About us

Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people. And whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value, and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organization, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our function covers a diverse range of categories from Indirect, IT & Digital, Network Operations (Maintenance & Repair), Gas equipment and Services to large scale Construction and Network Equipment, with a clear mission: to enable a clean, fair, and affordable energy future through commercial, responsible and innovative supply chain leadership. 

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Head of Procurement Engagement and Capability to join our team on a Full Time, Permanent basis!

Reporting to the VP, Procurement Strategy, the Head of Procurement Engagement & Capability is responsible for working across the breadth of the Global Procurement function to lead the implementation of the Procurement performance framework and the functional capability-build program. This role will have 2 direct reports and 2 indirect reports.

National Grid is leading the charge towards a Net Zero future in the UK and NE of USA. We recognize that decarbonizing our electric and gas systems will require resolving many questions and seeking new partnerships, technologies and transformative investments.  Over the next 5 years, we will be investing over £60bn across our UK and US businesses – nearly double the investment over the past 5 years.  This is an exciting time for our industry that is creating significant opportunities for National Grid; this is not just a moment in time; it's a game-changing era that will shape National Grid's success for decades to come.

Given this backdrop, our supply chains are facing an unprecedented set of challenges and are at the forefront of our plans, placing National Grid Procurement at the center of our Net Zero goals. We have set out an ambitious transformation plan, focused on becoming a client of choice for our supply partners whilst ensuring outstanding outcomes for our Business Units.  Our strategy revolves around significant changes in three core areas:

Partnering: We are forging closer ties with our supply chain, aligning ourselves more closely with each NG Group Business Unit (BU).
Scale: We are leveraging the immense scale of our group to unlock even greater potential. By harnessing our collective strength, we can achieve remarkable things.
Operational Transformation: We are revolutionizing the way we work as a team. Embracing new approaches and technologies, we are streamlining processes and making the day-to-day job simpler and more efficient.

This role closes on 8/29/24. However, we strongly encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible, as applications will be actively reviewed and processed prior to the deadline.

What You'll Do

You will be responsible for leading and implementing activities that will drive a culture of performance management and continuous improvement across capabilities, processes, and people.

You will drive engagement across the National Grid Procurement Team, delivering a leading employee value proposition. You will also own change and communication initiatives across the function.

Own and develop a competency framework for Procurement, outlining competency level and indicators expected at each grade and career pathway.
Lead the Functional Capability Build Program, ensuring it addresses the development needs of Procurement colleagues.
Source, develop and maintain Procurement training material, and lead the roll-out of training.
Drive the individual capability agenda across Global Procurement Leadership Team (GPLT) and the broader Global Procurement leadership community, to actively drive interventions to support retention and recruitment activity.
Define, measure, report and action people-related targets working with GPLT and senior leaders, e.g. Well-Being measures, engagement and enablement.
On behalf of Procurement, co-ordinate the relationship with profession bodies, leveraging the benefits of membership by providing a central point of contact and coordinating relevant activities across Procurement.
Provide support to business wide change activities, role modelling new ways of working and supporting the delivery of elements of the program to ensure capability is improved and value added to the business.

Requirements

You will be responsible for leading and implementing activities that will drive a culture of performance management and continuous improvement across capabilities, processes, and people.
You will drive engagement across the National Grid Procurement Team, delivering a leading employee value proposition. You will also own change and communication initiatives across the function.
Own and develop a competency framework for Procurement, outlining competency level and indicators expected at each grade and career pathway.
Lead the Functional Capability Build Programs, ensuring it addresses the development needs of Procurement colleagues.
Source, develop and maintain Procurement training material, and lead the roll-out of training.
Drive the individual capability agenda across Global Procurement Leadership Team (GPLT) and the broader Global Procurement leadership community, to actively drive interventions to support retention and recruitment activity.
Define, measure, report and action people-related targets working with GPLT and senior leaders, e.g. Well-Being measures, engagement and enablement.
On behalf of Procurement, co-ordinate the relationship with profession bodies, leveraging the benefits of membership by providing a central point of contact and co-ordinating relevant activities across Procurement.
Provide support to business wide change activities, role modelling new ways of working and supporting the delivery of elements of the programme to ensure capability is improved and value added to the business.
Previous procurement experience, delivering category excellence, levers across multiple category areas.
Ability to communicate dynamically at all levels within National Grid and externally to senior leaders within supplier organizations (including C level executives).
Experience in building high performing teams.
Track record of driving strategic change through category intelligence.
Good understanding of broader business objectives and the implications of strategic planning and actions within the category on the regional/global businesses.
Expert influencing and negotiation skills to drive optimum value through the award of commercially sound contracts.
Relationship management experience, driving commercial value and performance through major contracts.
Degree level / relevant professional qualification such as CIPS or equivalent experience

Your Rewards

Rewarding work and a collaborative, team-oriented culture is just the beginning. Review our digital benefit guide at ngbenefitslivebrighter.com for full details and descriptions.

Additional Information

This role is offered on a Full-Time, Permanent basis.
We are also offering hybrid / flexible working where travel to the office will be as per business need.
It is anticipated that some international business travel may be required as part of this role.
Waltham: $168,000- $198,000 a year

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

National Grid is an equal opportunity employer that values a broad diversity of talent, knowledge, experience and expertise.  We foster a culture of inclusion that drives employee engagement to deliver superior performance to the communities we serve.  National Grid is proud to be an affirmative action employer. We encourage minorities, women, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans to join the National Grid team.

Permanent Procurement and Contract Management jobs

Head of Procurement Engagement Capability