At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team in marine services procurement and drive strategic sourcing excellence.
- Company: Join National Grid, a FTSE 100 company powering a greener energy future.
- Benefits: Earn up to £58,000 plus bonuses, flexible benefits, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Enjoy hybrid working and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy security and net zero transition.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualified or working towards it, with experience in strategic sourcing and category management.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 58000 € per year.
About Us
At National Grid, we’re powering a cleaner, greener energy future—and our people are at the heart of that ambition. Join us as a Senior Category Buyer and play a key role in delivering critical infrastructure that supports the UK’s energy security and net zero transition. As part of a FTSE 100 organisation with a £70bn investment programme, you’ll contribute to a procurement function that is central to our transformation—driving strategic value across major infrastructure projects. This role is based in Warwick with hybrid working and flexibility to support you at your best.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and develop a high‑performing team within the Marine Services category, collaborating closely across HVDC Group Directors to deliver shared objectives.
- Own end‑to‑end procurement delivery for marine survey and consultancy services—shaping strategy, running competitive tenders, negotiating contracts and ensuring seamless mobilisation.
- Play a pivotal role in major infrastructure projects, managing framework call‑offs across a diverse supplier base (35 suppliers, 16 lots) supporting geophysical, geotechnical, environmental, UXO and specialist consultancy services.
- Drive strategic sourcing excellence, contributing to category strategy and delivering best‑in‑class procurement outcomes aligned to cost, quality and delivery.
- Partner with key stakeholders across programme delivery, engineering, JV procurement and legal teams to ensure procurement activity supports critical project timelines and mitigates risk.
- Continuously improve how we work, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, enhance supplier performance and deliver greater value to the business.
- Maintain and strengthen supplier relationships, using market insight and performance data to optimise framework outcomes and support innovation.
- Build your expertise in the marine services market, engaging with suppliers, industry events and internal stakeholders to stay ahead of trends and opportunities.
- Champion best practice procurement, mentoring and supporting junior team members to build capability and ensure consistent, high‑quality delivery.
- Shape future demand and planning, ensuring strong visibility of upcoming procurement activity and alignment with programme needs.
What You’ll Have
- MCIPS Level 5 or 6 qualified (or working towards), with proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management within complex, high‑value or capital project environments (e.g. energy, utilities, infrastructure or HVDC supply chains).
- Strong understanding of project and programme delivery, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously and consistently deliver against challenging timelines, budgets and stakeholder expectations.
- Demonstrable experience leading end‑to‑end sourcing activities, including preparing for and executing commercial negotiations and building robust should‑cost / total cost of ownership (TCO) models to underpin sourcing decisions.
- Proven track record in contract development and management, including drafting new contracts (e.g. Services, NEC/FIDIC or bespoke forms), reviewing supplier positions and negotiating amendments to optimise commercial, technical and risk positions.
- Good working knowledge of the regulated procurement environment, ideally within utilities or public sector settings, including familiarity with UCR 2016 (Utilities Contracts Regulations) and the Procurement Act 2023.
What You’ll Get
Up to £58,000—dependent on capability. Bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme (we double‑match your contribution up to 12%). Access to flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary‑sacrifice car and technology schemes, employee assistance lines and matched charity giving.
More Information
This role closes on Wednesday 3 June. Please note that National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points‑based immigration system. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality or ethnic origin.
Senior Buyer, Category Management in Warwick employer: National Grid
At National Grid, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer committed to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. As a Senior Buyer in Warwick, you'll enjoy hybrid working arrangements, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within a FTSE 100 organisation dedicated to a sustainable energy future. Join us to make a meaningful impact while developing your career in a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer, Category Management in Warwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer, Category Management in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and category management, especially in complex environments like energy or infrastructure. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our mission at National Grid. Don’t forget to mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact—like cost savings or improved supplier performance. We love numbers that tell a story!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Know Your Category Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the marine services category. Understand the latest trends, key suppliers, and challenges in the market. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Sourcing Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with end-to-end procurement processes. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed complex sourcing activities, negotiated contracts, or built should-cost models. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact on previous projects.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Illustrate your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders. Share stories about how you've partnered with engineering, legal, or project teams to ensure procurement aligns with project timelines. This will showcase your teamwork and communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Talk about instances where you've identified opportunities for process improvements or enhanced supplier performance. Employers love candidates who are proactive in driving efficiency and value, so come armed with examples of how you've made a difference in past roles.
