At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for outsourced construction and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: BUUK Infrastructure, a leader in utility innovation towards net zero.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, generous holiday, pension contributions, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Award-winning culture focused on wellbeing, diversity, and career development.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real impact on sustainability and customer loyalty.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 5 and experience in strategic procurement or category management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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 Outsourced Construction 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 Outsourced Construction will lead the category strategy, sourcing, supplier management, and commercial delivery for all Group spend relating to all externally delivered construction works. This includes civils, utilities installation, reinstatement, jointing, metering, and related specialist services required to deliver new connections. 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 Construction, 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 outsourced construction category strategies aligned to the Group's growth plans, delivery models, and regulatory environment.
- Conduct market analysis, benchmarking, and supply chain risk assessments.
- Lead competitive sourcing events (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations) across civil engineering services, utilities installation, reinstatement, specialist contractors, jointing teams, and multi-utility construction partners to secure high-performing delivery partners.
- Drive commercial optimisation across framework agreements, Major-Project Contracts and Bespoke Engineering contracts.
- Own strategic supplier relationships with key construction partners, ensuring safe working, high-quality outputs, regulatory compliance, and strong delivery performance.
- Manage contract lifecycles, renewals, performance reviews, KPIs, commercial change controls, and risk mitigation.
- Partner closely with Construction, Engineering, Design, Commercial and Finance teams to understand delivery needs, capacity challenges, and programme requirements.
- Translate business needs into robust procurement strategies that secure capacity, manage risk, and improve efficiency.
- Maintain strong controls around spend visibility, contractual documentation, and audit readiness.
- Monitor supplier risk, including safety performance, compliance against technical & regulatory standards, financial stability, and supply chain resilience.
- Promote sustainability, social value, and carbon-reduction initiatives across the outsourced construction supply chain.
- 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.
- Referral payment of £1000 (net of tax) for successful referrals.
- 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 Outsourced Construction in Derby employer: BUUK Infrastructure
At BUUK Infrastructure, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that champions employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Category Manager in Outsourced Construction, you will play a pivotal role in driving our mission towards net zero, while enjoying benefits such as a generous pension scheme, extensive holiday allowance, and opportunities for hybrid working. Our award-winning culture fosters collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager Outsourced Construction in Derby
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 BUUK Infrastructure and understanding their mission. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and customer loyalty.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial negotiation abilities. 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 seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the BUUK team.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager Outsourced Construction in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Category Manager Outsourced Construction. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your strategic procurement and category management skills. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your impact – we love seeing quantifiable results!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for sustainability and innovation in construction, as these are key to our vision at BUUK Infrastructure.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be seen by the right people, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at BUUK Infrastructure
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of outsourced construction. Familiarise yourself with current market trends, key players, and recent innovations in the sector. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also demonstrate your ability to contribute to BUUK's mission of driving business growth.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured high-value contracts or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to commercial optimisation and how you've successfully managed complex supplier dynamics in previous roles.
✨Understand Stakeholder Needs
Think about how you can effectively partner with various teams like Construction, Engineering, and Finance. Prepare to discuss how you've previously translated business needs into procurement strategies that align with operational goals and regulatory requirements.
✨Highlight Your Analytical Prowess
Be prepared to talk about your analytical capabilities, especially in conducting market analysis and risk assessments. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have led to successful outcomes in previous procurement roles, ensuring you can back up your claims with solid evidence.
