Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Category Manager, focusing on procurement strategies and supplier relationships.
- Company: SSE is a leading energy company committed to a sustainable future with significant investments in renewable energy.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, discounts on healthcare, gym memberships, and generous family entitlements.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven company making a real impact on the environment and communities.
- Qualifications: A degree in Quantity Surveying or CIPS is required; experience in supply chain management is essential.
- Other info: We promote an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from diverse backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 67000 £ per year.
Base Location: Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen or Inverness
Salary: £50,100 - £75,100 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.
Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available
The role
At SSE, our purpose is to provide the energy people need in a reliable and sustainable way. Our strategy is to deliver long-term value through responsible investment and efficient operations across a balanced portfolio of regulated and non-regulated businesses.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Category Manager to join our Transmission Procurement and Commercial team, focusing on Consultancy and Support Services. Depending on your experience, we will tailor the role as either Junior Category Manager or Category Manager, supporting the delivery of key procurement and supply chain solutions across a variety of projects and portfolios in our Networks Transmission business.
Reporting to the Senior Category Manager, you will work closely with project teams and stakeholders to deliver procurement strategies and contracts, while fostering strong supplier relationships and supporting our shared goals.
You will:
- Be the key supply chain contact for Transmission customers, offering clear, collaborative support and insights.
- Work closely with Category Management to ensure Transmission needs are reflected in group-wide procurement strategies.
- Lead or support tendering activities, including documentation, analysis, negotiation, and contract recommendations.
- Build and maintain positive supplier relationships, using performance data to support continuous improvement.
- Share market intelligence and insights, applying your commercial expertise to support successful project delivery.
You have:
- A degree in Quantity Surveying or CIPS (or equivalent); MRICS/MCIPS is desirable.
- Experience managing supply chain activities and supplier performance.
- A strong track record of managing frameworks and contracts on large-scale projects or programmes.
- Familiarity with NEC contracts, including drafting and administration.
- Knowledge of procurement strategy and implementation, ideally within a regulated or UCR environment.
About SSE
SSE has a bold ambition - to be a leading energy company in a net zero world. We are investing around £10 million a day in homegrown energy to help power a cleaner, more secure future. Our investment will see us build the world's largest offshore wind farm and transform the grid to deliver greener electricity to millions.
SSE owns a portfolio of over 500 property and land assets - power stations, offices, depots and more. Our P&C, Property and FM teams help make sure our portfolio is modern, safe and fit for purpose. They help us get the best service and value from partners, while ensuring suppliers meet compliance, contractual and business obligations.
Flexible benefits to fit your life
Enjoy discounts on private healthcare and gym memberships. Wellbeing benefits like a free online GP and 24/7 counselling service. Interest-free loans on tech and transport season tickets, or a new bike with our Cycle to Work scheme. As well as generous family entitlements such as maternity and adoption pay, and paternity leave.
Work with an equal opportunity employer
SSE will make any reasonable adjustments you need to ensure that your application and experience with us is positive. Please contact Francesca on francesca.palmer@sse.com / 01738 344763 to discuss how we can support you.
We are dedicated to fostering an open and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds can thrive. We create equal opportunities for everyone to succeed and especially welcome applications from those who may not be well represented in our workforce or industry.
Ready to apply?
Start your online application using the Apply Now box on this page. We only accept applications made online. We will be in touch after the closing date to let you know if we will be taking your application further. If you are offered a role with SSE, you will need to complete a criminality check and a credit check before you start work.
Category Manager employer: Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Contact Detail:
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks Recruiting Team
francesca.palmer@sse.com
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SSE's values and mission. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and responsible investment will help you align your answers during interviews, showcasing how your experience and values match theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of SSE, especially those in procurement or category management roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of your past experiences managing supply chain activities and supplier performance. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented procurement strategies in regulated environments, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on market trends and developments in the energy sector, particularly around consultancy and support services. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach and genuine interest in the industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supply chain management and procurement. Emphasise any familiarity with NEC contracts and your track record in managing frameworks on large-scale projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of SSE's mission and how your skills align with the role of Category Manager. Mention specific examples of past successes in procurement strategies and supplier relationship management.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as your degree in Quantity Surveying or CIPS, and any additional certifications like MRICS/MCIPS. This will demonstrate your commitment to the field and enhance your application.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight soft skills such as collaboration, negotiation, and communication. These are crucial for building strong supplier relationships and working effectively with project teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Category Manager, especially in the context of procurement and supply chain solutions. Familiarise yourself with SSE's focus on consultancy and support services to demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience managing supply chain activities and supplier performance. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led tendering activities or built strong supplier relationships, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Familiarity with Contracts
Since familiarity with NEC contracts is mentioned, be ready to discuss your knowledge and experience with contract drafting and administration. This will show that you have the necessary skills to manage frameworks and contracts effectively.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
SSE values market intelligence and insights, so prepare to share your understanding of procurement strategies and how they can be implemented within a regulated environment. Discuss how your commercial expertise can contribute to successful project delivery.
