What is a Consultant at ABB?

As a Consultant at ABB, you are stepping into a role that sits at the intersection of industrial innovation, digital transformation, and strategic execution. ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. In this position, you are not merely an advisor; you are an implementer and a bridge between complex business requirements and cutting-edge technological solutions.

This role is critical because ABB operates in a highly complex, matrixed environment serving customers in utilities, industry, and transport. Whether you are focused on SAP implementations (such as Sales and Distribution), AI integration, or sustainability strategy, your work directly impacts how ABB optimizes its operations and delivers value to clients. You will work within specific business areas—such as Electrification, Motion, Process Automation, or Robotics—helping to modernize processes, configure critical systems, and drive the adoption of new technologies like S/4HANA and industrial AI.

You can expect to work on projects that have tangible, real-world applications. From optimizing supply chain pricing models to integrating APIs for smarter manufacturing, your contributions ensure that ABB’s massive industrial machinery runs on equally robust digital infrastructure. This is a role for professionals who enjoy solving hard, technical problems while managing stakeholder expectations across a global landscape.

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for the Consultant role requires a balanced focus on deep technical proficiency and the soft skills necessary to navigate a large multinational corporation. You should approach your preparation by reviewing your specific domain expertise (e.g., SAP modules, Data Analytics, or Strategy) while simultaneously preparing to discuss how you collaborate in diverse teams.

Your interviewers will focus on the following key evaluation criteria:

Role-Specific Technical Knowledge – You must demonstrate hands-on expertise in the tools and methodologies relevant to your specific consulting track. For SAP consultants, this means deep knowledge of configuration, interfaces, and S/4HANA; for strategy consultants, this involves market analysis and digital transformation frameworks.

Problem-Solving & Analytical Thinking – ABB values candidates who can deconstruct complex industrial or business challenges. You will be evaluated on your ability to gather requirements, analyze root causes, and propose scalable, logical solutions rather than quick fixes.

Stakeholder Management & Communication – As a Consultant, you will interface with hiring managers, supervisors, and technical teams. You need to show that you can translate technical concepts for business leaders and negotiate requirements effectively, even when opinions differ.

Cultural Fit & Adaptability – ABB is a global company with a strong emphasis on sustainability and integrity. Interviewers look for candidates who are collaborative, open-minded, and capable of working in a decentralized, often complex organizational structure.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a Consultant at ABB is thorough and structured, designed to assess both your technical capability and your fit within the team. Based on recent candidate experiences, you can expect a multi-stage process that typically spans a few weeks. The process is generally described as medium to hard in difficulty, depending heavily on the technical depth required for the specific consulting domain.

Typically, the process begins with an initial screening, often with HR, to verify your background, language skills, and salary expectations. This is followed by a series of interviews with the Hiring Manager and potentially their supervisor. For technical roles (such as SAP Consultants), you should expect a dedicated Technical Round that dives deep into configurations, system architecture, and specific technologies. Some candidates also report a final round that combines managerial behavioral questions with a final review of your technical fit.

ABB’s interviewing philosophy is professional and competency-based. While they value technical precision, they are equally interested in your enthusiasm for technology (such as AI or automation) and your ability to integrate into their culture. The atmosphere is generally positive, but candidates should be prepared for a rigorous examination of their hard skills.

This timeline illustrates a standard progression from initial contact to final decision. Use this to plan your preparation: ensure your technical concepts are sharp before the second round, and reserve your strongest behavioral stories—focusing on leadership and conflict resolution—for the later stages with management.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

To succeed, you must prepare for specific evaluation areas that ABB prioritizes. The following sections break down the core competencies observed in recent interviews.

Technical Domain Expertise (SAP & Digital)

For many Consultant roles at ABB, particularly within their IS and IT divisions, technical proficiency is the primary filter. If you are applying for an SAP-focused role, this is the most critical part of the interview. You are expected to know not just "how" to use the system, but "why" certain configurations are chosen.

