularly Excel (intermediate to advanced); SAP knowledge is an asset.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, and problem‑solving abilities, with a sense of urgency and attention to detail.
• Experience managing procurement risks, handling escalations, corrective actions, and working autonomously while collaborating with global teams.

Employment Equity & Inclusion Statement (Canada)

ABB values the dedication, commitment, and expertise of all our employees. As an Employment Equity Employer, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We actively support the principles of the Employment Equity Act and strive to build a workforce that reflects Canada's diversity, including:

• Women

• Indigenous Peoples

• Members of visible minorities

• Persons with disabilities

ABB is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, we encourage you to let us know.