At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies in construction and infrastructure, influencing high-value sourcing decisions.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global FTSE 100 organisation making a difference in national security and public infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and access to health consultations and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Shape the future of strategic procurement while collaborating on impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in sourcing and procurement within construction and infrastructure is essential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible UK Locations + Hybrid Working Arrangements
Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits
Role Type: Full time / Permanent
Shape the future of strategic procurement in construction and infrastructure.
At Babcock, we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together. If you join us, you can play your part as a Group Category Lead Construction and Infrastructure at any of our main UK locations.
The role:
- As a Group Category Lead Construction and Infrastructure, you’ll play a critical role in shaping and delivering procurement strategies across major construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure programmes.
- Acting as a subject matter expert, you will influence high-value sourcing decisions, optimise supply chain performance, and build strong supplier partnerships that deliver long-term value.
- This is a career-defining opportunity to operate at group level, working across diverse and complex projects that support national infrastructure and defence programmes.
- Day-to-day, you’ll collaborate with senior stakeholders, contribute to strategic decision-making, and drive innovation and sustainability across the supply chain.
Key responsibilities:
- Developing and delivering end-to-end category strategies for construction, infrastructure and civil engineering.
- Leading complex procurement activities including tendering, negotiation, and contract award.
- Building and managing strategic supplier relationships and performance frameworks.
- Advising stakeholders on commercial models, sourcing approaches, and contract best practice.
- Identifying opportunities for cost optimisation, risk reduction, and sustainable value creation.
This role is full time, 37.5 hours per week and provides hybrid working arrangements with days onsite and days working from home.
Essential experience:
- Extensive experience in sourcing and procurement, with a strong track record in complex environments.
- Proven expertise within construction and infrastructure categories, including civil engineering.
- Demonstrable experience managing framework agreements and supplier performance at scale.
- Strong knowledge of commercial contracts, including NEC and JCT forms.
- Experience working within matrix organisations, managing multiple senior stakeholders.
Qualifications:
- Degree qualified or equivalent experience.
- Professional accreditation such as CIPS, RICS, CIOB or similar (desirable).
Security Clearance:
The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.
What we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance.
- Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+.
- Employee share scheme.
- Employee shopping savings portal.
- Payment of Professional Fees.
- Reservists in the armed forces receive 10-days special paid leave.
- Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows the majority of employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement.
- ‘Be Kind Day’ enables employees to take one working day's paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity.
- Flexible working – we give people more options to better integrate their work and personal life, whilst ensuring that business needs are met.
- A dynamic working environment.
Babcock is a global FTSE 100 organisation with over 26,000 people working together to make a difference. Here, you’ll be part of something bigger. From initial design to final decommissioning, your work will contribute to products and services that are essential to national security and public infrastructure. Together, we’re building a future that lasts — not just through the impact we make, but through meaningful careers that respect your work-life balance.
We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email careers@babcockinternational.com with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
Closing date: 17/06/2026
Group Category Lead Construction and Infrastructure employer: Babcock International
Babcock is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary alongside generous benefits such as a matched pension scheme, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for volunteering. With a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, employees can engage in meaningful projects that contribute to national security and infrastructure, all while enjoying a healthy work-life balance. Join us at Babcock, where your career can thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Category Lead Construction and Infrastructure
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Babcock and understanding their projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals in construction and infrastructure.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Group Category Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence decisions. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Category Lead Construction and Infrastructure
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Group Category Lead role. Highlight your experience in procurement and construction, and show how your skills align with what we’re looking for at Babcock.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve optimised supply chains or improved supplier relationships.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Make sure you brush up on the latest procurement strategies, especially in construction and infrastructure. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented these strategies in past roles, as this will show your expertise and understanding of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing senior stakeholders. Think about specific situations where you influenced decisions or built strong relationships, as this role requires collaboration with various parties.
✨Understand Commercial Contracts Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with NEC and JCT forms of contracts, as well as any other relevant commercial models. Being able to discuss these confidently will demonstrate your knowledge and readiness for the complexities of the role.
✨Highlight Your Sustainability Initiatives
Babcock values innovation and sustainability, so be prepared to talk about any initiatives you've led or been a part of that focus on sustainable value creation. This will show that you align with their goals and can contribute positively to their projects.
