Lead Buyer

• Robot Systems & Paint Booth Projects

About 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 Soft Bank Group to acquire ABB Robotics. Soft Bank 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.

About the Role

Reports to: SCM & Operations Manager

This position serves as the Lead Buyer for robot system projects and paint booth projects delivered to customers. The role involves close collaboration with related departments to ensure successful project execution. The scope of purchased items includes peripheral equipment for robot systems, construction materials (electrical and mechanical), and on-site installation services, typically covering a wide variety of small-lot orders.

The primary mission is to maximize project profitability by managing Quality, Cost, and Delivery (QCD) while maintaining compliance with legal requirements and fostering strong supplier relationships. Additionally, the role requires alignment with global SCM to onboard suppliers according to global standards and achieve KPIs related to cost reduction initiatives.

Core Responsibilities

• Executes purchasing and logistics strategies to support the business by optimizing costs, quality, and reliability of suppliers and supplied products
• Designs and implements plans and effective strategies for local sourcing of products/materials to reach business targets
• Supports the country SCM managers in implementing effective local sourcing strategies in line with business strategy to meet current and future business requirements
• Supports alignment between local procurement activities and division strategy
• Applies and implements procurement standards, tools, and processes in their own area of responsibility to secure quality, delivery, cost, and sustainability
• Tracks the procurement processes and activities and creates and updates reports, as required, following the ABB standards
• Resolves issues related to procurement cost, quality, and delivery in their assigned area
• Tracks internal and supplier performance Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), quality issues, and implements related development actions
• Executes and implements new changes related to purchasing and logistics within their own area of responsibility
• Delivers and participates in training programs as required to ensure compliance and foster professional development
• Ensures effective and transparent communication internally, externally, and between different units and centers

License to Operate / Core Values

• Demonstrates ABB's core values and group safety and integrity standards and acts accordingly
• Implements and ensures compliance with the ABB code of conduct, global and local standards, tools, policies, and processes in their assigned area
• Ensures adherence to all relevant internal and statutory regulations and policies
• Ensures integrity and compliance with ABB values and ethics in all activities
• Demonstrates an understanding of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) terms, concept application, reporting, and risks

Qualifications

• Proven experience in subcontractor management, supplier relationship development
• Understanding of related project business (Construction, equipment systems)
• Strong analytical skills and ability to translate market insights into actionable strategies
• Confidence to lead negotiations, build trust, and engage with partners at all levels
• Fluency in English; Japanese proficiency is a major advantage
• Self-driven, and able to work effectively in a fast-changing environment
• Willingness to travel mainly domestically (~20 days/year)
• Familiarity with SAP MM module and SAP Ariba is desirable
• Electrical engineering experience at any level is considered a plus

職務概要

本ポジションは、顧客に納入するロボットシステムプロジェクトおよび塗装ブースプロジェクトにおけるリードバイヤーとして、関連部門と協力しながらプロジェクトの円滑な実行を担います。購買対象は、ロボットシステム周辺設備、電気・機械の工事材料、現地インスタレーションサービスなど、多品種・少量の案件が中心です。

主なミッションは、法令遵守とサプライヤーとの良好な関係を維持しつつ、品質・コスト・納期（QCD）を管理し、プロジェクト利益を最大化することです。また、グローバルSCMと連携し、グローバル規定に沿ったサプライヤーのオンボーディングやコストダウンKPIの達成も重要な役割となります。

主な職務内容

• 購買・物流戦略の実行により、コスト・品質・信頼性を最適化
• 製品・資材のローカル調達計画の策定と実行
• 国別SCMマネージャーを支援し、事業戦略に沿った調達戦略を実施
• 調達標準・ツール・プロセスの適用と品質・納期・コスト・持続可能性の確保
• 調達プロセスの進捗管理、レポート作成
• コスト・品質・納期に関する課題解決
• サプライヤーおよび内部のKPI管理、改善策の実施
• 購買・物流に関する変更の実行
• トレーニングの実施とコンプライアンス遵守
• 内外部との効果的で透明性のあるコミュニケーション

必須スキル・経験

• サプライヤー管理、関係構築の経験
• 関連プロジェクトビジネス（建設・設備システム）の理解
• 市場分析力と戦略立案力
• 交渉力、信頼構築力、あらゆるレベルでのコミュニケーション能力
• 英語運用能力
• 自律的に業務を遂行し、変化の多い環境で対応可能であること
• 年間約20日程度の国内出張に対応可能であること
• SAP MMモジュールおよびSAP Aribaの知識があれば尚可
• 電気エンジニアとしての経験（レベル不問）があれば尚可

Why ABB

Working at ABB gives you the opportunity to contribute to a healthier and more prosperous world. Add to your story by joining a passionate team, focused on pushing the boundaries of technology to drive performance, shape new business models and find new ways of working that benefit our customers, partners and society. We want you to be proud of being part of ABB.

We care

At ABB, we care about our people and their stories. We create safe, fair, equitable and inclusive working environments in which our people can succeed and develop, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or cultural, religious or social background. Diverse teams make us stronger. ABB is also committed to a high standard of integrity in everything we do.

We grow

We help our people succeed and develop, and we empower them to create their own careers at ABB. Our benefits, reward and development programs encompass a wide array of offerings.

How to Apply

Do you want to shape the future, together with us? Get more insights into our recruitment process and find some helpful tips and tricks how to join the team. Make our story your story.

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.