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

Student loan repayment assistance (upu

Tuition reimbursement undergraduate up

Tuition reimbursement graduate up to $

Job summary

National Grid is seeking an Associate Category Buyer for the US Procurement team. You will support sourcing activities across NY/NE Gas, Electric, and Group Indirect Procurement, gaining exposure to contracts and data-driven decision making.

You’ll work with ERP systems including SAP, Tableau, Ariba, and Spend Analytics, contributing to category management, negotiations, and supplier relationships as part of the GDP program starting in mid-2027. Ability to travel within service areas is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related field.
• Graduation between May 2026 and June 2027 is expected.
• Ability to start GDP on June 7, 2027 or July 12, 2027.
• Valid driver’s license and safe driving history.
• Work authorization in the US without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Category Management: execute complex sourcing activities and implement multiple options (RFX, e-sourcing, or consortiums).
• Commercial Negotiation: establish structured negotiation plans with stakeholder input.
• Supplier Relationship Management: identify key suppliers and create engagement plans to manage supply chain risk.
• Systems & Analytics: work with SAP, Tableau, Ariba, and Spend Analytics.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Analytical ability

Stakeholder management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in supply chain, business, operations management, information technology

Tools

SAP

Ariba

Tableau

Spend Analytics

Job description

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.

Supplier Relationship Management

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
• Financial support for your future through up to $6,000 in student loan repayment assistance and tuition reimbursement benefits of up to $8,000 annually for undergraduate studies and $10,000 annually for graduate studies

About the Graduate Development Program

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‑off 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.

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