Senior Category Buyer

natgridProd • Waltham, MA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

National Grid is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to support and lead procurement activities for energy efficiency and customer-facing programs that support both New York and Massachusetts State energy goals and initiatives. This role partners closely with internal stakeholders across Energy Efficiency, Regulatory and Operations to ensure the timely, compliant, and cost-effective sourcing of services that support customer and regulatory program commitments. The ideal candidate brings strong procurement expertise, experience managing complex service categories, and a passion for advancing customer-focused energy solutions. Through business partnering, the procurement group enhances the relationship and from collaborative efforts bridges the gap of applying critical thinking, helping drive the goals of the company forward, providing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and risk mitigation efforts, while further evaluating our supplier base.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree (B.A or B.S) required; in supply chain or business management degree preferred
• 5+ Years experience in a procurement role
• Experience in the $10 – 20M spend range with contract and framework/multiyear agreements
• Demonstrated experience sourcing professional services, program delivery, or customer-related services.
• Strategic sourcing, contract negotiations and vendor management
• Strong interpersonal skills, specifically in communications across a multi-national and matrixed organization
• Working knowledge of ERP systems such as SAP and ARIBA
• Proficient in planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, and business analysis
• Ability to clearly articulate one’s position and be able to influence others
• An equivalent combination of education and extensive subject matter expertise along with procurement process experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education requirements listed above

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting energy efficiency, demand-side management, or customer incentive programs.
• Working knowledge of Power Bi and other data reporting systems
• Knowledge of utility regulatory requirements and audit expectations.
• Familiarity with sustainability, environmental compliance, or supplier diversity programs.
• Professional certification (CPSM, CIPS, CSCP, or similar).

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing and buying activities for energy efficiency and customer programs, including program delivery vendors, implementation contractors, engineering services, marketing vendors, software platforms, and incentive-related services.
• Execute competitive sourcing events (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations) in alignment with corporate procurement policies and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships, including performance management, issue resolution, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to translate program needs into clear scopes of work, commercial models, and supplier strategies.
• Coordinate with stakeholders by developing and maintaining relationships with business units and suppliers, while further understanding the needs and issues that each side faces. At times acting as the interface/bridge between both parties.
• Support contract negotiation, development, review, and execution, ensuring appropriate risk allocation, regulatory compliance, and value realization.
• Monitor market trends related to energy efficiency technologies, customer program delivery models, and supplier capabilities.
• Manage purchase orders, pricing updates, amendments, and renewal activities to support active programs.
• Ensure adherence to environmental and sustainability objectives where applicable.
• Act as a mentor to other buyers in the organization.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and annual incentive opportunity
• Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, retirement)
• Hybrid working model with flexibility
• Opportunities to support programs that deliver real customer and environmental impact

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior