natgridProd
Lead Buyer, Category Management
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Category Lead Specialist
Category Lead Buyer Role
About National Grid
At National Grid, we are committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to our customers and communities. As one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world, we play a vital role in the prosperity and wellbeing of our stakeholders.
We are driving ambitious capital projects and construction programs to build the infrastructure needed for a renewable electric future, including:
- Upgrades to transmission lines
- Substation improvements
- Distribution network modernization to support renewable energy and enhance reliability
Our mission is to continually update infrastructure to ensure the most safe and reliable system for millions of customers.
Job Purpose
The Category Lead Buyer is a key strategic position within National Grid, responsible for:
- Leading high-level bids and negotiations across procurement categories
- Developing and owning category strategies to drive savings and efficiencies
- Partnering with suppliers, stakeholders, and procurement teams to optimise procurement processes
- Serving as a second-in-command to the Category Manager, including:
- Acting as a sounding board for challenge resolution
- Supporting in year-end employee reviews
- Representing the team in senior-level meetings
- Mentoring and driving change within the procurement function
As a business partner, this role leverages data science, analytics, and market research to guide sourcing decisions, ensuring Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and risk mitigation to maxmimise value for National Grid.
Key Responsibilities
Category Management
- Develop and proactively bring actionable solutions that drive innovation.
- Design forward-thinking, long-term category strategies, balancing short-term delivery with future growth and risk mitigation.
- Evaluate and challenge existing norms to minimise inefficiencies.
- Support the development of flexible, value-driven strategies with clear supplier performance criteria.
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Supplier Engagement
- Build strong supplier relationships, seeking feedback and trading insights.
- Embed supplier alignment with National Grid’s objectives and continual improvement initiatives.
Analytics & Market Research
- Use complex datasets to identify benefits opportunities end-to-end through contract lifecycle.
- Conduct industry analysis, supplier evaluations, and incorporate research into strategy and procurement events.
Core Competencies
Procurement & Strategic Sourcing Process (SSP)
- Lead critical sourcing initiatives (e.g., RFx, sole source, direct negotiation) for high-spend/high-profile categories.
- Mentor junior buyers to deliver effective procurement strategies, negotiation strategies, and supplier selection processes.
Stakeholder Coordination
- Foster collaborative relationships with business units and suppliers, driving continuous improvement and value for money.
- Understand and align with stakeholder needs to maximise benefits from contracts.
Bid Analysis & Commercial Management
- Support buyers in implementing effective bid responses, providing market, commercial, and strategic guidance.
- Apply Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and contract switching evaluation to informed decision-making.
Process Improvement & Innovation
- Identify inefficiencies and seek innovative procurement solutions to deliver sustained cost savings.
- Articulate and justify process changes to stakeholders and senior leadership.
Negotiation & Relationship Management
- Develop complex negotiation strategies and mentor teams on clear, value-driven outcomes.
- Implement strong leverage points to optimise supplier contracts while maintaining positive relationships.
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Team Development & Mentorship
- Drive excellence in procurement standards through mentoring, training, and team collaboration.
- Establish a culture of continuous improvement and best practice sharing.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Supply Chain, Business Management, or Procurement-related discipline; MSc/CPSM/APICS certification is a plus).
- 7+ years in procurement, with experience managing $25M–$50M spend portfolios.
- Proficiency in:
- Strategic sourcing
- Contract negotiations
- Project planning
- Vendor management
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, comfortable engaging at all corporate levels.
- Leadership track record in directing discussions, facilitating negotiations, influencing stakeholders, and delivering actionable insights.
- Advanced technical skills (e.g., Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, TCO modelling, SAP/ARIBA).
Preferred Skills & Experience
- Experience with construction project bidding models (e.g., EPC, EPCM, GMP, Design/Bid/Build).
- Team leadership (formal: heads-up roles; informal: mentorship development programs).
- Professional certifications (e.g., CPSM, APICS) a tremendous bonus.
- Strong familiarity with ERP systems (SAP, ARIANA) and data visualization tools (Power BI).
Leadership & Development Opportunities
National Grid is invested in continuous talent growth. The Category Lead role offers support for professional development in:
- Career path mapping
- Leadership training
- Cross-functional mentorship to build an agile procurement function.
Learn more about National Grid and our commitment to driving positive change: #LI-NK1 #LI-Procurement #LI-Warwick #LI-Hybrid
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