Senior Category Buyer

At National Grid, we keep people connected and society moving. But it's so much more than that. National Grid supplies us with the environment to make it happen. As we generate momentum in the energy transition for all, we don't plan on leaving any of our customers in the dark. So, join us as a Senior Category Buyer, and find your superpower.

As a Senior Category Buyer
, you'll be at the heart of strategic procurement for some of the most critical and high-value projects in the business. This isn't just buying-it's shaping the future of our supply chain. You'll work hand-in-hand with the Category Manager to deliver innovative category strategies, provide expert insight to NG business units, and lead strategic sourcing events that set the standard for excellence.

From negotiating complex commercial agreements to drafting contracts and building strong supplier relationships, you'll play a pivotal role in securing world-class systems works and services. These aren't everyday purchases-they're multi-billion-pound projects that power the nation, including converters, transformers, marine HVDC cables, switch gear, and civil works.

Operating in a capital-intensive, nationally significant environment, you'll engage with senior stakeholders and suppliers to ensure delivery of business priorities. Expect complexity, scale, and challenge-procurements that span geographies, involve intricate risk profiles, and demand strategic thinking at every step.

If you're ready to influence outcomes that matter on a national level, this is your opportunity to make an impact.

This role is based out of our Warwick or Castle Donnington office
, and we'd hope to see you at least two days per week. We're happy to discuss any additional flexibility in working patterns or requirements that you feel could help to make this job work for you!

• Take ownership of developing category strategies and delivering commercial recommendations that drive real value. You'll lead the execution of sourcing strategies using best-in-class processes-from market engagement through to contract award.
• Run multiple high-impact sourcing events within your portfolio, challenging demand and collaborating with stakeholders to secure the best possible commercial outcomes for National Grid.
• Research supply markets, profile category characteristics, and identify trends, risks, and opportunities-feeding actionable insights into global teams and supplier development initiatives.
• Manage tender events for critical products and services, ensuring every procurement decision maximises value for money and supports business priorities.
• Partner with Contract Managers and Programme Managers to ensure smooth delivery of contracted activities, while identifying continuous improvement opportunities with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Be a role model for procurement excellence-mentoring Buyers and Associate Buyers to embed best-in-class methodologies across the organisation.
• Contribute to forward planning by forecasting future requirements and ensuring robust strategies are in place to deliver maximum value from every procurement.

• Ideally CIPS qualified (or equivalent).
• Significant experience in strategic sourcing and category management-preferably within a public, utilities or infrastructure sector context.
• A strong track record of delivering procurement services across the full lifecycle-from packaging nurturing strategies to contract awards.
• Solid understanding of project management principles and experience handling high-value procurements in complex environments.
• Ability to manage and optimise supply chains for maximum efficiency and value.
• Skilled in identifying and managing delivery and commercial risks, preparing for and leading negotiations, and building robust commercial assessment models.
• Experience in contract development-drafting new agreements and refining existing ones to meet evolving needs.
• Familiarity with project governance principles and their application in procurement.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with internal teams and suppliers to drive performance and deliver positive outcomes.

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies…