Category Lead

About The Role

Due to a recent merger, National Grid is seeking a Lead Category Buyer within our new Generation Business Unit. This role reports to the Head of Procurement and Procurement Business Partner for National Grid Ventures. The Lead Category Buyer – Gas Turbines & Generation is responsible for developing and executing procurement and supply chain strategies for gas turbines, balance of plant equipment, long-term service agreements (LTSAs), outage services, and major generation packages across National Grid Ventures' portfolio.

What You'll Do

• Support VP and Director-level Procurement Business Partners in developing strategic relationships with Generation Business Unit stakeholders, ensuring procurement and supply chain requirements are aligned with business and project objectives.
• Develop and implement category strategies covering gas turbines, generators, major plant equipment, long-term service agreements, outage services, plant maintenance, and related generation technologies.
• Lead high-value procurement events for major generation projects, including repowering projects, peaking facilities, and lifecycle maintenance programs.
• Provide market intelligence on OEM capacity, manufacturing slot availability, technology developments, pricing trends, supply chain constraints, and supplier investment strategies.
• Develop and maintain executive-level relationships with key OEMs and suppliers including gas turbine manufacturers, service providers, and strategic equipment suppliers.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations, including equipment supply agreements, framework agreements, long-term service agreements (LTSAs), outage contracts, and strategic partnerships.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate key risks associated with generation supply chains, including manufacturing lead times, capacity constraints, inflationary pressures, geopolitical risks, and technology obsolescence.
• Work closely with Engineering, Asset Management, Operations, Project Delivery, and Commercial teams to develop procurement strategies that support project schedules, operational performance, and investment objectives.
• Drive supplier performance through structured contract and vendor management processes, focusing on safety, quality, delivery performance, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Support decarbonization and sustainability objectives by evaluating emerging generation technologies, alternative fuels, supply chain sustainability initiatives, and carbon reduction opportunities.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing category team, fostering a culture of commercial excellence, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Need

• Significant procurement and category management experience within power generation, energy infrastructure, industrial manufacturing, or related capital-intensive sectors.
• Deep understanding of gas turbine technologies, generation asset supply chains, and major equipment procurement strategies.
• Experience managing commercial engagements with major OEMs such as Siemens Energy, GE Vernova, Mitsubishi Power, Ansaldo Energia, or equivalent industrial suppliers.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating complex equipment supply agreements, long-term service agreements (LTSAs), framework agreements, and strategic supplier contracts.
• Strong understanding of generation project lifecycles, including development, EPC delivery, commissioning, operations, maintenance, and plant life extension activities.
• Proven ability to utilize market intelligence and category analytics to influence sourcing decisions and deliver strategic value.
• Experience managing supply chain risks associated with long-lead equipment, global manufacturing capacity constraints, and critical infrastructure projects.
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and executive stakeholder management capabilities.
• Experience leading and developing high-performing procurement teams.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior leadership, engineering teams, project teams, and supplier executives.
• Degree qualification in Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.