At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for construction projects.
- Company: BUUK Infrastructure, a leader in utility innovation for a sustainable future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and cost of living reviews.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Join us to drive impactful change towards net zero and enhance customer loyalty.
- Qualifications: CIPS Level 5 and experience in strategic procurement or category management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 68231 £ 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...
Category Manager in London employer: BUUK Infrastructure
At BUUK Infrastructure, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. As a Network Planning Administrator, you will benefit from numerous growth opportunities within a company dedicated to innovation and sustainability, all while contributing to the UK's journey towards net zero. Our commitment to employee well-being and professional development makes us an exceptional employer in the utilities sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager in London
✨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 BUUK Infrastructure.
✨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 Category Manager in London
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 BUUK Infrastructure:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to BUUK Infrastructure. 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 BUUK Infrastructure.
How to prepare for a job interview at BUUK Infrastructure
✨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 BUUK Infrastructure!
✨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 BUUK Infrastructure. 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 BUUK Infrastructure's culture.
