At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for Heathrow's energy portfolio and shape long-term utilities strategy.
- Company: Join Heathrow, a leader in energy transformation and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to mentor and develop talent.
- Why this job: Drive sustainable energy solutions at one of the world's busiest airports.
- Qualifications: Experience in energy utilities and strong commercial skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
hackajob is collaborating with Heathrow to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.
Heathrow’s Energy & Utilities Transformation team are seeking a Senior Category Manager to drive delivery across a fast‑growing energy portfolio and help shape the airport’s long‑term utilities strategy. In this role you will lead end‑to‑end procurement for critical operational categories, shape how the airport sources, contracts and manages the goods and services that keep its energy systems running. It involves designing and delivering smart procurement strategies that unlock value, reduce risk and strengthen operational performance, from market intelligence and options analysis through to sourcing, negotiation and post‑contract delivery.
In this role you will translate complex technical and commercial information into clear, actionable plans that support Heathrow’s short‑ and long‑term energy ambitions. It builds category plans, pre‑contract strategies, total cost of ownership assessments and commercial models, ensuring every decision is robust and aligned with governance requirements and compliance.
Responsibilities
- Managing end‑to‑end procurement for Heathrow’s Energy & Utilities category, including strategy development, sourcing, negotiation, contract award and post‑contract management.
- Developing category strategies, market intelligence, commercial models and options analysis to maximise value, minimise risk and support operational and long‑term business objectives.
- Running competitive sourcing processes for complex, high‑value spend areas, including market engagement, evaluation design, tendering and ensuring compliance with procurement governance and competition law.
- Working closely with operational, engineering and commercial stakeholders to align procurement strategy, challenge business plans and ensure robust, defensible decision‑making.
- Managing supplier performance through contract management, KPIs, service levels and continuous improvement, while coaching and supporting colleagues within the procurement function.
- Lead key contractual and commercial negotiations, engaging with relevant internal advisors (legal, insurance) upholding the best interests of Heathrow with the ability to assess and articulate risks.
Qualifications
- Strong technical grounding in energy utilities and renewable procurement, with experience across electricity, water, gas, fuel or desalination.
- Proven experience delivering long‑term renewable energy contracts such as Power Purchase Agreements, with understanding of commercial, regulatory and technical factors.
- Ability to translate complex engineering and market information into clear commercial insight for senior, non‑technical stakeholders.
- Strong commercial and contractual capability, including experience using recognised contracting models such as NEC or similar industry‑standard forms.
- Experience delivering procurement or commercial outcomes within large programme or matrix environments, influencing multiple stakeholder groups.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, with the ability to grow talent, motivate teams, and enable high‑performance delivery in a fast‑paced, operational environment.
Ideally you will have
- Experience working within energy suppliers, brokers or TPIs (e.g., Amber Energy, Inspired Energy), or within utilities, renewables, oil & gas or National Grid‑type organisations.
- Exposure to multi‑year renewable procurement cycles, commercialisation models or regulated/unregulated energy delivery routes.
- Experience contributing to large programme environments or multi‑workstream delivery.
- Familiarity with supplier‑partnering environments and integrated delivery models.
- Experience coaching and developing early‑career team members.
- Broader experience with industry‑standard contracting models beyond NEC.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - NOT HYBRID (Permanent) in Hounslow
✨Get Involved with Industry Events
The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!
✨Join Energy-focused Online Communities
Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.
✨Consider Industry Certifications
Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.
✨Apply ThroughHeathrow's Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through Heathrow's website for the full-time Category Manager - NOT HYBRID (Permanent) role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager - NOT HYBRID (Permanent) in Hounslow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.
Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Heathrow. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.
Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heathrow
✨Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy
In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of Heathrow.
✨Brush Up on Industry Regulations
Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills
Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to Heathrow.
✨Prepare for Technical Assessments
Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.
