At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement systems and compliance, optimising e-procurement tools and championing emerging technologies.
- Company: Join NESO, a key player in transforming Great Britain's energy future.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to your growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy while shaping the future of procurement technology.
- Qualifications: Expertise in procurement processes and experience with e-procurement systems like Ivalua.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We recognise the potential of bright and talented individuals and encourage you to join us as Great Britain’s energy system undergoes an ambitious, exciting, and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. 2026 continues to be an exciting year for NESO, particularly within our Procurement Centre of Excellence team, as we build on the recent implementation of our end-to-end e‑procurement tool.
As Procurement Systems and Compliance Lead, you will play a central role in embedding, optimising and continuously improving Ivalua, ensuring it delivers the right processes, controls and insights for the wider Procurement & Property team and the business. You will act as the intelligent customer for Ivalua, working closely with IT providers and support teams to shape its ongoing development, while also championing emerging technology, including AI bots, as part of our future roadmap. We are looking for someone who is passionate about strong systems, robust controls, high‑quality data and consistent compliance, and who can build strong stakeholder relationships while helping to shape the future of procurement technology and governance at NESO. This role can be based from Warwick or Wokingham, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. We are open to part‑time, as well as flexible working arrangements.
Key Accountabilities
- Act as Subject Matter Expert in Ivalua for Procurement & Property, overseeing upgrades and patches to ensure processes are maintained and collaborating with support teams to manage and resolve any issues or amendments as required.
- Work closely with key stakeholders, including the P2P team, to ensure seamless cross‑over activity between systems.
- Provide first‑line technical and user support for the e‑procurement system, ensuring continuity of service and development.
- Manage and coordinate the engagement with the second‑line technical support, ensuring effective maintenance and performance of the e‑procurement system.
- Act as the Procurement Champion, supporting the development of new e‑Procurement solutions with a focus on AI bots to drive improved procurement efficiency, monitoring, control and performance reporting for the business.
- Drive compliance, ensuring the governance framework is embedded across Procurement and documentation is maintained.
- Support all internal and external audit activities, leading the execution of attestation checks to ensure compliance.
- Maintain the Centre of Excellence Risk Register, ensuring risks are accurately recorded, regularly reviewed, appropriately escalated, and supported by clear mitigation actions and accountable owners.
- Undertake the Control Operator role for assigned RACM controls, ensuring timely execution of control testing and appropriate follow‑up of test outcomes.
- Actively review and analyse procurement performance data, identifying opportunities for process improvement and making recommendations to the Head of Procurement Centre of Excellence.
- Support the scoping and delivery of performance improvement projects, working actively with stakeholders across procurement and the wider business to understand the potential impact of new processes and work with the project team to plan effective implementation and adoption.
- Manage and coordinate engagement with various other procurement software providers such as D&B, Moodys and Achilles to support effective system performance, compliance and service delivery.
- Support the Head of Procurement Centre of Excellence with updates to procurement policies as required, and creation or updates to any required Standard Operating Procedures and Terms of Reference.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, including PA23, UCR (Utilities Contracts Regulations), Competition Law, Fraud & Bribery and Modern Slavery, Conflict Minerals, Real Living Wage in Supply Chain etc., and train stakeholders on best‑practice procurement processes.
About You
- Expert knowledge of end‑to‑end procurement processes and operating models.
- Experience of working with e‑procurement systems such as Ivalua, SAP S4Hana, Coupa or Oracle.
- Experience of working within Public Sector Procurement is desirable.
- A strong interest in emerging technologies, particularly AI, and their application in procurement.
- An understanding of best‑practice procurement policies, processes and systems.
- Strong analytical and reporting skills.
- Commercial awareness, with the ability to build a strong business case for change.
- Good communication and project management skills.
What You’ll Get
- Competitive salary of £50,000 – £60,000 dependent on experience and capability.
- Bonus based on company performance.
- 26 days annual leave as standard.
- Competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%.
- Annual enrollment to NESO Savings Plan – we will pay a 50% matching contribution when you save between £20‑£500 a month from your take‑home pay.
- Flexible benefits programme providing flexibility around health, lifestyle and protection benefits including flexible bank holidays, additional birthday day off, cycle‑to‑work scheme, retail & gym discounts and private medical insurance, critical illness insurance and personal accident insurance.
About Us
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we play a vital role in tackling climate change and securing Great Britain’s energy future. We already operate the world's fastest decarbonising electricity system and are working towards our ambition to run it carbon‑free for a short period this year – provided the market supplies electricity exclusively from renewable sources. In autumn 2024, the Electricity System Operator (ESO) transitioned to become NESO – an independent, expert public corporation with a whole‑system view across electricity, gas and hydrogen. Licensed and regulated by Ofgem, we make impartial decisions that balance sustainability, affordability and security. NESO operates independently and transparently, always acting in the best interests of all energy users. Our organisation is fully independent from government, the regulator and all commercial interests, with a clear focus on system‑wide benefit, long‑term value and public value.
More Information
This role closes at 23:59, on the day before date shown above. We encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. If this role sparks your interest but you’re not sure you tick every box, we still want to hear from you. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds. At NESO, we are committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and we provide a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated and able to reach their full potential.
Procurement Systems and Compliance Lead - NESO employer: National Energy System Operator Limited
At the National Energy System Operator (NESO), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and sustainability. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including a double-matched pension scheme, and a commitment to employee growth through flexible working arrangements, we empower our team members to thrive in their careers while contributing to a cleaner energy future. Our hybrid working model from locations like Warwick or Wokingham ensures a balanced work-life experience, making NESO a rewarding place to build your professional journey.
Contact Details:
National Energy System Operator Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Systems and Compliance Lead - NESO
✨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 National Energy System Operator Limited.
✨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 Procurement Systems and Compliance Lead - NESO
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 National Energy System Operator Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to National Energy System Operator Limited. 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 National Energy System Operator Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Energy System Operator Limited
✨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 National Energy System Operator Limited!
✨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 National Energy System Operator Limited. 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 National Energy System Operator Limited's culture.
