Category Buyer

National Grid is hiring a Category Buyer in the NE & NY Procurement department in Syracuse, NY. We deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses, connecting people to the energy they need for their lives. As the pace of change accelerates, our expertise positions us to shape a sustainable future for the energy industry.

About the role

The Category Buyer is responsible for strategic procurement operations within the aligned business area. This role partners with the Capital Program Delivery Manager to develop and execute category and program strategies, working with National Grid business units to share supply chain insights, lead commercial negotiations, draft contracts, and manage suppliers. The role focuses on high-value, business-critical construction and engineering services, engaging at senior organizational levels to ensure delivery of business priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop category and program strategies, commercial recommendations, and execute sourcing strategies, including terms and conditions negotiation.
• Deliver multiple strategic sourcing events within the major projects portfolio, collaborating with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand, ensuring optimal delivery and commercial solutions.
• Support NE Capital Program Delivery by executing large-scale construction RFPs through strategic efforts.
• Profile category characteristics, research supply markets, suppliers, and assess trends, opportunities, and risks, feeding insights into Global teams and Market and Supplier Development teams.
• Manage tender events (SSP) for key products required by the business to deliver value.
• Work with Contract Managers and Procurement Program Managers to ensure successful delivery of contracted activities, identifying continuous improvement opportunities and maximizing value for money.
• Mentor and guide Buyers and Associate Buyers to adopt best-in-class procurement methodologies.
• Contribute to forward planning by identifying future requirements and ensuring robust forecasting to maximize procurement value.
• Build and manage complex commercial assessment models.
• Develop contracts, including making recommendations, amendments, and drafting new agreements.

Requirements

• Degree and 3+ years of experience required; equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Significant experience in strategic sourcing and category management.
• Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, MS Office applications, and AI tools.
• Understanding of project management principles, with experience managing multiple projects and delivering outstanding results.
• Ability to prepare for and lead negotiations.
• Experience managing $10M+ spend with contract and framework/multiyear agreements.
• Ability to travel to multiple locations across Massachusetts as needed.
• Experience with bidding construction projects (e.g., EPC, GMP, Design/Bid/Build) is a plus.

Pay

$82,000.00 - $96,000.00 USD annually.