Procurement Director - Energy & Utilities in Macclesfield

Procurement Director - Energy & Utilities in Macclesfield

Macclesfield Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
AstraZeneca

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead energy procurement strategies to drive sustainability and cost-effectiveness across AstraZeneca.
  • Company: Join AstraZeneca, a global leader in healthcare committed to innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Flexible working environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement opportunities in a supportive culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on decarbonisation while collaborating with diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in energy procurement and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Are you ready to steer how AstraZeneca secures and optimises its energy to accelerate progress to net zero while safeguarding resilience across the UK and EMEA? Can you turn volatile markets and regulatory change into stable budgets, credible decarbonisation and long-term value?

Reporting to the Senior Director, Infrastructure, you will own our UK energy sourcing strategy and influence our wider portfolio, ensuring reliable, compliant and cost-effective supply across electricity, gas and related utility categories. Your work will power our labs, manufacturing and offices, enabling science to move faster from discovery to patients. You will partner closely with collaborators at AZ sites in Macclesfield, Cambridge and Speke, shaping global category strategies that translate into local execution, and then channelling site insight back into strategy.

This is a visible, high-impact role in a collaborative, fast-moving environment where data, market intelligence and focused governance underpin bold decisions. You will blend strategic procurement, energy market expertise and interested party engagement to deliver commercial value, reduce risk and hit decarbonisation milestones—while building supplier relationships that unlock innovation.

Accountabilities:
  • Strategy Deployment: Lead the rollout and execution of energy and utilities procurement strategies across the UK and into EMEA, aligning with site priorities and global directions to deliver measurable productivity, resilience and emissions progress.
  • Value Delivery: Identify, shape and deliver value opportunities spanning cost, cash, risk and innovation—progressing from quick wins to multi-year levers including PPAs and portfolio optimisation.
  • Category Strategy & Sourcing: Define and maintain the UK energy category strategy for electricity, natural gas and related services; run sourcing events, negotiate supply agreements and optimise structures for total value.
  • End-to-End Sourcing: Own sourcing strategy, supplier selection, commercial negotiations and contract implementation with clear benefits cases, timelines and governance.
  • Supplier Performance Management: Govern performance through SLAs, critical metrics and continuous improvement; resolve issues at root cause and prevent recurrence.
  • Supplier Relationship Management: Establish SRM that drives innovation, service and operational performance with utilities, TPIs/brokers, generators and flexibility providers.
  • Risk Management & Hedging: Build and operate an energy risk framework aligned to corporate appetite; implement hedges, handle open positions against budget and report mark-to-market exposure, VaR and compliance with limits.
  • Market Intelligence: Track UK and European markets and regulatory change, translating insight into cost, risk and sustainability actions.
  • Contract & Supplier Management: Oversee contract performance, billing accuracy and credit terms; handle disputes and drive value initiatives.
  • Regulatory & Compliance: Ensure compliance with UK energy regulations and reporting obligations; coordinate with Legal and Compliance on terms, sanctions and counterparty risk.
  • Sustainability & Decarbonisation: Deliver net zero and science-based targets via credible renewable procurement, bio methane/green gas and demand-side flexibility.
  • Data, Forecasting & Budgeting: Own demand forecasting, budgeting and variance analysis; validate invoices, reconcile non-commodity charges and ensure data integrity.
  • Flexibility & Optimisation: Identify and contract demand response, storage and optimisation opportunities in partnership with engineering and site teams.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with Finance, Sustainability, Engineering, Operations and Real Estate to align sourcing, risk and sustainability.
  • Governance & Reporting: Maintain procurement controls, tender governance and audit trails; produce periodic reports on spend, risk, savings, emissions attributes and supplier performance.
  • Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing: Embed environmental and social responsibility in strategies, engagements and contracts.
  • Governance and Compliance: Adhere to procurement policies and governance requirements while delivering operational excellence and business outcomes.
  • Safety, Health and Environment: Promote a culture of no hurt, harm or alarm; proactively identify hazards and act.
  • Ethical Conduct: Align with internal and external regulations and the Code of Ethics; complete training and raise potential non-compliance.
  • Delivery and Cost Focus: Maintain high service levels and instil a cost-conscious culture that sharpens total cost of ownership.
  • Lean and Standardised Ways of Working: Apply disciplined, standardised processes and lean principles to increase speed and reliability.
Essential Skills/Experience:
  • Education: Degree or equivalent experience in engineering, economics, finance, business, or a related field; MCIPS or progress towards CIPS is preferred.
  • Experience: Significant experience in UK energy procurement or trading, with a track record managing electricity and gas portfolios for large multisite or industrial users.
  • Technical Skills: Strong grasp of UK energy market structures, non commodity cost components, network charging methodologies, settlement processes, and metering.
  • Commercial & Analytical Skills: Advanced negotiation, category management, and supplier performance management. Proficient in quantitative analysis, forecasting, and scenario modelling.
  • Regulatory Knowledge: Understanding of Ofgem frameworks, DESNZ policy direction, ESOS/SECR, and relevant sustainability reporting standards.
  • Behavioural Competencies: problem solving, resilience under volatility, clear written and verbal communication with validated ability to influence & negotiate, and a continuous improvement attitude.
Desirable Skills/Experience:
  • Experience structuring physical or virtual PPAs in the UK market, including credit and balancing considerations.
  • Knowledge of carbon accounting for purchased energy.
  • Exposure to demand side flexibility, battery storage, CHP, or onsite renewables.
  • Experience with eSourcing platforms, EMS/IoT data platforms, and invoice validation tools.
  • Professional certifications related to energy or risk.
  • Knowledge and experience in energy and utilities procurement.
  • Technical expertise in energy hedging methodologies.
  • Contract negotiation – analytical and market insight capability.

