Category Buyer

At National Grid, we're building a cleaner, greener energy future – and our people power that journey. Join us as a Category Buyer (Group Directs – Static Wound Equipment) and play a key role in delivering strategic procurement solutions that support critical energy infrastructure across the UK and US.

Working closely with Category Managers, suppliers, and stakeholders across multiple business units, you'll help drive sourcing initiatives, manage supplier relationships, and support the delivery of category strategies that create value for the business.

This is a global role where you will be working across various National Grid locations within the UK and the US and may therefore involve international travel, and would be ideal for any candidate with procurement, commercial or contract management experience.

The role is based out of our Warwick office with hybrid working . We’re happy to discuss any additional flexibility in working patterns or requirements that you feel could help to make this job work for you.

What you'll do...

• Deliver strategic sourcing events within the portfolio, working with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand and execute standardised strategic sourcing processes from market engagement through to award, ensuring goods / services are procured in a best-in-class manner that drives value for National Grid.
• Scope and develop regional and global contractual agreements that meet the customer stakeholder requirements and expectations.
• Input into the development and execution of sourcing strategy for the allocated category portfolio
• Profile category characteristics and research supply markets, suppliers and assess trends, opportunities and risks feeding insights into the wider Category teams and Market and Supplier Development teams.
• Contribute to an effective forward planning process by identifying future requirements of supported areas and ensure robust forecasting is put in place that maximises value of goods / services procured.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to manage contracts end to end, from conception through to completion, identifying risks early, implementing mitigation plans, and maximising opportunities to drive value.
• Support the Senior Category Lead with supplier contract performance management, to help maximise contract efficiency, performance and value with the ability to analyse KPIs and contract data, to support commercial decision making and escalating issues where required.
• Assist your team in developing and maintaining strong strategic partnerships with suppliers

What you'll need...

• Experience of strategic sourcing and category management.
• An understanding of project management principles and ideally evidence of managing projects and consistently delivering outstanding results.
• Experience or understanding of contract development and managing supplier contracts
• Ability to prepare for and to lead negotiations to deliver high value outcomes.
• Ability to manage stakeholder communications independently at all levels.
• Ability to build and manage complex commercial assessment models
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• MCIPS qualified, or willing to work towards achieving this qualification, would be advantageous.
   

What you'll get...

A competitive salary between £42,000 - £50,000 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 21st July 2026 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. 

 At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

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.