Category Manager in Suffolk

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 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 Groups 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 Groups 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.
• Conduct market analysis, cost benchmarking, and supply chain risk reviews.
• With stakeholder 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.
• 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.