Category Specialist (Elephant and Castle, GB)

Career Opportunity: Category Specialist - Directs Procurement at UK Power Networks

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated procurement professional to join the Capital Programme team at UK Power Networks in their London (Elephant & Castle) office. As a permanent employee, you will play a vital role within a CIPS Platinum accredited procurement function, contributing to a world-class procurement service. This role offers a competitive salary, a 7.5% bonus, and the flexibility of blended working after a successful probationary period.

What's in it for you?

This Category Specialist position presents a compelling set of advantages for aspiring procurement professionals:

• Career Growth within a Leading Organization: Join a highly reputable company with a CIPS Platinum accreditation, signifying excellence in procurement practices. This environment fosters professional development and provides exposure to best-in-class procurement strategies.
• Impactful Role in Critical Projects: You'll be instrumental in delivering procurement services for the Capital Programme, directly contributing to the company's vision of being a sustainable, cost-efficient, and net-zero enabling organization. Your work will have tangible results.
• Financial Rewards and Benefits: The role offers a competitive salary, a 7.5% bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes generous annual leave, a strong pension scheme with significant employer contributions, and various tax-efficient schemes to enhance your financial well-being.
• Work-Life Balance: The opportunity for blended working (3 days in the office, 2 remote) after the initial probationary period offers a good balance between collaborative office environment and the flexibility of remote work.
• Continuous Learning and Development: The emphasis on industry best practices and supporting the net-zero transition means you'll be at the forefront of procurement innovation, constantly expanding your knowledge and skills.

Key Considerations for Candidates

To thrive in this role and maximize your career trajectory, consider the following:

• Procurement Lifecycle Expertise: The role requires experience managing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for significant projects. Candidates with a proven track record in category sourcing, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and lifecycle management will be well-suited.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Influence: Success hinges on your ability to build strong relationships with partners, suppliers, and contractors. You'll need excellent communication and presentation skills to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels, including senior partners.
• Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Identifying cost reduction opportunities, driving performance improvements, and developing robust category strategies are core to this position. A strong analytical mindset and the ability to translate data into actionable insights will be crucial.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: UK Power Networks values a proactive approach to problem-solving and a dedication to ongoing enhancement of processes and outcomes. Demonstrating a "continuous improvement mindset" will be a key differentiator.
• Professional Qualifications: While a degree is beneficial, actively working towards or holding a CIPS qualification (or equivalent) is highly regarded. This demonstrates a commitment to professional development within the procurement field.
• Adaptability and Governance: You will need to operate effectively within corporate and regulatory governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with legislation while also being dynamic and adaptable in your approach to procurement.
• IT Proficiency: A high level of IT literacy is expected, with experience in procurement systems like SAP and UVDB being a significant advantage.

This Category Specialist role at UK Power Networks offers a rewarding path for procurement professionals looking to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking organization. By leveraging your existing skills and embracing the opportunities for growth, you can build a successful and impactful career.