Be ready to go over:

• SAP S/4HANA & ECC – Understanding the transition, differences, and specific module functionalities (e.g., SD, MM, FICO).
• Configuration & Customization – Specifics on setting up pricing procedures, output types, and document flows.
• Integration Technologies – Knowledge of APIs, interfaces (IDOCs, RFCs), and how different systems exchange data within a complex landscape.
• Advanced concepts – Debugging ABAP (reading code), Fiori app implementation, and cloud integration scenarios.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How do you configure the pricing procedure in SAP SD, and how do you handle condition exclusions?"
• "Describe a complex interface you designed between SAP and a third-party logistics system."
• "What are the key changes in the data model between SAP ECC and S/4HANA for your functional area?"

Process Knowledge & Implementation

Beyond knowing the software, you must demonstrate that you understand the business processes they support. ABB looks for consultants who can map business requirements to technical solutions. This area tests your ability to think like a solution architect.

Be ready to go over:

• Requirement Gathering – How you conduct workshops and translate user needs into functional specifications.
• Order-to-Cash (OTC) or Procure-to-Pay (PTP) – Deep understanding of the lifecycle of business transactions relevant to your domain.
• Documentation – Your approach to creating functional specs, test scripts, and user manuals.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Walk me through the standard Order-to-Cash cycle and highlight where you have implemented custom logic."
• "A client wants a specific feature that deviates from the standard. How do you handle this request?"
• "How do you manage testing phases (UAT, SIT) to ensure zero defects upon go-live?"

Emerging Technologies & Innovation

ABB is actively pushing into AI and digital services. Even for traditional roles, showing an aptitude for new tech is a significant differentiator. Recent candidates have noted discussions around AI knowledge and digital enthusiasm.

Be ready to go over:

• Artificial Intelligence – How AI can be applied to industrial data or internal process automation.
• Data Analytics – Using tools like Power BI or Tableau to visualize operational data.
• Digital Transformation – Experience moving from legacy on-premise systems to cloud-based solutions.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "How have you utilized AI or machine learning tools to improve efficiency in your previous projects?"
• "What is your experience with cloud migration projects?"

Key Responsibilities

As a Consultant at ABB, your day-to-day work revolves around project delivery and continuous improvement. You will likely be assigned to specific projects—such as an ERP rollout, a digital platform upgrade, or a process optimization initiative—where you act as the subject matter expert. You are responsible for configuring systems, conducting gap analyses, and ensuring that the final solution meets the rigorous standards of ABB’s industrial environment.

Collaboration is central to this role. You will frequently work with cross-functional teams, including developers, business process owners, and external vendors. You will be expected to lead workshops to define requirements and provide training to end-users after implementation. The role requires a proactive approach; you aren't just fixing tickets, you are identifying areas where the business can operate more efficiently.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive for the Consultant position, you need a specific blend of hard technical skills and professional experience.

• Technical Skills – Depending on the specific track, you must have proficiency in enterprise systems (SAP S/4HANA, Salesforce, etc.) or digital tools (Python, SQL, Azure). For SAP roles, certification in your specific module (e.g., SD, MM, PP) is highly valued.
• Experience Level – Typically, ABB looks for candidates with 3–7 years of experience for Consultant roles. You should have a track record of at least 1–2 full-lifecycle implementations or significant project deliveries.
• Soft Skills – Fluency in English is non-negotiable, as teams are often global. Strong presentation skills and the confidence to advise senior stakeholders are essential.
• Nice-to-have vs. Must-have –
  • Must-have: Deep domain configuration knowledge, experience in a multinational environment, strong analytical skills.
  • Nice-to-have: Knowledge of German or the local language of the office, experience with Agile/Scrum methodologies, and familiarity with the manufacturing or energy sector.

