At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for renewable energy systems and drive innovation in sustainable solutions.
- Company: BUUK Infrastructure, a leader in utility partnerships for net zero.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Supportive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join us to make a real impact on the UK's journey to net zero.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
At BUUK Infrastructure, our vision is to be the leading utility partner to accelerate the UK towards net zero for all our customers. Our group of companies has been the major drive for change and innovation over 30 years. We provide a supportive environment that is committed to enabling our people to be the best, ensuring they feel proud to be themselves and part of BUUK Infrastructure.
We are looking for a Category Manager Renewable Energy Systems who would like to help us reach our mission to earn customer loyalty and drive business growth by providing consistently excellent service.
Purpose of this role
The Procurement Category Manager Renewable Energy Systems will lead category strategy, sourcing, supplier management, and commercial delivery for all Group spend relating to low- and high-density heat networks, Extra High Voltage infrastructure, and associated renewable-energy systems. This includes district heating pipework networks, energy centres, heat interface units (HIUs), thermal storage solutions, high-voltage substations, cable routes, BESS installations, solar PV systems, and hybrid or emerging renewable technologies required to deliver decarbonised heat and power. This role will ensure safe, high-quality, compliant, and cost-effective delivery that supports the Group's operational targets, customer commitments, and regulatory obligations.
You will act as the commercial business partner to the Delivery, Operations, Engineering, Design, Commercial and Finance leadership teams, driving procurement excellence, ensuring robust governance, and enabling supplier innovation to support both operational and strategic business objectives.
Your key responsibilities are:
- Collaboratively develop and implement multiyear category strategies for DHNs, EHV infrastructure, and renewable-energy technologies aligned to Group growth plans, net-zero commitments, and major-project delivery models.
- Conduct market analysis, cost benchmarking, and supply-chain risk assessments across heat network engineering, EHV equipment, BESS, solar technologies, and specialist system integrators.
- Lead competitive sourcing events (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations) for heat-network civils, mechanical installation, insulated pipe systems, heat-generation/energy-centre equipment, switchgear, transformers, HV cabling, BESS containers, inverters, and solar EPC partners.
- Drive commercial optimisation across framework agreements, EPC contracts, major-project engineering contracts, and bespoke technical supply arrangements.
- Own strategic supplier relationships with key heat network OEMs, EHV manufacturers, EPC contractors, BESS suppliers, and renewable engineering partners, ensuring safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and operational performance.
- Manage contract lifecycles, renewals, KPIs, performance reviews, commercial change controls, and risk-mitigation activities with key partners in these supply chains.
- Work closely with technical, engineering, design, planning, commercial, and finance teams to understand capacity requirements, design standards, regulatory constraints, and programme delivery needs.
- Translate complex technical and operational requirements into robust procurement strategies that secure capacity, manage risk, and support scalable growth of the Group's heat and energy infrastructure portfolio.
- Maintain strong controls around spend visibility, process compliance, contract records, and audit documentation.
- Monitor supplier risk, including safety performance and adherence to all relevant legal and regulatory obligations.
- Enable innovation and sustainability across the supply chain, promoting low-carbon materials, energy-efficient technologies, and optimised lifecycle performance for district heating and renewable systems.
- Any other duties as required by the Procurement Manager.
Qualifications
CIPS Level 5
Experience/Knowledge
- Proven experience in strategic procurement/category management, ideally within related sectors.
- Strong commercial negotiation skills with demonstrable cost and value delivery.
- Experience managing complex supplier relationships and multi-year contracts.
- Strong analytical capabilities.
Abilities/Skills
- Managing stakeholders at all levels.
- Able to work independently and build cross-functional relationships.
- Highly organised with focus on delivery and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Degree or Post Graduate Qualification.
- Experience working in utility infrastructure or similar sector.
Conditions of Employment
You will hold a driving licence.
What can you expect from us
- Cost of living annual pay review.
- Company pension contributions up to 10% if employees contribute 5%.
- 33 days holiday including bank holidays with the ability to purchase an additional 2 weeks.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
- To say thank you, each time you successfully refer someone you will receive a referral payment of £1000 (net of tax).
- Hybrid working for eligible roles.
- Development opportunities to reach your career aspirations.
BUUK has an award-winning culture. We care about your wellbeing and safety as we all deserve the right to go home safe, every day. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, we respect each other and advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion in all we do.
Research shows that women and people from different underrepresented backgrounds often only apply for a job if they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you would like to be a part of our team and you meet many, but not all our requirements for this role, please apply. You can also ask us about flexible working options.
Please note we reserve the right to close the role early. Therefore, if you're interested in this role, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Category Manager Renewable Energy Systems employer: BUUK Infrastructure
At BUUK Infrastructure, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our comprehensive development opportunities and hybrid working options, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to our mission of driving the UK towards net zero. With competitive benefits such as generous holiday allowances and pension contributions, we empower our employees to feel valued and engaged in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager Renewable Energy Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the renewable energy sector, especially those connected to BUUK Infrastructure. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching BUUK's projects and values. Understand their commitment to net zero and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, focus on specific achievements in procurement or category management that relate to renewable energy systems. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at BUUK Infrastructure. So, get your application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager Renewable Energy Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Category Manager role. Highlight your strategic procurement experience and any relevant projects you've worked on in renewable energy systems.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about renewable energy and how you can contribute to our mission at BUUK Infrastructure. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves market analysis and cost benchmarking, include examples of how you've successfully used analytical skills in past roles. This will help us see your capability in driving procurement excellence.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and start the conversation!
How to prepare for a job interview at BUUK Infrastructure
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in renewable energy systems and procurement strategies. Familiarise yourself with key technologies like heat networks, BESS, and solar PV systems. This will not only show your passion for the field but also demonstrate that you're ready to contribute to BUUK's mission.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or value delivery. Be ready to discuss how you managed complex supplier relationships and what strategies you used to ensure compliance and performance. This is crucial for the Category Manager role.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research BUUK Infrastructure’s vision and how they aim to achieve net zero. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can help drive business growth while ensuring safety and quality in procurement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and future projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if BUUK is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
