Category Manager Renewable Energy Systems in Hampshire

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.

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 Groups 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 Groups 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
• 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.