Common Interview Questions

The following questions are representative of what you might face. They are drawn from candidate data and reflect ABB’s focus on technical depth and behavioral competency. Do not memorize answers; instead, use these to identify the patterns and themes you need to prepare for.

Technical & Functional Proficiency

These questions test your hard skills and specific domain knowledge.

• Explain the difference between a delivery document and a billing document in terms of data flow.
• How do you configure a new output type for a sales order?
• What are the different types of APIs you have worked with, and when would you use a synchronous vs. asynchronous interface?
• Describe a scenario where you had to troubleshoot a critical system failure during a live project.
• How does pricing determination work in SAP, and what is the role of the access sequence?

Behavioral & Situational

These questions assess your fit within ABB’s culture and your ability to handle workplace challenges.

• Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a stakeholder regarding a requirement. How did you resolve it?
• Describe a situation where you had to learn a new technology quickly to solve a problem.
• Why do you want to work for ABB specifically, rather than a pure IT consulting firm?
• How do you handle tight deadlines when you are dependent on inputs from another team?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How technical are the interviews? For Consultant roles, especially those focused on SAP or IT, the interviews are quite technical. You should expect specific questions about configuration, schema, and system architecture. It is not just high-level strategy; you need to know the details of the tools you will be using.

Q: What is the work-life balance like for Consultants at ABB? Generally, ABB is known for having a good work-life balance compared to other major consulting firms. While project deadlines can be demanding, the culture emphasizes well-being and sustainability. However, this can vary by specific team and project phase.

Q: How long does the process take? The process can be somewhat lengthy, often taking 3 to 6 weeks from the first screen to the final offer. Large organizations like ABB often have multiple approval layers, so patience is required.

Q: Is remote work available? ABB typically operates on a hybrid model. While many Consultant roles allow for some remote work, there is often an expectation to be present for critical workshops, team meetings, or client site visits.

Q: What differentiates a top candidate? A top candidate combines technical excellence with a "consultative mindset." This means you don't just take orders; you ask the right questions to ensure the solution drives real business value. Demonstrating enthusiasm for ABB's mission in sustainability and automation is also a major plus.

Other General Tips

Clarify Compensation Early Some candidates have reported discrepancies between expectations and offers. ABB has a structured compensation capability. It is wise to have a transparent discussion about salary expectations with HR during the initial screening to ensure alignment before proceeding through multiple rounds.

Highlight "New Tech" Enthusiasm Even if you are applying for a traditional role, showcasing your interest or skills in AI, machine learning, or cloud integration can set you apart. ABB is actively modernizing, and showing that you are future-proof makes you a more attractive investment.

Prepare for "The Matrix" You will likely interview with people who are not your direct functional manager (e.g., a project manager or a business stakeholder). Tailor your answers to them—focus less on technical configuration and more on business impact, communication, and reliability.

Know the Products ABB is a product company first. Spend time on their website understanding their four business areas: Electrification, Motion, Process Automation, and Robotics. Being able to reference how your role supports these business lines shows genuine interest.

Summary & Next Steps

Becoming a Consultant at ABB is an opportunity to work at the forefront of industrial technology. It is a role that demands a solid technical foundation, whether in SAP, digital platforms, or strategy, combined with the soft skills to navigate a global organization. The work you do here will have a direct impact on how industries power the world and automate the future.

To succeed, focus your preparation on your core technical competencies—reviewing configurations, project examples, and methodologies—while also preparing strong behavioral stories that highlight your collaboration and leadership. Approach the process with confidence, be transparent about your expectations, and demonstrate your passion for innovation.

The salary data above provides a baseline for the Consultant role. Compensation at ABB can vary significantly based on your specific technical niche (e.g., specialized SAP modules vs. generalist roles) and location. Use this data to inform your negotiations, keeping in mind that the total package often includes benefits and performance bonuses that add significant value.

For more exclusive interview insights, real-world question banks, and community discussions, visit Dataford. Good luck with your preparation—you have the potential to make a significant impact at ABB!