At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead category strategies for energy transition projects and enhance supply chain resilience.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy transformation and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, generous pension, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in Warwick with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of energy while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or category management with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 61000 - 76000 £ per year.
Help shape the supply chain behind the energy transition. At National Grid, we're at the heart of one of the biggest infrastructure and energy transformation programmes in the UK. As investment across our electricity transmission business continues to grow, we're looking for 2 x Category Managers within Substations and P&C to lead the development and delivery of category strategies that secure long-term value, strengthen supply chain resilience and support the delivery of critical infrastructure projects. A highly strategic role, sitting at the intersection of business demand, market intelligence and supplier capability.
What you'll do
- Lead the development of evidence-based category strategies that align business requirements with market capability and long-term organisational objectives.
- Develop and implement category strategies across significant areas of spend, ensuring alignment with business priorities and investment plans.
- Translate future demand into market-facing interventions, sourcing approaches and commercial strategies.
- Build a deep understanding of supply markets, supplier capability, industry trends, innovation opportunities and emerging risks.
- Work closely with Programme Procurement teams to aggregate demand, identify leverage opportunities and create sustainable sourcing solutions.
- Lead market engagement activities to strengthen supplier ecosystems, assess market capacity and enhance supply chain resilience.
- Establish category governance, commercial guardrails and routes to market that support programme delivery teams.
- Identify opportunities to improve value beyond cost savings, including demand optimisation, sustainability, innovation and productivity improvements.
- Support supplier segmentation and strategic supplier relationship management activities.
- Provide insight and advice to senior stakeholders on market conditions, commercial opportunities, risks and investment decisions.
- Track category performance and demonstrate value delivery across assigned portfolios.
- Lead strategic sourcing activity where new routes to market are required.
What you'll need
- Significant experience in Category Management, Strategic Procurement or Supply Chain Management.
- A strong track record of developing and implementing category strategies across complex spend portfolios.
- Experience operating within large-scale, regulated, infrastructure, utilities, engineering or capital-intensive environments.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to balance long-term value creation with operational delivery requirements.
- Expertise in market analysis, strategic sourcing, supplier segmentation, commercial strategy and supply chain risk management.
- Experience influencing and challenging senior stakeholders to shape business decisions.
- Strong analytical capability with confidence using data, market intelligence and performance metrics to drive recommendations.
- Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management skills across matrix environments.
- Experience working collaboratively across multiple functions and programmes.
- Leadership capability with experience developing high-performing teams and fostering collaborative ways of working.
What you'll get
A competitive salary between £61,000 - £76,000 per annum – dependent on capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus of up to 30% based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.
More Information
This role closes on 19th November 2026 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.
National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power. From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.
Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience. Incentive Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year. Retirement Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%. Private medical insurance for self and family.
Category Manager - Substation & P&C in Warwick employer: National Grid plc
National Grid plc is an exceptional employer located in the heart of Warwick, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Transformation Portfolio Analyst, you will have access to extensive employee growth opportunities, including professional development and training in cutting-edge tools like Power BI and Excel. Join us to be part of a team that values your insights and contributions towards shaping the future of the UK's critical infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager - Substation & P&C in Warwick
✨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 Grid plc.
✨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 - Substation & P&C in Warwick
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 Grid plc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to National Grid plc. 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 Grid plc.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid plc
✨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 Grid plc!
✨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 Grid plc. 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 Grid plc's culture.
