Lead Buyer, Category Management

b Overview /b p In this role you will lead category strategies and supplier engagement within National Grids procurement group, driving savings and efficiencies. You will mentor and partner with Buyers, acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders and supporting end-to-end sourcing and risk mitigation. Your analytics and market research will inform strategic decisions and value opportunities. This position offers influence across business units, shaping how major sourcing initiatives are executed and how supplier relationships are managed. You will contribute to a renewable-energy focused, large-scale infrastructure agenda and demonstrate leadership in a collaborative, data-driven environment. /p b Responsibilities /b ul li Develop and execute category strategies with measurable value and risk controls /li li Engage suppliers regularly to gather feedback and drive performance improvements /li li Apply analytics and market research to identify opportunities across the contract lifecycle /li li Lead high-spend sourcing events (RFx, sole source, direct negotiate) and mentor the team /li li Coordinate with stakeholders to align business needs and drive continuous improvement /li li Support bid analysis and coach teams through complex responses and supplier selection /li li Drive end-to-end process improvements to reduce waste and realize savings /li li Apply Total Cost of Ownership concepts to decision making /li li Develop negotiation strategies and mentor buyers in effective deal making /li li Mentor and train Buyers and Associate Buyers, fostering best practices and collaboration /li /ul b Key requirements /b ul li Bachelor in Supply Chain or related field /li li 7+ years of procurement experience /li li Experience with $25–50M spend range and contract/framework/mmultiyear agreements /li li Strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, project planning, and vendor management /li li Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with senior stakeholders /li li Proven track record in directing negotiations and influencing outcomes /li li Experience aligning multiple business units and stakeholders to goals /li li Ability to articulate positions and progress to senior leadership /li li Strong computer skills, including advanced Excel and PowerPoint /li li Knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP and ARIBA; Power BI familiarity /li /ul ul li strong communication /li li influencing others /li li cross-functional collaboration /li li Strategic sourcing /li li contract negotiations /li li vendor management /li /ul