At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships in the energy sector.
- Company: Join Northern Powergrid, powering 8 million customers with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary of £40,000 - £50,000, 10% performance bonus, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Diverse team with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of energy distribution while developing your career.
- Qualifications: A Level education, strong negotiation skills, and experience in procurement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic Senior Buyer to join our Commercial team on a 24-month FTC. The energy industry is advancing with investment in smart technology innovation and Northern Powergrid, as the company responsible for powering everyday life for 8 million customers across 3.9 million homes and businesses in the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire, is at the forefront of delivering a power network that meets the region’s needs now and in the future. We are a diverse team, creating a smarter, more flexible electricity distribution network that will enable our region to decarbonise and meet the needs of our customers now, and in the future.
£40,000 - £50,000 salary and great benefits such as:
- 10% Performance Bonus
- 25 days holiday
Key Responsibilities
- Developing robust sourcing strategies for each tender, ensuring optimum value, supplier competitiveness, and alignment with organisational objectives.
- Premarket engagement to improve competition and outcomes.
- Leading the supplier pre qualification process, developing appropriate selection criteria to identify capable partners and helping shape a high-quality, compliant supplier pool.
- Collaborating closely with internal stakeholders to produce comprehensive Invitation to Tender (ITT) documents, including scopes of work, technical specifications, contract terms, and award criteria.
- Evaluating supplier submissions across both pre qualification and tender stages, against published criteria, and applying commercial insight, risk awareness, and business alignment to all recommendations.
- Facilitating tender clarification activities, including supplier Q&A and clarification meetings, ensuring a transparent and well managed process.
- Analysing value, affordability, and commercial viability of bids to support informed, strategic decision making.
- Preparing clear, compelling award proposals that capture the outcomes of the sourcing process and guide business leaders toward confident contract awards.
- Driving the contract award and execution process, working with suppliers and business teams to ensure seamless transition from tender to contract start.
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members, sharing knowledge, developing capability, and contributing to a high performing procurement function.
Qualifications & Attributes
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Educated to A Level standard (or equivalent).
- MCIPS qualified, working towards accreditation, or demonstrating a strong commitment to.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Proven experience delivering projects on time, ensuring tasks are completed within agreed schedules and expectations.
- Strong negotiation skills, with a track record of achieving favourable outcomes.
- Good understanding of contract terms, conditions, and the basics of contract law, and the ability to apply this knowledge in practice.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Degree level education in a relevant discipline, such as procurement, business, supply chain, engineering or similar.
- Experience using electronic sourcing systems, with confidence navigating digital tendering and supplier management tools.
- Background in regulated procurement, with an understanding of compliance requirements and structured procurement processes.
- Experience working within the utilities sector or a similar regulated industry, ideally involving large scale or complex procurement activity.
- Practical experience procuring services that support operational, engineering or maintenance activities, ensuring suppliers can meet technical and service level needs.
Closing date for applications: 22/05/26
Location: Castleford
Applicants are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post irrespective of sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, race, age or disability, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Senior Buyer (24-Month FTC) in Castleford employer: Northern Powergrid
Northern Powergrid is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets community impact. As part of our Commercial team, you will enjoy competitive benefits, including a performance bonus and generous holiday allowance, while contributing to a diverse and inclusive culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in Castleford, you will be at the heart of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to powering the future sustainably for millions across the North East, Yorkshire, and northern Lincolnshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer (24-Month FTC) in Castleford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Northern Powergrid on LinkedIn or through industry events. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company’s recent projects and innovations in smart technology. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role, but also in how we can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice our negotiation skills! Since the role involves strong negotiation, let’s role-play some scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine our approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our submission to highlight how our skills align with the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer (24-Month FTC) in Castleford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in developing sourcing strategies and managing large contracts, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Commercial Insight:When writing your application, emphasise your strong commercial judgement and negotiation skills. Share examples of how you've made informed decisions that benefited your previous employers. This will help us see your potential impact on our team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity and a well-structured application!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised during the hiring process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Powergrid
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the energy industry and Northern Powergrid's role in it. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, especially those involving smart technology innovation. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you connect your experience to their needs.
✨Showcase Your Sourcing Strategies
Be ready to discuss specific sourcing strategies you've developed in the past. Prepare examples that highlight how you ensured value and supplier competitiveness. This is your chance to demonstrate your commercial judgement and how it aligns with their organisational objectives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since the role involves collaborating with various internal stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully managed multiple parties during a tender process. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensured clarity and alignment throughout.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of contract terms and conditions, as well as the basics of contract law. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in practice, especially in high-value contracts. This will showcase your expertise and readiness for the challenges of the role.
