Manager, Global Category Management - Waltham, United States - National Grid

National Grid

Verified Company

Waltham, United States

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Mark Lane

beBee recruiter

Description

About us:

National Grid lies at the heart of a transforming energy system, spanning the US and the UK. Our businesses supply gas and electricity, safely, reliably and efficiently to millions of customers and communities.

But we also drive change through engineering innovation and by incubating new ideas with the power to revolutionize our industry.

As the world changes to embrace cleaner energy and businesses shift to operate in a more responsible way, we are leading that charge.

We are focused on finding ways to decarbonize the energy system; from investing in renewable energy generation in the US, to building interconnectors to allow the UK to share clean energy with our neighbors in Europe.

At National Grid, we don't just ask our people to deliver to the highest standards. We also support them to be the best they can be. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

National Grid's ambition is to drive, develop and operate our business in a way that results in a more inclusive culture.

We are committed to building a workforce which represents the communities we serve and a working environment in which each individual feels respected, fairly treated, valued and able to reach their full potential.

We are currently looking for a highly motivated, self-starting individual with critical thinking skills who wants to join a dynamic and fast paced organization going through a major transformation.

If you are someone who's looking to bring innovation, contribute ideas and play a part in renewing the procurement organization we want to hear from you

Job Purpose:

Delivering the transition to clean energy will require National Grid to expand its suppliers to include many new, innovative companies.

This is a departure from National Grid's traditional procurement approach, where proven suppliers providing the most cost-effective solution are generally preferred as a low-cost / low-risk option.

Expanding National Grid's supplier base to include new, innovative companies, while delivering maximum value to customers, is an exciting and challenging opportunity to help National Grid meet growing regulatory and political pressure to deliver clean energy to customers.

Specifically, the Category Manager will be responsible for leading and supporting National Grid's innovative opportunities to deliver valuable change amidst close collaboration with the National Grid Partners organization (the corporate venture capital and innovation arm of National Grid).

This role will help facilitate pilots and proof of concepts with start-up companies and innovative suppliers.

This role will also help these companies, if their pilots or proof of concepts are successful, make the transition into becoming a core supplier for certain, and often new, key business processes.

Procurement categories include but not limited to, Hardware, Software, Research & Development (R&D), Information Technology (IT), & Professional Services; more specifically, Grid Enhancing Technologies, Next Generation Grid Infrastructure; AI-based Software and Services, Cutting Edge Cybersecurity Software; Virtual Power Plant (VPP) and Distribution System Operation (DSO) software, alternative fuel technologies (RNG, Hydrogen), Advanced Leak Detection solutions, Asset Replacement/Maintenance technologies, and other leading edge technologies.

The Category Manager will need the ability to work and influence across the broader National Grid organization to deliver innovative thinking and supply chain strategy to help re-position National Grid as a world-leading utility that can deliver the future.

Key Accountabilities:

The following competencies are core to the Category Manager role:
Category Management- Category Management & Strategic Sourcing Subject Matter Expert and a desire and ability advise internal stakeholders.

Engage with Stakeholders and staff to deliver against business needs consistent with regulatory requirements.
Influence the development of category strategies across the business to consider new, innovative vendors consistent with business plans like the Future of Electricity, Future of Heat, etc.
Oversee strategic and complex sourcing activities utilizing various market approach tools including but not limited to; single sourcing, RFX, esourcing, reverse auction or consortiums.
Support decisions based on a strategic perspective on supply chain management, including how to maximize negotiating power over suppliers over time, costs of vendor "lockin" and the longterm cost of solutions (TCO or similar)

Stakeholder Management / Business Partnering- Develop effective Scopes of Work (SOW) with internal and external stakeholders (startups and innovative partners) with the focus on value creation, speed to execution, insight and learning.

Strong stakeholder management and stakeholder diligence. Managing without authority in a matrixed environment to ensure alignment and mitigate risk.
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