A key part of the UK’s journey to net zero carbon is the revolution of our electricity industry to enable clean, green economic growth. As the North West’s electricity network operator, it’s our responsibility to lead the way, help the region decarbonise and pave the way for the growth of renewable energy and a sustainable energy future for all.
We’re proud that in December 2024 we were named Utility of the Year by Utility Week magazine who said we punched above our weight and used innovation to solve some of the industry’s most difficult challenges. Come and be part of our team and make a difference.
Together we have the energy to transform our communities. We are switched on. We are adaptable. We take pride.
Our Commercial team has an opportunity for Category Manager - Indirects in the Manchester area.
About the Opportunity
The Category Manager - Indirects role is responsible for all company spend in the Indirects category, overseeing the delivery of Procurement and Contract Management activity. The role will ensure the efficient and effective delivery of tenders, commercial interventions, contract renewals and the in-life management of contracts. The role is crucial in ensuring strong commercial performance and contract performance to deliver the required level of operational performance, delivering for customers. As part of this, the role manages the input of Commercial’s Procurement Partner, Efficio, in their Category.
The role owns the Category Strategy for Indirects, ensuring that ENWL takes a strategic commercial overview. This strategy is built with significant stakeholder involvement, requiring influencing and organisational skills. The role leads the partnership with key suppliers in this area, driving strategy, maintaining contractual obligations, mitigating contractual, commercial and material risk which could affect ENWL’s reputation in the supply chain. The role will regularly liaise with operational managers, SLT and ELT as required and well as offering advice and support to other colleagues in Commercial.
Principal responsibilities of the role
* Working closely with the Head of Commercial and Leaders in the Indirects Category to develop and implement key spend categories across IT&T, including internal assessment of current and future needs
* Ownership of Category strategies, savings targets, milestones and obligations including establishing annual value plans
* Proactively develop, maintain and influence a network of contacts across the business, industry and supplier base to deliver the Category strategy
* Maintain an awareness of market trends and dynamics within the category in order to inform strategic business decisions challenging the status quo in order to deliver commercial value
* Monitoring strategy implementation, contract compliance and internal partner satisfaction, including the provision of regular reports to business leaders
* Promotion of a strong commercial ethos throughout Indirects teams, leading identification of required training and subsequent delivery
* Initiate and manage tender activities to meet business requirements, ensuring compliance with internal and external governance
* Own the suite of contracts within the Indirects category, directly engaging with key Suppliers
* Ensuring anticipated scope of service delivery through contracts
* Building relationships with suppliers that are culturally aligned to ENWL
* Manage contractual disputes of a significant value, working closely with legal as required
* Influence senior stakeholders to ensure ENWL are delivering to the client requirements of agreements
* Support senior management in the preparation of supplier commercial performance packs for the periodic interactions that they have
* Manage performance shortfalls, where the supplier is in significant breach of contract, receiving escalations from vendor managers and supplier relationship managers
* Commercial performance and SLA management
* Drive innovation and supplier development
* Development of a culture of continuous improvement within the team with regard to quality of work, achievement of results and management of timescales
Who we are looking for
* Educated to degree level or equivalent
* Professional accreditation through CIPS,IACCM or equivalent would be welcome
* Experience of managing buyers and / or contract managers in a complex commercial function
* Demonstrates a working knowledge of IT and other areas of Indirect procurement to ensure projects deliver the optimum whole life value.
* Demonstrates understanding of the relevant procurement legislation
* Evidence of managing contracts of significant value and complexity
* Evidence of creating category and commercial strategies to enhance the value delivered through contracts
* Significant experience (5+years) of working within a commercial function of a complex business
* Track record of delivering strong performance of suppliers, tackling issues and driving innovation
* Adept at communicating, influencing, coaching, educating, challenging and managing senior stakeholders
* Generates enthusiasm and commitment from others
* Holds self accountable, for outcomes
* Experience of balancing priorities in a fast paced, consistently changing environment to meet tight deadlines
* Proven numerical skills with excellent attention to detail.
* Excellent written and verbal communicator.
* Full UK driving licence.
What we’re offering
As a vital team member and in return for your expertise, inclusive approach and commitment, we'll provide a favourable salary and the chance to join a passionate and welcoming team. We are committed to ensuring our people are supported and are proud of our reward and benefits offer, which includes:
An annual bonus scheme
26 days annual leave increasing with length of service
Private Healthcare
Car Allowance
Bonus
An employee rewards portal offering discounts on several well-known brands
A market-leading contributory pension scheme
Employee assistance programme
Opportunity for professional development through our L&D function.
We’re champions of the North West and we’re proud that it’s our electricity network that connects communities and helps keep the electricity flowing every minute of every day, from when you wake up to when you fall asleep and all the hours in between.
A key part of the UK’s journey to net zero carbon is the revolution of our electricity industry and as the regions network operator, it’s our responsibility to lead the way, help the North West to decarbonise and pave the way for the growth of renewable energy.
Together we have the energy to transform our communities. We are switched on. We are adaptable. We take pride.
Our people important to us and we’re passionate about creating a great place to work where we can all be ourselves, reach our full potential and build long lasting careers. We’re striving to increase diversity of thought and talent in our people and to recruit highly skilled workforce that’s representative of the communities we serve. For us, embracing our differences is what makes us stronger.
Should you require any additional support with your application, or any adjustments please contact our Recruitment team at careers@enwl.co.uk or on 0845 366 0092 (option 2)
Any offer made will remain conditional until pre-employment checks are complete to a level deemed satisfactory by Electricity North West. Due to the of this role, the following pre-employment checks will be required; references from previous employers, a Medical Appointment, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS),) and a Drug & Alcohol test.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
We don't accept speculative CVs from agencies. Any received we will assert ownership of the candidate and no fee will be payable