Procurement Category Specialist

Job Description

Centrica are going through an exciting period of change. We’re evolving to become a truly purpose-led organisation, helping millions of customers to live more sustainably, simply, and affordably. We truly believe that we have a huge role to play in helping the nation to cut carbon emissions and prepare for a net zero future, and it’s a role we are immensely proud of.

An opportunity to play your part. The role of the Procurement Category Specialist is to create and implement a Category strategy through collaboration with stakeholders and Category leaders, aiming to carry out procurement projects that deliver the optimal commercial results for Centrica.

The Day to Day

• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders to establish a strategic plan for procurement activities, taking into account new business requirements, business strategy, emerging risks, and expiring contracts with suppliers

• Utilize a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, incorporating tools such as Porters Five Forces and Kraljic, as well as cost drivers specific to the goods/services/technology in question, to formulate the category strategy

• Work collaboratively with business stakeholders to devise effective go-to-market strategies

• Assume a leadership role in the execution of procurement tenders in alignment with the category strategy

• Lead commercial negotiations adeptly

• Take the lead in drafting and negotiating contracts, collaborating closely with Commercial Legal and specialized legal teams

• Develop Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) initiatives in accordance with the Centrica SRM framework

• Oversee the contract governance process in collaboration with business stakeholders, including the Group Contracts Committee

• Effectively manage risk in partnership with risk subject matter experts (SME teams)

• Manage and optimize the supplier base within the category, encompassing buying channels and the category playbook, to facilitate tactical sourcing

• Collaborate extensively across the Procurement Function to ensure the delivery of the optimal experience for stakeholders

About You

• A degree in procurement, business, or a related field, or relevant work experience (2+ years working in a large-scale procurement organization)

• Possession of MCIPS or ISM certifications is advantageous but not mandatory

• Proficiency in translating stakeholder requirements and market dynamics into a well-defined category strategy

• Strategic thinking capabilities and the ability to communicate how the category strategy aligns with business needs

• Strong knowledge of effectively navigating market dynamics

• Proficiency in commercial and negotiation skills

• Capability to effectively manage key suppliers to preserve value achieved through negotiation and sourcing

• Competent in stakeholder management

• Strong negotiation skills

• Proficiency in influencing without direct authority

• Skilful in managing upward relationships

• Expertise in project management

What's in it for you

• Competitive salary and bonus potential

• Employee Energy Allowance at 15% of the government price cap

• Pension scheme

• Company Funded Healthcare Plan

• 25 days holiday allowance, plus public holidays, and the option to buy up to 5 additional days

• Excellent range of flexible benefits, including technology vouchers, electric car lease scheme & travel insurance

At Centrica we embrace diversity and actively seek to attract individuals with unique backgrounds and perspectives. To build a more sustainable future, we need the best team – a team with a diverse mix of people and skills, where everyone feels welcome and able to succeed. We are dedicated in helping to close the diversity gap and would love to see more females, people of colour and LGBTQ+ employees, as well as those from a variety of cultures and ethnicity to veterans and the differently abled. Supporting diversity and inclusion is a big part of who we are, we are not looking for people to fit into our culture but to add to it!

PLEASE APPLY ONLINE by hitting the 'Apply' button.

Applications will ONLY be accepted via the ‘Apply’ button.

This role is being handled by the Centrica recruitment team and NO agency contact is required.