At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global utilities strategy and manage supplier relationships for energy sourcing.
- Company: Smith+Nephew, a tech innovator focused on enhancing lives.
- Benefits: Generous bonuses, flexible work, health plans, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Join a culture of inclusion and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in procurement, with strong analytical and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
At Smith+Nephew, we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Global Category Manager Utilities ("GCM") is responsible for executing the global utilities category strategy across regions and sites. The role manages the global energy portfolio, leads national and site level sourcing events, manages supplier relationships, spend forecasts to support budget setting, delivers savings and ensures contract compliance, while operating within defined governance and strategic frameworks, in conjunction with our Energy Management Service Provider. Utilities category will consume approximately 80% of the role’s time. A secondary element to the role (20% of time) is supporting the Facilities Services category by leading sourcing and contracting projects covering scope of hard and soft Facilities Services. Sub-categories include stakeholder and supplier engagement activities across Air conditioning, HVAC, Mechanical & Engineering, Janitorial Services, Pest Control, Waste Management, Facilities Services, Office supplies.
This role reports to the Manufacturing and Real Estate Global Category Director and partners closely with Global ESG, Facilities, Real Estate, Legal and Finance teams to ensure effective sourcing, risk management, operational continuity and budget stability across electricity, gas, water, solar and related utilities.
What will you be doing?
- Category Execution & Sourcing
- Develop and execute business aligned Global Utilities Category Strategy
- Execute global and regional sourcing strategies for electricity, gas, water, solar and related utilities
- Lead RFPs, renegotiations, and contract renewals across assigned regions/sites
- Implement pricing models (fixed, flexible, indexed) in line with approved category strategy
- Ensure correct application of hedging windows
- Lead renewable sourcing events including REC, green certificates, solar and wind projects
- Partner with ESG team to deliver credible Scope 2 and decarbonization outcomes
- Lead sourcing and contracting projects covering scope of hard and soft Facilities Services
- Supplier & Contract Management
- Manage operational relationships with utilities, traders, and energy service providers
- Monitor supplier performance, pricing accuracy, and contractual compliance
- Resolve billing, settlement, and service issues in collaboration with internal stakeholders
- Cost & Risk Management
- Deliver savings, cost avoidance, and budget stability targets
- Support management of commodity price exposure and regulatory impacts
- Identify operational risks and elevate strategic issues to the Category Director
- Build market intelligence, analytical capability, and external benchmarking to share with internal stakeholders
- Ensure regulatory, contractual, and internal policy compliance across markets
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Act as the day-to-day procurement partner for global ESG, Facilities, Real Estate, Legal and Finance teams
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and consumption planning cycles
- Provide clear commercial input for site expansions, closures, and transitions
- Data, Analytics & Reporting
- Maintain consumption, cost, and contract data across global portfolio
- Support development of dashboards, trackers, and performance reporting
- Provide market insights and analytics to inform sourcing decisions
What will you need to be successful?
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, Supply Chain, or related field
- 8+ years of experience in procurement and minimum 3 years in utilities category management
- Solid understanding of electricity and gas markets and pricing mechanisms
- Experience running multi-country RFPs and contract negotiations
- Strong analytical, execution, and stakeholder management skills
Key Competencies
- Strong execution discipline and attention to detail
- Commercial and analytical mindset
- Ability to operate effectively in a regional and global matrix
- Collaborative and solution-oriented approach
- Strong business partnering
Benefits
- Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging.
- Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension schemes, Save As You Earn share options.
- Work/Life Balance: Flexible vacation and time off, paid holidays and paid volunteering hours.
- Your Wellbeing: Private health and dental plans, healthcare cash plans, income protection, life assurance and much more.
- Flexibility: Hybrid working model (for most professional roles).
- Training: Hands on, team customised, mentorship.
- Extra Perks: Discounts on gyms and fitness clubs, salary sacrifice bicycle and many other employee discounts.
Global Category Head of Utilities in Watford employer: Smith+Nephew
At Smith+Nephew, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions inclusion and belonging. As the Global Category Head of Utilities, you will benefit from generous bonuses, flexible working arrangements, and extensive training opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful projects that drive sustainability and operational excellence. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive health plans and unique perks, making this an ideal place for professionals seeking growth and impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Category Head of Utilities in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the utilities sector on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around energy management and supplier relationships. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Category Head of Utilities in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Global Category Manager Utilities role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in utilities, and any relevant projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the utilities category and how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team at Smith+Nap.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, be sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes in your previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get you into our system quickly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith+Nephew
✨Know Your Utilities Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of electricity, gas, and water markets. Understand pricing mechanisms and current trends in the utilities sector. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where you've used data analytics to drive decisions in procurement. Be ready to explain how you’ve managed supplier performance and resolved issues using analytical insights. This is crucial for demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Collaboration
Think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, especially in a global context. Highlight your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders, as this role requires strong business partnering skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like leading an RFP or managing a contract negotiation. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies, as this will showcase your execution discipline and attention to detail.
