Senior Category Buyer

Overview

As a Senior Category Buyer in National Grid’s Procurement team, you will shape sourcing strategies across the Innovation portfolio to enable the energy transition. You will partner with stakeholders across ET, ED, Legal and Procurement to secure innovative, value-adding solutions for SIF and NIA-funded projects. In a fast-paced, cross-functional environment, you’ll lead commercial negotiations, drive cost optimisation, and support compliant delivery aligned with programme objectives. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to influence procurement in a critical, innovation-driven energy sector.

Pay / Benefits

• bonus based on personal and company performance
• contributory pension with double match up to 12%
• share incentive plan
• salary sacrifice car
• technology schemes
• matched charity giving

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies for the Innovation portfolio
• Manage strategic sourcing activities from market engagement to contract award
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and identify value opportunities
• Support successful delivery of SIF and NIA funded projects with Legal and Innovation teams
• Lead commercial and contractual negotiations with suppliers
• Identify continuous improvement, innovation, and cost optimisation opportunities across the supply chain
• Research supplier markets and risks to provide market intelligence
• Support robust forecasting and forward planning processes
• Develop and manage contractual agreements that protect National Grid’s interests
• Act as a role model within Procurement, sharing best practice and guiding junior buyers

Key requirements

• Significant experience in procurement, strategic sourcing and category management
• Experience leading complex sourcing projects and managing multiple priorities
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
• Experience preparing for and leading commercial and contractual negotiations
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to develop/interpret commercial models
• Strong contract management and development experience (drafting/amending agreements)
• Knowledge of SIF and/or NIA programmes advantageous
• Understanding of project management principles and delivering successful outcomes
• MCIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS is desirable

• stakeholder management
• influencing
• communication
• strategic sourcing
• category management
• contract management

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