Category Buyer
About us
At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. As we continue to invest in the future of energy, our Procurement team plays a critical role in ensuring we source goods and services that deliver value, innovation and resilience across our business.
We're looking for a talented Category Buyer to join our Procurement team and help drive strategic sourcing activities across a diverse portfolio of spend categories. This is an exciting opportunity to work with stakeholders across the business, influence commercial decisions and contribute to the delivery of National Grid's long-term objectives.
About the role
As a Category Buyer, you'll support the development and delivery of category strategies while leading strategic sourcing activities from market engagement through to contract award. Working closely with Category Managers, Contract Managers and key business stakeholders, you'll identify procurement opportunities, challenge demand and help deliver best-in-class commercial outcomes.
You'll build strong relationships with both internal customers and external suppliers, using market intelligence and commercial insight to deliver value, manage risk and support continuous improvement across the supply chain.
What you'll do
- Leading strategic sourcing events across assigned categories, from planning through to contract award.
- Supporting the development and implementation of category strategies that deliver value, innovation and risk mitigation.
- Engaging with stakeholders to understand business requirements and challenge demand where appropriate.
- Conducting market analysis and supplier research to identify opportunities, trends and potential risks.
- Supporting supplier engagement activities and helping to build strong supplier relationships.
- Working alongside Contract Managers to maximise value from existing contracts and identify continuous improvement opportunities.
- Developing and managing tender processes that deliver commercial benefits and best value outcomes.
- Supporting contract development activities, including amendments, renewals and new contractual agreements.
- Contributing to forecasting and forward planning activities to ensure future business requirements are understood and effectively managed.
- Sharing procurement best practice and collaborating with colleagues across the wider Procurement function.
What you'll do
We're looking for someone who combines strong commercial awareness with excellent relationship-building skills and a passion for delivering value.
You'll ideally bring:
- Experience within strategic sourcing, procurement or category management.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to build credibility and influence at all levels.
- Experience managing multiple workstreams or projects simultaneously.
- Commercial negotiation experience and the ability to achieve positive business outcomes.
- Experience supporting tender events and procurement processes from market engagement through to contract award.
- The ability to analyse data and develop commercial assessments to support decision-making.
- Knowledge of contract development, contract management or supplier management principles.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience.
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £42,000 - £50,000 per annum– dependent on capability, you'll receive a market-leading benefits package, including:
- Annual performance bonus
- Generous pension scheme
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
More information
This role closes on Tuesday 13th 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.
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.