When we put unexpected teams in the same room, we unleash bold thinking with the power to inspire life-changing medicines. In-person working gives us the platform we need to connect, work at pace and challenge perceptions. That's why we work, on average, a minimum of three days per week from the office. But that doesn't mean we're not flexible. We balance the expectation of being in the office while respecting individual flexibility.

Here, sourcing decisions shape how rapidly our science reaches patients and how responsibly we operate. You will join a global, trusted team that connects diverse experts across engineering, finance, sustainability and operations to turn complex markets into decisive action. We bring different perspectives into the same room to spark bold ideas, and we back them with world-class tools, robust data and clear governance. Expect an environment that values kindness alongside ambition, where you can lead at the negotiation table, influence strategy at scale and see your work cut emissions, reduce risk and create tangible value for a company committed to improving health worldwide.

If you are interested in this unique opportunity - apply today!

Date Posted: 31-Jul-2026

Closing Date: 16-Aug-2026

Our mission is to build an inclusive and equitable environment. We want people to feel they belong at AstraZeneca and Alexion, starting with our recruitment process. We welcome and consider applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of characteristics. We offer reasonable adjustments/accommodations to help all candidates to perform at their best. If you have a need for any adjustments/accommodations, please complete the section in the application form.

Procurement Director - Energy & Utilities in Macclesfield employer: AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Cambridge. Employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the pharmaceutical industry through cutting-edge research and AI integration.

AstraZeneca

Contact Details:

AstraZeneca Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement Director - Energy & Utilities in Macclesfield

Get Savvy with Industry Perks

Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!

Show Off Your Skills

Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like AstraZeneca.

Tap into Your Network

Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!

Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards

With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!

We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Director - Energy & Utilities in Macclesfield

Energy Procurement
Market Intelligence
Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Negotiation
Risk Management
Data Analysis
Regulatory Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!

Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to AstraZeneca:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to AstraZeneca. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!

Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like AstraZeneca.

How to prepare for a job interview at AstraZeneca

Show Off Your Negotiation Skills

In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!

Know Your Tools

Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at AstraZeneca!

Understand Market Trends

As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at AstraZeneca. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.

Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude

A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into AstraZeneca's culture.