Category Buyer

National Grid; Waltham (MA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

National Grid is hiring a Category Buyer in the NE region. The role leads strategic procurement for high-value construction and engineering services, partnering with the Capital Program Delivery Manager to drive category strategies and supplier negotiations.

The position requires 3+ years in strategic sourcing with a strong ERP/Excel skill set, and willingness to travel across MA locations. A degree or equivalent experience is acceptable, with earnings in the $82k–$96k USD range.

Qualifications

• Degree and 3+ years of experience required. Equivalent experience in lieu of a Degree will also be considered.
• Significant experience of strategic sourcing and category management required.
• Highly proficient in Excel, Powerpoint, MS office applications, AI.
• An understanding of project management principles and ideally evidence of managing multiple projects and consistently delivering outstanding results.
• Ability to prepare for and to lead negotiations. Experience in $10M spend range with contract and framework/multiyear agreements.
• Ability to travel to multiple locations across MA as needed.
• Ability to build and manage complex commercial assessment models.
• Experience of contract development, including the ability to make recommendations and amendments to existing contracts as well as drafting new ones.
• Experience with bidding construction projects is a plus (EPC, EPC, GMP, Design/Bid/Build, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Develop category/program strategies and commercial recommendations.
• Lead sourcing events and supplier negotiations.
• Support Capital Program Delivery with large-scale construction RFPs.
• Profile category characteristics and research supply markets.
• Deliver value by managing tender events for key products.
• Collaborate with Contract Managers to ensure delivery of contracted activities.
• Mentor Buyers to ensure best-in-class methodologies.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Category management

Excel

PowerPoint

MS Office

Project management

Negotiation

Travel ability

Contract development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About us

National Grid is hiring a Category Buyer in the NE

Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating, and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.

To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.

Job Purpose

The Category Buyer is responsible for strategic procurement operations within the aligned business area. The role will partner the Capital Program Delivery Manager in delivery of Category/Program strategies, working with the NG business units to share supply chain insight and recommendations, award Contracts from leading strategic sourcing events, leading commercial negotiations, drafting contract through to engaging and managing suppliers.

This Category Buyer roles is accountable for high value, business critical construction and engineering services, engaging at senior levels of the organization to ensure delivery of business priorities. We are recruiting for this role in Direct Category Management.

Key Accountabilities

• Accountable for the development of category/program strategies, commercial recommendations, terms and conditions negotiation and execution of sourcing strategy. This role is within large scale construction category executes standardized strategic sourcing processes from market engagement through to award, ensuring goods / services are procured in a best-in-class manner that drives value.
• Deliver multiple strategic sourcing events within the major projects portfolio, working with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand and ensure the best possible delivery and commercial solutions for National Grid.
• Support NE Capital Program Delivery, executing large scale construction RFPs through a variety of strategic efforts.
• Profile category characteristics and research supply markets, suppliers and assess trends, opportunities and risks feeding insights into the Global teams and Market and Supplier Development teams.
• Delivering value by effectively managing tender events (SSP) for key products required by the business.
• Work with Contract Managers and/ or Procurement Program Managers to ensure the successful delivery of contracted activities, identifying continuous improvement category opportunities through engagement with suppliers and stakeholders, and maximizing value for money from contracts awarded.
• Role model excellence in procurement standards, taking a proactive role in mentoring providing guidance to Buyers and Associate Buyers to ensure best-in-class methodologies are adopted and utilized across National Grid Procurement.
• Contribute to an effective forward planning process by identifying future requirements of supported areas and ensure robust forecasting is put in place that maximizes value of goods/ services procured.

Qualifications

• Degree and 3+ years of experience required. Equivalent experience in lieu of a Degree will also be considered.
• Significant experience of strategic sourcing and category management required.
• Highly proficient in Excel, Powerpoint, MS office applications, AI.
• An understanding of project management principles and ideally evidence of managing multiple projects and consistently delivering outstanding results.
• Ability to prepare for and to lead negotiations. Experience in $10M spend range with contract and framework/multiyear agreements.
• Ability to travel to multiple locations across MA as needed.
• Ability to build and manage complex commercial assessment models.
• Experience of contract development, including the ability to make recommendations and amendments to existing contracts as well as drafting new ones.
• Experience with bidding construction projects is a plus (EPC, EPC, GMP, Design/Bid/Build, etc.).

More Information

Salary: $82,000.00 - $96,000.00 USD annually

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring. For more information, please view NYC Local Law 144.

This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.

National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.
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