Associate Buyer, Category Management

Team

Procurement and Contract Management

Business Unit

Procurement

Requisition No.

8306

City

Waltham, US, 02451

Date posted

30 April 2026

# Associate Buyer, Category Management

At National Grid we are committed to delivering safe and reliable energy to the customers and communities we serve. We are one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We are proud of the contributions our work and our people make to the prosperity and wellbeing of our customers, communities, and investors.

National Grid has embarked on ambitious capital projects and construction program designed to build the infrastructure to enable our renewable electric future. Projects include upgrades to transmission lines, substations and distribution network infrastructure that will support renewable energy and reliability initiatives and other programs.

National Grid has a focus on providing electricity and gas to millions of its existing customers, by continuously updating its infrastructure to provide the most safe and reliable system.

About the Role

Reporting into a Category Manager (Band D), the Associate Category Buyer is part of the team responsible for strategic procurement operations within the aligned business area(s). The role will assist Senior Category Buyers and Category Managers in delivery of Category strategies.

What You'll Do

The Associate Category Buyer is accountable for the support of multiple strategic sourcing activities within their portfolio, working with the Senior Category Buyer and Category Manager to understand and challenge demand, set sourcing strategy, and deliver events from market engagement through to award. The Associate Category Buyer will own several sourcing events which they manage from start to finish. The Associate Category Buyer will also be responsible for reviewing and executing different types of contractual documents

- Support and manage multiple strategic sourcing activities within portfolio, working with Senior Category Buyers, Category Managers and with stakeholders to understand and challenge demand and ensure the best possible solutions for National Grid. This includes gathering quotes, comparing costs, and validating vendor proposals.

- Support Senior Category Buyers and Category Manager in developing category characteristics, researching supply markets, suppliers and assessing trends, opportunities and risks. Feedback insights to Category Managers and Senior Buyers to drive the continuous improvement of category strategy and procurement performance.

- 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.

- Review and issue purchase orders to ensure accurate quantities, pricing, and delivery timelines.

- Onboard suppliers, gather required documentation, initiate requests in onboarding system, and assist tactical procurement in completion of onboarding as needed.

- Work with Strategic Supplier Management to hand over any new contracts, ensure relevant KPI’s and delivery metrics are clearly articulated.

- Contribute to an effective forward planning process by identifying future requirements of supported areas and ensure robust forecasting is put in place that maximises value of goods / services procured.

- Scope and develop regional contractual agreements that meet the customer stakeholder requirements and expectations.

- Work with multiple different stakeholder groups to ensure all required approvals and reviews are complete.

What You'll Need

- Experience of strategic sourcing and category management.

- An understanding of legal documentation and ability to assemble contract packages for execution.

- An understanding of project management principles and ideally evidence of managing multiple projects and consistently delivering outstanding results.

- Basic sourcing concepts (RFQs, cost comparisons, vendor selection criteria).

- Lead times and their impact on availability.

- Cost components (cost, margin, markup, freight, landed cost).

- Basic Excel functions, ability to analyze data and display for presentation

Annual Salary

$71,000-$83,000

National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring.

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.

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.