Senior Category Buyer

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Job Description

About the role

At National Grid, we're committed to building a cleaner, fairer and more resilient energy future. Our Innovation team plays a critical role in developing and delivering the solutions that will enable the energy transition, helping us meet the challenges of decarbonisation while maintaining a safe, secure and reliable network.

We're now looking for a Senior Category Buyer to join our Procurement team and support the delivery of strategic sourcing and category management activities across our Innovation portfolio.

As a Senior Category Buyer, you'll work closely with the Category Manager to deliver procurement strategies that support National Grid's ambitious innovation agenda. Partnering with stakeholders across Electricity Transmission (ET), Electricity Distribution (ED), Legal and Procurement, you'll help secure innovative solutions that drive value, support business objectives and contribute to the future of the energy sector.

A key aspect of the role will be supporting projects funded through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and Network Innovation Allowance (NIA), ensuring procurement activities are delivered efficiently, compliantly and in line with programme objectives.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, influencing stakeholders and shaping sourcing strategies that deliver meaningful business outcomes.

The role is hybrid with the base office in Warwick so we would expect to see you in the office at least twice a week and the rest from home.

What you'll do

  • Supporting the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies across the Innovation portfolio.
  • Managing strategic sourcing activities from market engagement through to contract award.
  • Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements, challenge demand and identify opportunities for added value.
  • Working alongside Legal and Innovation teams to support the successful delivery of SIF and NIA funded projects.
  • Leading commercial and contractual negotiations with suppliers to secure the best possible outcomes for National Grid.
  • Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, innovation and cost optimisation across the supply chain.
  • Researching supplier markets, emerging trends, opportunities and risks to provide valuable market intelligence.
  • Supporting the development of robust forecasting and forward planning processes.
  • Developing and managing contractual agreements that meet stakeholder needs whilst protecting National Grid's interests.
  • Acting as a role model within Procurement, sharing best practice and providing guidance and support to Buyers and Associate Buyers.

What you'll need

  • Significant experience in procurement, strategic sourcing and category management.
  • Experience leading complex sourcing projects and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of an organisation.
  • Experience of preparing for and leading commercial and contractual negotiations.
  • Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to develop and interpret commercial assessment models.
  • Strong contract management and contract development experience, including drafting and amending agreements.
  • Knowledge of Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and/or Network Innovation Allowance (NIA) programmes would be advantageous.
  • An understanding of project management principles and a track record of delivering successful outcomes.
  • MCIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS is desirable.

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What you'll get

A competitive salary between £48,374.00 - £57,012.50 per annum- dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

This role closes on 14th October at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates - we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.