Graduate Development Program, Associate Category Buyer, Procurement

National Grid Plc; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship program

In-depth orientation

Job summary

National Grid’s Graduate Development Program (GDP) offers a year‑long path for new graduates to lead in a dynamic energy sector. You'll gain exposure to category management, commercial negotiation, and systems analytics while rotating through procurement teams across NY and MA.

Expect a 3‑week orientation, mentorship, and a hands‑on Hackathon project, with a salary range of $70,000–$89,000 per year and comprehensive benefits. Locations include Albany, Syracuse, Brooklyn, Hicksville, or Waltham.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in supply chain, business, operations management, information technology, or a related field.
• Graduated between May 2026 and June 2027.
• Ability to begin the National Grid GDP on June 7, 2027, or July 12, 2027.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving history.
• Work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Category Management: execute operational sourcing activities (RFX, e-sourcing, or consortiums).
• Commercial Negotiation: establish structured negotiation plans with senior staff.
• Systems & Analytics: adapt to ERP systems such as SAP, Tableau, Ariba, and Spend Analytics.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in related field

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Tableau

Spend Analytics

Job description

Graduate Development Program, Associate Category Buyer, Procurement

About the Position

As the Associate Category Buyer, you will be responsible for supporting National Grid’s sourcing activities for US Procurement. You'll be an integral member of the team and deliver innovative thinking to help our categories and stakeholders make effective sourcing decisions.

As an Associate Category Buyer, you'll be responsible for one of 3 teams: NY/NE Gas, Electric and Group Indirect Procurement. You'll work with internal and external stakeholders to establish clear business needs, along with supporting the delivery of savings targets. You'll gain a basic understanding of contractual terms and conditions by allowing you then to craft structured agreements with legal and stakeholder input. Lastly, you'll gain an understanding of how to analyze large data sets and extract information for strategic decision-making.

Location: This position can be based in Albany or Syracuse, New York; Brooklyn or Hicksville, New York; or Waltham, Massachusetts.

What You'll Do

As the Associate Category Buyer, you'll be responsible for different areas: Category Management, Commercial, Negotiation, Supplier Relationship Management, and Systems & Analytics.

Category Management

Execute operationally, complex sourcing activities; implement more than one option: RFX (Request forX), e-sourcing, or Consortiums.

Commercial Negotiation

Establish structured negotiation plans (with support of Senior staff) with clarity of desired outcomes, leveraging stakeholder input and support where appropriate.

Identify critical suppliers and create appropriate engagement plans to ensure our Supply Chain risk profile and inputs to continuous improvement are proactively managed.

Demonstrate a collaborative approach with the supply base and develop integrated plans to drive appropriate value for business and customer requirements.

Systems & Analytics

Adapt to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Tableau, Ariba, and Spend Analytics

What You’ll Need to Apply

• Bachelors or Master's degree from an accredited institution. Preferably in supply chain, business, operations management, information technology, or a related field.
• Graduated between May 2026 and June 2027
• Ability to begin the National Grid Graduate Program on June 7, 2027, or July 12, 2027
• Valid driver’s license required with a safe driving history that meets National Grid’s Safe Driver policy
• Work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States (such as sponsorship for an H-1B, TN, O, L, STEM OPT, or other employment-based work authorization)

It would be awesome if you had

• Experience with SAP, Ariba, Tableau, Spend Analytics, or other business, procurement, or reporting systems.
• Experience with strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, category management, or project management through coursework, internships, student organizations, or other leadership experiences.
• Familiarity with software development processes, networks, data and process flows, or other technology concepts that support procurement and supplier engagements.

What You’ll Get in Return

• Structured development opportunities, mentorship, and ongoing feedback to accelerate your career growth
• Exposure to leaders, cross-functional teams, and diverse areas of the business
• Opportunities to build your professional network and develop lasting industry connections
• Meaningful work and real-world experience that provide a strong foundation for a long‑term career at National Grid
• Competitive salary ranging from $70,000 to $89,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package

National Grid’s Graduate Development Program (GDP) is a year-long development program for recent college graduates who aspire to take on future leadership roles in a dynamic, ever‑changing industry. Graduates will shape the future of National Grid. Bringing fresh thinking, new perspectives, and exploring with energy, we’ll give you real responsibility and an opportunity to move with purpose from day one – putting the power to supercharge your career in your hands.

Graduates start their careers at National Grid with an in-depth 3‑week in‑person Orientation which gives you exposure to all parts of the company, allows you to network with your Graduate cohort, GDP alumni, and senior leaders, and provides you with the opportunity to travel throughout our service territory in the northeast US. Following Orientation, you’ll begin working in the full‑time position outlined below and take part in robust in‑person and virtual development activities throughout the year. This includes monthly development sessions, active mentorship, and an intensive and immersive “Hackathon Project” where you “hack” a real‑world National Grid problem.

Procurement Rotations

Graduates in our Procurement teams will take part in a rotational exploration opportunity. Your first year will be in the role outlined below, following your first year you will have the opportunity to have one 9‑month rotation in Procurement designed to provide you with a breadth of experience within your functional area and accelerate your progression at National Grid. This placement will provide you with the opportunity to solve complex problems and focus on growth that will transform the energy sector as we know it.

About National Grid

National Grid is the critical energy infrastructure company, operating the electricity and gas networks and infrastructures that connects millions of people to the energy they use every day, supporting homes, businesses and communities across Massachusetts and New York.

We know the future of energy won’t be shaped by what we know today. It will be shaped by what’s possible tomorrow. That’s why we’re investing in the next generation of talent, giving undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to learn from experts, gain hands‑on experience and contribute to work that matters from day one.

Are you ready to unlock the power of the possible?

More Information

Salary Range
Locations: Albany & Syracuse, NY | Brooklyn & Hicksville, NY | Waltham, MA $70,000 - $89,000 a year

National Grid will not be providing visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. You must have the ability to work without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

Please note US Colleagues must reside within our existing footprint, which includes Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont. As a National Grid employee, you should also reside within a reasonable, commutable distance to your assigned primary office.

Applications close on December 1, 2026. As we review applications on a rolling basis, this posting may close earlier if we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications. Early application is encouraged.

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.

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.

On the ground, keeping energy flowing

National Grid operates in both the UK and US, with a broad portfolio of energy businesses dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and sustainable power.

From electricity and gas transmission to advancing clean energy and modernising grids, our work covers every aspect of the energy system.

Our energy flows through absolutely everything we do

Life here at National Grid is more than just our purpose or our values, it’s everything we put into everything we do. It’s our commitment to diversity and inclusion; how we help our employees learn and grow; and how we partner with and support the communities where we live and work. It’s all this, and so much more.

We leverage our collective strengths to do meaningful BIG work so that we can be at the heart of a fair and affordable energy future.

Your salary is reviewed each year against the market for your role, skills, knowledge and experience.

Incentive

Annual performance plan or bonus (depending on your role) rewards your contribution to our success each year.

Retirement

Generous pension plan with company contributions up to 12%.

Private medical insurance for self and family.