Global Category Manager - Travel
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 Position reports to:
Global Procurement Manager
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.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop, plan, and implement the global procurement strategy for ABB Robotics’ travel categories — with a focus on optimizing cost, quality, traveler experience, sustainability, and supplier performance.
Each day, you will ensure execution in accordance with ABB Robotics’ procurement and supply base management principles, leveraging global frameworks while collaborating with regional and local teams. You will also showcase your expertise by developing global and local frame agreements and strategic partnerships with airlines, hotel programs, travel agencies, and fleet service providers.
The work model for the role is hybrid.
Main stakeholders are HR, Finance, Travel & Expense, Sustainability and Local/regional procurement teams.
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Developing and implementing category strategies for airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and fleet management, in alignment with ABB Robotics’ business objectives and sustainability targets.
- Leading supplier selection, performance management, and negotiations to secure competitive and compliant agreements.
- Driving continuous improvement and cost optimization initiatives
- Managing planning and tracking of procurement activities, cost budgets, and savings forecasts across all travel categories.
- Ensuring strong stakeholder collaboration across HR, Finance, Sustainability, and local/regional procurement functions to align with business and traveler needs.
- Monitoring market trends and innovations in the travel industry to identify opportunities for value creation and digitalization.
Qualifications for the role:
- You are highly skilled in strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier relationship management — ideally within the travel, mobility, or services industry.
- You have 5+ years of experience in procurement or category management, including proven experience managing global travel programs or mobility categories.
- You bring experience or familiarity with SAP Ariba, SAP Concur, and supplier analytics tools; exposure to Amex GBT or other TMCs is a plus.
- You are passionate about stakeholder engagement, sustainability, and improving the traveler experience through innovation and analytics.
- Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; advanced degree or professional procurement certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) is an advantage.
- Excellent communication skills in English; additional languages such are beneficial.
- You hold a valid work permit for your country of residence and are open to occasional international travel.
Your benefits:
- Enjoy a stable employment in a company with a long history in innovation and technology.
- Collaborate with experienced experts in an international environment.
- Seize individual development and training opportunities, from job specific to soft skills.
- Private medical care (including offers for family members) and life insurance.
- Receive attractive remuneration based on your experience and skills, and other financial benefits, such as annual bonus and internal share purchase program.
- Choose from various benefits in kind, ranging from healthy lifestyle offerings, to knowledge sharing, to teambuilding activities.
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.