Senior Category Manager - Utilities- Energy

As a Senior Category Manager in the Utilities and Energy sector, you''ll take charge of managing procurement strategies to ensure value for money and sustainability. Working from Leeds, you''ll play a crucial role in driving efficient supply chain operations within a not-for-profit organisation.

Client Details

A corporate organisation looking to grow their procurement function

Description

As Lead Procurement Category Manager, you will take ownership of the Utilities category, developing and executing procurement strategies that optimise energy expenditure, mitigate risk and support the organisation''s long-term environmental goals.

You will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, manage complex supplier relationships, negotiate major contracts and provide expert market insight to ensure the business remains commercially competitive while progressing towards its sustainability ambitions.

Categories may include:

• Electricity procurement and energy trading
• Natural gas procurement
• Renewable energy sourcing
• Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
• Energy hedging and risk management
• Water and wastewater services
• Utility infrastructure projects
• Metering and energy management services
• Carbon reduction and sustainability initiatives
• Energy consultancy and specialist support services
• Renewable generation and low-carbon technologies

This role requires an understanding of energy markets, supplier dynamics, regulatory developments and sustainability strategies.

Category Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement long-term Utilities and Energy category strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Create category plans that deliver cost optimisation, supply security and sustainability outcomes.
• Leverage market intelligence and sector expertise to identify commercial opportunities and risks.
• Establish procurement roadmaps supporting energy resilience and environmental commitments.
• Provide thought leadership on energy procurement best practice and market developments.

Energy Procurement & Risk Management

• Lead the procurement of electricity, gas and utility services across the organisation.
• Manage energy purchasing strategies and support energy risk management activities.
• Monitor wholesale energy markets and provide commercial recommendations.
• Support the development and execution of hedging strategies where appropriate.
• Deliver procurement solutions that balance cost, risk and operational requirements.

Renewable Energy & Sustainability

• Lead strategic renewable energy sourcing initiatives.
• Manage tenders and negotiations for Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and renewable energy projects.
• Support the delivery of sustainability and net-zero objectives.
• Identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact through procurement-led initiatives.
• Collaborate with sustainability and property teams to develop innovative decarbonisation programmes.

Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Delivery

• Lead complex sourcing exercises and tender programmes.
• Negotiate high-value, strategically important agreements.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and value improvements.
• Manage contract renewals and supplier transitions.
• Support major capital investment and infrastructure programmes.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with utility providers, energy suppliers and strategic partners.
• Create supplier governance and performance management frameworks.
• Drive supplier innovation and continuous improvement.
• Evaluate supplier capability, risk and market positioning.
• Ensure supplier performance meets contractual and operational requirements.

Stakeholder Management

• Partner with senior stakeholders across Operations, Property, Sustainability and Finance.
• Act as the trusted advisor for all utilities and energy procurement matters.
• Influence decision-making through strong commercial analysis and market expertise.
• Present business cases and procurement recommendations to leadership teams.
• Support organisational transformation and strategic initiatives..

Profile

A successful Senior Category Manager should have:

We''re looking for a procurement professional who combines strong commercial capability with deep utilities and energy market knowledge.

Essential Experience

• Significant experience within Utilities or Energy Procurement.
• Strong understanding of energy markets, purchasing strategies and risk management.
• Experience managing complex utility contracts and supplier negotiations.
• Proven ability to develop and implement category strategies.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong commercial and analytical capability.
• Experience delivering measurable savings and business value.
• Ability to operate effectively within a complex and evolving environment.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs).
• Knowledge of energy hedging and trading mechanisms.
• Understanding of sustainability, ESG and net-zero initiatives.
• Utilities experience across large multi-site operations.
• Exposure to renewable energy projects and decarbonisation programmes.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.

Job Offer

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a strategically critical procurement category with direct influence on operational performance, commercial outcomes and sustainability ambitions.

You''ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a high-value utilities and energy portfolio.
• Shape long-term energy procurement strategy.
• Influence major business and investment decisions.
• Drive sustainability and carbon reduction initiatives.
• Work with senior leadership and industry-leading suppliers.
• Deliver meaningful commercial and environmental impact.
• Play a key role within a forward-thinking procurement function.

Rewards & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Annual performance bonus
• Car allowance or electric vehicle option
• Generous pension scheme
• Private healthcare
• Hybrid and flexible working
• Enhanced annual leave entitlement
• Employee wellbeing and assistance programmes
• Professional development and CIPS support
• Career progression opportunities
• Inclusive and collaborative culture

Apply Now

If you''re an experienced Energy Buyer, Utilities Procurement Manager, Category Manager, Energy Procurement Specialist or Strategic Sourcing Professional looking to take the next step in your career, we''d love to hear from you.

Join a procurement function where commercial excellence, sustainability and innovation come together to shape the future of energy and utilities procurement If you''re interested in this role, apply now