Buyer – Space & Defense Systems Projects

ABB•L'Ancienne-Lorette, QC

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a high-pressure, high-accountability role focused on the full procurement lifecycle of long-term, highly complex projects with critical and timelines. The Buyer – Space & Defense Systems Projects operates at the intersection of cutting-edge engineering and rigorous supply chain execution, supporting programs where delivery delays or procurement failures have direct consequences on project outcomes. The successful candidate will engage daily with a diverse group of stakeholders — including scientists, engineers, and specialists with advanced in highly specialized technical fields such as photonics, high-voltage systems, precision mechanics, and space-grade electronics. The ability to understand technical context, earn credibility with subject-matter experts, and translate complex requirements into actionable procurement strategies is essential. This role demands exceptional organizational discipline and communication clarity. The Buyer must manage multiple concurrent projects, each with its own set of priorities, constraints, and stakeholders, while consistently providing transparent, accurate, and timely updates on procurement status, supplier risks, and critical path items. When roadblocks arise, the Buyer is expected to proactively escalate, propose solutions, and keep all parties aligned. This position supports ABB Canada's Automation, Measurement & Analytics division and is based in Quebec. The work model is hybrid, with three days per week on site. This position reports to the Purchasing Manager.

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 high-technology, aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environment.
Bilingual (French & English). English required for communication with suppliers and clients outside Quebec.
Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with competing priorities and non-negotiable project deadlines.
Proven experience managing procurement for long-term, complex technical projects with significant schedule and cost consequences.
Strong stakeholder management skills — including the ability to effectively collaborate with and communicate to highly technical audiences.
Exceptional communication skills: ability to clearly articulate procurement status, risks, and roadblocks to both technical and non-technical stakeholders in a structured, concise manner.
Ability to manage and balance multiple concurrent priorities across projects without losing sight of critical deadlines or commitments.
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, analytical, and problem-solving abilities, with a sense of urgency and meticulous attention to detail.
Experience managing procurement risks, handling escalations, and working autonomously while collaborating with global and cross-functional teams.

Nice To Haves

SAP knowledge is an asset.

Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end purchasing activities for long-term, high-complexity projects — from RFQ issuance through supplier selection, contracting, and purchase order management — while maintaining full visibility of critical milestones and delivery commitments.
Act as the primary procurement point of contact across a multidisciplinary stakeholder ecosystem that includes engineers, scientists, and technical specialists with advanced expertise. Provide structured, clear, and timely communication on procurement status, risks, roadblocks, and resolution plans — adapting the level of detail to each audience.
Manage simultaneous procurement streams across multiple projects, each with distinct technical requirements, timelines, and business priorities. Proactively identify conflicts and trade-offs, and engage the relevant stakeholders to make informed, aligned prioritization decisions.
Negotiate pricing, delivery terms, and contractual conditions, ensuring compliance with ABB policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications — particularly in regulated environments such as space and defense.
Assess, qualify, and monitor suppliers through audits, KPIs, and performance reviews; implement corrective actions when necessary to protect project timelines and budgets.
Identify supply risks early — including long lead items, sole-source dependencies, and geopolitical factors — propose mitigation strategies, and escalate proactively when project timelines are at risk. Own issue resolution through to closure.
Review and act on MRP messages, maintain optimal inventory levels, and ensure on-time delivery of materials by tracking shipments and expediting as required.
Work closely with engineering, project management, logistics, and sales to align procurement actions with technical specifications, project schedules, and cost targets. Navigate complex interdependencies between teams and functions.
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, audit documentation, and project-level procurement reports.