Purpose of this role

The Procurement Category Manager – Renewable Energy Systems will lead category strategy, sourcing, supplier management, and commercial delivery for all Group spend relating to low‑ and high‑density heat networks, Extra High Voltage infrastructure, and associated renewable‑energy systems.

This includes district heating pipework networks, energy centres, heat interface units (HIUs), thermal storage solutions, high‑voltage substations, cable routes, BESS installations, solar PV systems, and hybrid or emerging renewable technologies required to deliver decarbonised heat and power.

This role will ensure safe, high‑quality, compliant, and cost‑effective delivery that supports the Group’s operational targets, customer commitments, and regulatory obligations.

You will act as the commercial business partner to the Delivery, Operations, Engineering, Design, Commercial and Finance leadership teams—driving procurement excellence, ensuring robust governance, and enabling supplier innovation to support both operational and strategic business objectives.

Your key responsibilities are

Collaboratively develop and implement multiyear category strategies for DHNs, EHV infrastructure, and renewable‑energy technologies aligned to Group growth plans, net‑zero commitments, and major‑project delivery models.

Conduct market analysis, cost benchmarking, and supply‑chain risk assessments across heat network engineering, EHV equipment, BESS, solar technologies, and specialist system integrators.

Lead competitive sourcing events (RFPs, RFQs, negotiations) for heat‑network civils, mechanical installation, insulated pipe systems, heat‑generation/energy‑centre equipment, switchgear, transformers, HV cabling, BESS containers, inverters, and solar EPC partners.

Drive commercial optimisation across framework agreements, EPC contracts, major‑project engineering contracts, and bespoke technical supply arrangements.

Own strategic supplier relationships with key heat network OEMs, EHV manufacturers, EPC contractors, BESS suppliers, and renewable engineering partners—ensuring safety, quality, regulatory compliance, and operational performance.

Manage contract lifecycles, renewals, KPIs, performance reviews, commercial change controls, and risk‑mitigation activities with key partners in these supply chains.

Work closely with technical, engineering, design, planning, commercial, and finance teams to understand capacity requirements, design standards, regulatory constraints, and programme delivery needs.

Translate complex technical and operational requirements into robust procurement strategies that secure capacity, manage risk, and support scalable growth of the Group’s heat and energy infrastructure portfolio.

Maintain strong controls around spend visibility, process compliance, contract records, and audit documentation.

Monitor supplier risk, including safety performance and adherence to all relevant legal and regulatory obligations

Enable innovation and sustainability across the supply chain—promoting low‑carbon materials, energy‑efficient technologies, and optimised lifecycle performance for district heating and renewable systems.

Any other duties as required by the Procurement Manager.

Qualifications

CIPS Level 5

Experience/Knowledge

Proven experience in strategic procurement/category management, ideally within related sectors.

Strong commercial negotiation skills with demonstrable cost and value delivery.

Experience managing complex supplier relationships and multi-year contracts.

Strong analytical capabilities.

Abilities/Skills

Managing stakeholders at all levels.

Able to work independently and build cross functional relationships.

Highly organised with focus on delivery and attention to detail.

Desirable

Degree or Post Graduate Qualification.

Experience working in utility infrastructure or similar sector.

Conditions of Employment