Buyer, Category Management

About the Role An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Buyer to join our team on a Full Time, Permanent basis with a Hybrid work schedule! This is a global role working with international suppliers. This opportunity is based at our Hicksville, Long Island NY offices. The Category Buyer is responsible for strategic procurement operations within the aligned business area. The role will partner the Category Manager in delivery of Category strategies, working with the NG business units to share supply chain insight and recommendations, award contracts from leading strategic sourcing events, lead commercial negotiations, draft contracts through to engaging and managing suppliers. The Category Buyer is accountable for high‑value, business‑critical goods and services, engaging at senior levels of the organization to ensure delivery of business priorities. We are recruiting for this role in Direct Category Management. What You’ll Do Accountable for the development of category strategies, commercial recommendations and execution of sourcing strategy. For the allocated category, execute 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 your portfolio, working with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand and ensure the best possible commercial solutions for National Grid. Support the overall development and delivery of assigned category strategy and share best practice across other category teams. Profile category characteristics and research supply markets, assess trends, opportunities and risks, feeding insights into the Global teams and Market and Supplier Development teams. Deliver value by effectively managing tender events for key products required by the business. Work with Contract Managers and/or Procurement Program Managers to ensure the successful delivery of contracted activities, identify continuous improvement category opportunities through engagement with suppliers and stakeholders, and maximize 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 ensuring robust forecasting is put in place that maximizes value of goods/services procured. What You’ll Need Degree or equivalent experience Significant experience of strategic sourcing and category management Highly proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, MS Office applications Understanding of project management principles and evidence of managing multiple projects and consistently delivering outstanding results Ability to prepare for and lead negotiations Ability to travel to multiple locations across Long Island as needed Ability to build and manage complex commercial assessment models Experience of contract development, including making recommendations and amendments to existing contracts as well as drafting new ones More Information Annual Salary: $87,000-$102,000 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. Equal Employment Opportunity 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr National Grid