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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: As a Category Buyer, you'll manage strategic procurement and build relationships across the business.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in energy transition, committed to empowering its teams.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and perks like a cycle scheme and digital GP access.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in energy while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic sourcing and strong negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: This full-time role offers hybrid working options and is based in Warwick.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Category Buyer role at National Grid
Join to apply for the Category Buyer role at National Grid
About Us
At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. But it’s so much more than that. National Grid provides the environment for our teams to thrive and make a real impact. As we drive momentum in the energy transition for all, we are committed to ensuring that every employee feels empowered and engaged. Join us as a Category Buyer and discover your superpower.
About Us
At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. But it’s so much more than that. National Grid provides the environment for our teams to thrive and make a real impact. As we drive momentum in the energy transition for all, we are committed to ensuring that every employee feels empowered and engaged. Join us as a Category Buyer and discover your superpower.
National Grid is hiring a Category Buyer. This position can be based at NG House, Warwick.
Job Purpose
As a Category Buyer, you will report directly to a Category Manager and be responsible for the daily strategic procurement operations within aligned business areas. You will assist in the delivery of category strategies, planning, and executing strategic sourcing events through to contract award, while supporting lifecycle management. This role offers the opportunity to engage and build strong working relationships with stakeholders across the business, within procurement, and externally, ensuring we understand supply chains to provide the best solutions for National Grid.
What You\’ll Do
- Deliver multiple strategic sourcing events within your portfolio, collaborating with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand, ensuring optimal solutions for National Grid.
- Contribute to the sourcing strategy for your allocated category and execute standardised strategic sourcing processes from market engagement through to award, ensuring procurement is conducted in a best-in-class manner that drives value.
- Work closely with Contract Managers to ensure the successful delivery of contracted activities, identifying continuous improvement opportunities and maximising value for money from awarded contracts.
- Support the development and delivery of assigned category strategies while sharing best practices across other category teams.
- Profile category characteristics, research supply markets, and assess trends, opportunities, and risks, providing insights to Global teams and Market and Supplier Development teams.
- Manage tender events for key products and services, delivering value to the business.
- Contribute to effective forward planning by identifying future requirements and ensuring robust forecasting maximises the value of procured goods and services.
- Scope and develop regional contractual agreements that meet customer stakeholder requirements and expectations.
About You
- Proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management.
- Understanding of project management principles, with evidence of managing multiple projects and consistently delivering outstanding results.
- Strong negotiation skills to lead discussions and deliver high-value outcomes.
- Ability to build and manage complex commercial assessment models to ensure value delivery across a balanced scorecard.
- Experience in contract development, including making recommendations and amendments to existing contracts, as well as drafting new ones.
What You\’ll Get
- Competitive Salary: circa £42,000 – £50,000 per annum (dependent on location, capability, and experience).
Additional Benefits
- Flexible benefits such as a cycle scheme, share incentive plan, technology schemes
- Access to apps such as digital GP service for round the clock access to GP video consultations and NHS repeat prescriptions, wellbeing app to support your health and fitness
- Access to Work + Family Space, providing support and resources for work and family life, including paid emergency childcare and eldercare
More information
More Information
This role is offered on a full time basis.
We are also offering hybrid /flexible working where travel to the office will be as per business need. Base location for this role will be NG House, Warwick.
This role closes on 4th August however we strongly encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise. We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve. National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.
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Category Buyer employer: National Grid
Contact Detail:
National Grid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with National Grid's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to the energy transition and employee empowerment will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of National Grid on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Category Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your strategic sourcing and category management experience. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed multiple projects and delivered results, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and supply chain dynamics relevant to the utilities sector. Demonstrating your knowledge of current challenges and opportunities in procurement will set you apart as a well-informed candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Category Buyer at National Grid. Highlight your relevant experience in strategic sourcing and category management in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise your negotiation skills, project management experience, and any specific achievements in procurement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how you can contribute to National Grid's mission and values.
Showcase Relevant Projects: In your application, include examples of past projects where you successfully managed multiple sourcing events or developed category strategies. Use metrics to quantify your impact whenever possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Understand the Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Category Buyer. Familiarise yourself with strategic sourcing processes and how they apply to National Grid's operations.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved high-value outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach and the strategies you used to secure the best deals.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Highlight your experience in building relationships with stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you have collaborated with different teams to deliver successful procurement outcomes.
✨Research Market Trends
Stay informed about current trends in supply markets relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these trends will show your proactive approach and understanding of the industry.
