Category Assistant

Sizewell C; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% CIP bonus

28 days holiday

Bank holidays

Pension up to 7.5% employee

Employer 15%

Professional development

Lifestyle benefits

Job summary

Sizewell C in London (Hybrid) is seeking a Category Assistant to support the Category Manager in Professional Services, focusing on P2P processes and contract administration within a major national infrastructure programme.

You will work under the Category Manager, handling P2P guidance, governance, and stakeholder support across the Professional Services area, with collaboration across the procurement function.

Qualifications

• P2P or highly processed environment experience
• Able to work under pressure and tight timeframes
• Good commercial acumen and data analysis
• Stakeholder interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Confident in guiding stakeholders on process matters

Responsibilities

• Supporting day to day contract administration
• Working with stakeholders and suppliers on P2P process
• Processing payment certificates in line with contract requirements
• Supporting Task Orders and governance processes
• Maintaining accurate procurement records
• Using systems including Microsoft and SAP
• Monitoring procurement performance and escalating issues
• Collaborating with onshore and offshore colleagues

Job description

Catergory Assistant

Location: Hybrid, London, 25 Copthall Avenue (minimum 3 days per week onsite).

Employment type: Permanent full-time.

Salary: Circa £32,000 per annum -dependent on experience

Benefits

• 5% CIP bonus
• 28 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Contributory pension of up to 7.5% employee/15% employer
• Ongoing professional development
• Other lifestyle benefits

Closing date: 30th September 2026

Job Purpose

The Category Assistant - Professional Services' will provide essential support to the Category Manager - Professional Services' by playing a key part in ensuring effective contract administration and delivery of procure to pay (P2P) process activities, supporting the wider business in the delivery of a major national infrastructure programme.

Working under the direction of the Category Manager - Professional Services', the Category Assistant will be responsible for leading on the delivery of P2P processes and administration, providing guidance and support to stakeholders on P2P and related processes and governance in relation to the scope of activities in the Professional Services area.

Nature and Scope

Sitting within the Procurement Indirects Team, the Category Assistant role is a very important role within the team, enabling strong supplier and stakeholder relationships to be built from a foundation of smooth and efficient processing and management of P2P documentation. The Category Assistant is encouraged to adopt a continuous improvement approach, identifying and raising to the Category Manager - Professional Services' areas within their accountability where efficiencies could be obtained.

The Category Assistant will work closely with colleagues across the procurement function, its stakeholders and suppliers, advising on procurement related P2P processes and procedures within the category they operate within, supporting assessments and valuations, processing payment notices, maintaining accurate procurement records and using systems such as SAP. The Category Assistant shall also work closely and pro-actively with other Category Assistants and stakeholders at all levels within SZC.

Principal Accountabilities

The Category Assistant is responsible for supporting P2P Procurement activities in relation to the Professional Services category. Although this is the main focus for the category, the Category Assistant will also support the Category Manager - Professional Services' with Category Assistant related activities on other smaller categories, which may include, but are not limited to one or more of the following: Insurance, Finance & Treasury and Legal.

Whilst the Category Assistant will work within the Professional Services category, it is encouraged that Category Assistants share knowledge and skills and support each other as appropriate across the wider Indirects team, including providing cover for each other's absence from work for reasons such as annual leave and sickness.

Growth within the team is important to SZC, so the responsible Category Manager is encouraged to develop those within their team and give them the opportunity to grow in their role, gain experience and knowledge in best practice Procurement, such that they can progress within the department should they want to.

The Category Assistant is responsible and accountable for:

• Supporting day to day contract administration
• Working within and assisting stakeholders and suppliers with P2P process
• Processing payment certificates in line with contract requirements
• Supporting Task Orders and associated governance processes
• Maintaining accurate procurement and audit ready records
• Using systems including Microsoft and SAP
• Monitoring procurement performance and escalating issues early
• Providing general procurement support to the Category Manager and wider team
• Working with a combination of both onshore and offshore colleagues and stakeholders

The Category Assistant will work with collaborative behaviours, in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation with all parties in SZC, thereby adopting a positive and proactive work ethic.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Working towards CIPS accreditation or educated to relevant degree level would be advantageous
• Prior experience in a P2P or highly processed environment
• Able to work under pressure and tight timeframes
• Good commercial acumen and competent in data analysis
• Ability to identify and elevate matters affecting finance or service quality
• Good stakeholder interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Confidence in guiding stakeholders and colleagues on process matters in a clear and concise manner
• Previous experience of building relationships and learning new skills in a transformation and change environment would be advantageous