Senior Category Buyer

Senior Category BuyerLocation: Warwick or Castle Donington (Hybrid - 1 day per week on-site)Day Rate: From £550 (via Umbrella)Duration: 12-Month Initial ContractWe're supporting a leading UK energy transmission and infrastructure organisation in the search for a Senior Category Buyer to play a key role in delivering strategic procurement across major infrastructure programmes. This is an opportunity to work on nationally significant, high-value projects, shaping supply chain strategy and driving commercial outcomes across complex, capital-intensive categories.The Role:As a Senior Category Buyer, you will operate at the centre of strategic sourcing activity, working closely with Category Managers and senior stakeholders to deliver end-to-end procurement across critical categories. You will lead sourcing events, develop category strategies, and negotiate complex commercial agreements to secure best value while managing risk.This role sits within a highly regulated, large-scale environment, offering exposure to technically complex procurements across areas such as engineering equipment, infrastructure, and associated services.Key Responsibilities:Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, from market engagement through to contract awardSupport the development and execution of category strategies aligned to business objectivesDeliver high-value, complex procurement events, ensuring value for money and risk mitigationBuild and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliersConduct market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within supply chainsLead commercial negotiations and support contract development and optimisationCollaborate with programme and contract management teams to ensure successful deliveryMentor junior procurement professionals and promote best practice across the functionKey Requirements:Proven experience in strategic sourcing and category managementStrong track record delivering complex, high-value procurement activitiesExperience managing end-to-end procurement lifecycle, including tenders and contract awardsCommercially astute, with strong negotiation and supplier management skillsAbility to operate effectively in regulated or structured governance environmentsUnderstanding of contract development and commercial risk managementCIPS qualified (or working towards) preferredDesirable:Background in utilities, infrastructure, engineering, oil & gas, or constructionExperience supporting capital projects or large-scale transformation programmesExposure to complex supply chains with limited supplier marketsIf this opportunity is of interest, apply now with an up-to-date CV for consideration!Note - if you do not hear back within 48 hours of applying, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion, however, we will have your CV and contact details on files should something more suitable arise.We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process.

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