Senior Category Buyer
Location: Warwick or Castle Donington (Hybrid - 1 day per week on-site)
Day Rate: From* £550 (via Umbrella)
Duration: 12-Month Initial Contract
We're supporting a leading UK energy transmission and infrastructure organisation in the search for a Senior Category Buyer to play a key role in delivering strategic procurement across major infrastructure programmes. This is an opportunity to work on nationally significant, high-value projects, shaping supply chain strategy and driving commercial outcomes across complex, capital-intensive categories.
The Role:
As a Senior Category Buyer, you will operate at the centre of strategic sourcing activity, working closely with Category Managers and senior stakeholders to deliver end-to-end procurement across critical categories. You will lead sourcing events, develop category strategies, and negotiate complex commercial agreements to secure best value while managing risk.
This role sits within a highly regulated, large-scale environment, offering exposure to technically complex procurements across areas such as engineering equipment, infrastructure, and associated services.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, from market engagement through to contract award
Support the development and execution of category strategies aligned to business objectives
Deliver high-value, complex procurement events, ensuring value for money and risk mitigation
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
Conduct market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within supply chains
Lead commercial negotiations and support contract development and optimisation
Collaborate with programme and contract management teams to ensure successful delivery
Mentor junior procurement professionals and promote best practice across the function
Key Requirements:
Proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management
Strong track record delivering complex, high-value procurement activities
Experience managing end-to-end procurement lifecycle, including tenders and contract awards
Commercially astute, with strong negotiation and supplier management skills
Ability to operate effectively in regulated or structured governance environments
Understanding of contract development and commercial risk management
CIPS qualified (or working towards) preferredDesirable:
Background in utilities, infrastructure, engineering, oil & gas, or construction
Experience supporting capital projects or large-scale transformation programmes
Exposure to complex supply chains with limited supplier markets
If this opportunity is of interest, apply now with an up-to-date CV for consideration!
Note - if you do not hear back within 48 hours of applying, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, however, we will have your CV and contact details on files should something more suitable arise.
We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.
Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive