Category Specialist

UK Power Networks; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK energy provider seeks a dynamic Category Specialist in London to drive procurement for direct services and materials. The role involves developing sourcing strategies, influencing stakeholders, and managing supplier relationships. Candidates should be degree-educated, ideally working towards CIPS, with strong leadership and analytical skills. The position offers a blended work model, competitive salary, and generous benefits, including a 7.5% bonus and extensive professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

7.5% bonus

25 days annual leave

Generous pension

Gym discounts

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Degree-educated and working towards (or achieved) CIPS.
• Proven experience leading end-to-end procurement for multi-million-pound projects.
• Confident communicator who can influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support category leads and manage a portfolio of direct works.
• Develop category sourcing strategies, maximizing value and savings.
• Build strong relationships with partners, suppliers, and contractors.
• Champion innovation and compliance with governance.
• Play a key role in supplier management and strategic partnerships.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Stakeholder influence

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Time management

IT literacy

Education

Degree in relevant field

CIPS or equivalent

Tools

SAP

UVDB

Job description

Category Specialist – Directs Procurement

UK Power Networks – London (Elephant & Castle)

Are you a dynamic procurement professional ready to make a real impact? Join our award-winning, CIPS Platinum accredited team at UK Power Networks and help deliver a world-class procurement service that drives the net zero transition for all!

Qualifications & Requirements

• Degree-educated and working towards (or achieved) CIPS or equivalent
• Proven experience leading end-to-end procurement for multi-million pound projects
• Confident communicator who can influence senior stakeholders
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, project, and time management skills
• IT literate (SAP and UVDB knowledge a plus)

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary (based on experience) + 7.5% bonus
• Blended working: 3 days in our vibrant London office, 2 days remote (after probation)
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
• Generous pension (up to 10% employer contribution)
• Reservist leave, tenancy loan, season ticket loan
• Tax‑efficient benefits: Cycle to Work, Home & Tech, Green Car Leasing
• Occupational health, employee assistance, gym discounts, and more!

What you'll do

• Support category leads and manage a portfolio of direct works, services, and materials
• Develop and deliver category sourcing strategies, maximizing value and driving cost savings
• Build strong relationships with partners, suppliers, and contractors
• Champion innovation, continuous improvement, and compliance with governance and legislation
• Play a key role in supplier management, contract lifecycle, and strategic partnerships