About Us
At National Grid, we’re powering a cleaner, greener energy future—and our people are at the heart of that ambition. Join us as a Senior Category Buyer and play a key role in delivering critical infrastructure that supports the UK’s energy security and net zero transition.
As part of a FTSE 100 organisation with a £70bn investment programme, you’ll contribute to a procurement function that is central to our transformation—driving strategic value across major infrastructure projects.
This role is based in Warwick with hybrid working and flexibility to support you at your best.
What You’ll Do
* Lead and develop a high‑performing team within the Marine Services category, collaborating closely across HVDC Group Directors to deliver shared objectives.
* Own end‑to‑end procurement delivery for marine survey and consultancy services—shaping strategy, running competitive tenders, negotiating contracts and ensuring seamless mobilisation.
* Play a pivotal role in major infrastructure projects, managing framework call‑offs across a diverse supplier base (35 suppliers, 16 lots) supporting geophysical, geotechnical, environmental, UXO and specialist consultancy services.
* Drive strategic sourcing excellence, contributing to category strategy and delivering best‑in‑class procurement outcomes aligned to cost, quality and delivery.
* Partner with key stakeholders across programme delivery, engineering, JV procurement and legal teams to ensure procurement activity supports critical project timelines and mitigates risk.
* Continuously improve how we work, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, enhance supplier performance and deliver greater value to the business.
* Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships, using market insight and performance data to optimise framework outcomes and support innovation.
* Build your expertise in the marine services market, engaging with suppliers, industry events and internal stakeholders to stay ahead of trends and opportunities.
* Champion best practice procurement, mentoring and supporting junior team members to build capability and ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery.
* Shape future demand and planning, ensuring strong visibility of upcoming procurement activity and alignment with programme needs.
What You’ll Have
* MCIPS Level 5 or 6 qualified (or working towards), with proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management within complex, high‑value or capital project environments (e.g. energy, utilities, infrastructure or HVDC supply chains).
* Strong understanding of project and programme delivery, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and consistently deliver against challenging timelines, budgets and stakeholder expectations.
* Demonstrable experience leading end‑to‑end sourcing activities, including preparing for and executing commercial negotiations and building robust should‑cost / total cost of ownership (TCO) models to underpin sourcing decisions.
* Proven track record in contract development and management, including drafting new contracts (e.g. Services, NEC/FIDIC or bespoke forms), reviewing supplier positions and negotiating amendments to optimise commercial, technical and risk positions.
* Good working knowledge of the regulated procurement environment, ideally within utilities or public sector settings, including familiarity with UCR 2016 (Utilities Contracts Regulations) and the Procurement Act 2023.
What You’ll Get
* Up to £58,000—dependent on capability.
* Bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme (we double‑match your contribution up to 12%).
* Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary‑sacrifice car and technology schemes, employee assistance lines and matched charity giving.
More Information
This role closes on Wednesday 3 June. Please note that National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality or ethnic origin.
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