Senior Category Buyer - Strategic Procurement
6-month contract
Warwick / Hybrid
From £500 per day via Umbrella Company


Pontoon is recruiting on behalf of a major UK infrastructure and utilities organisation that plays a critical role in supporting the nation’s energy network and long-term sustainability goals!
We are seeking an experienced Senior Category Buyer to support the strategic delivery of a new procurement framework. This is a strategy-focused role, suited to a senior procurement professional who can operate confidently in a highly regulated environment.


The Role:
Reporting into a Category Manager, you will support and execute category and sourcing strategies within an Operational Services portfolio. The focus of the role is strategic sourcing and framework delivery, rather than day-to-day transactional procurement.
You will play a key role in finalising sourcing activity, engaging the market, and ensuring compliance with Utilities Contract Regulations (UCR 2016) while working closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers.


Key Responsibilities:
*Support and deliver category strategies aligned to business and regulatory requirements
*Lead strategic sourcing and tender events from market engagement through to contract award
*Apply UCR 2016 throughout the sourcing lifecycle (essential)
*Use SAP Ariba as the primary sourcing and tendering system
*Engage and influence senior stakeholders, challenging demand where appropriate
*Conduct supply market analysis to identify risks, opportunities, and value levers
*Support the delivery and implementation of a new procurement framework
*Contribute to forward planning and future sourcing pipelines


Required Experience:
Essential
*Strong background in strategic sourcing / category procurement
*Proven working knowledge of Utilities Contract Regulations (UCR 2016)
*Hands-on experience using SAP Ariba and/or Coupa (or similar) for sourcing and tender management
*Ability to lead negotiations and deliver value-led commercial outcomes
*Confident stakeholder engagement across multiple business areas
Desirable
*Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023
*CIPS qualification or working towards
*Experience within utilities, infrastructure, or operational services categories


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.