Senior Category Buyer

Senior Category Buyer

Location: Warwick or Castle Donington (Hybrid - 1 day per week on-site)

Day Rate: From* -550 (via Umbrella)

Duration: 12-Month Initial Contract

We''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 award
• Support the development and execution of category strategies aligned to business objectives
• Deliver high-value, complex procurement events, ensuring value for money and risk mitigation
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within supply chains
• Lead commercial negotiations and support contract development and optimisation
• Collaborate with programme and contract management teams to ensure successful delivery
• Mentor junior procurement professionals and promote best practice across the function

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience in strategic sourcing and category management
• Strong track record delivering complex, high-value procurement activities
• Experience managing end-to-end procurement lifecycle, including tenders and contract awards
• Commercially astute, with strong negotiation and supplier management skills
• Ability to operate effectively in regulated or structured governance environments
• Understanding of contract development and commercial risk management
• CIPS qualified (or working towards) preferred

Desirable:

• Background in utilities, infrastructure, engineering, oil & gas, or construction
• Experience supporting capital projects or large-scale transformation programmes
• Exposure to complex supply chains with limited supplier markets

If 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. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.

Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone''s chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.