Procurement Manager (I.T) - ESO

About the role

Great Britain's electricity system is undergoing an ambitious, exciting and vital transformation. Together with industry, we are creating a cleaner, greener system, one that protects the planet and serves generations to come.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement and Property, the Procurement Manager (I.T) provides leadership and oversight for end-to-end procurement from strategy design to execution. You will have real determination and a positive 'can do' attitude. You will be responsible for managing all aspects of the sourcing process for suppliers, contracts, and technology subcategory areas. 

The role is responsible for developing a business-centric procurement strategy that delivers for the future requirements of the Future System Operator (FSO), and leading a small team to manage, ensuring compliance with the policies and frameworks whilst leveraging spend across the IT and technology category.

This role can be based from Wokingham or Warwick, and we continue to offer hybrid working from office and home. 
 

About us

The ESO has a key role to play in tackling climate change by transitioning GB’s electricity system to net zero. We already operate the fastest decarbonising electricity system in the world, with an ambition for zero carbon operation by 2025. And by 2035, we want to run 100% clean, green energy, all the time.

Becoming the National Energy System Operator
In Summer of 2024, the ESO will transition to becoming the National Energy System Operator, or NESO for short. Previously denoted as the Future System Operator (or FSO), the new National Energy System Operator will be the independent body responsible for planning Great Britain’s electricity and gas networks and operating the electricity system. 
 

The ESO, including all of its existing roles, will be at the heart of the new National Energy System Operator. As NESO, we will build on our existing roles, capabilities, and ways of working significantly to create an organisation the energy system and its users’ need. Our new capabilities will enable us to look across vectors, including electricity, natural gas and hydrogen, and crucially consider the trade-offs between them. 
 

The organisation will be set up as a public corporation with its own Board of independent directors, with complete operational independence from government, the regulator and any and all commercial interest. As the ESO are today, NESO will be licenced and regulated by Ofgem through price control agreements and obligated to identify optimal solutions to system operations and planning in the most sustainable, affordable and secure way for all. 

The time to deliver is now. As part of our team, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in Great Britain – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Key accountabilities

• To interface and influence across I.T categories and suppliers. Building, maintaining, and influencing stakeholder relationships to ensure clear alignment between procurement and wider business planning.
• Providing leadership beyond procurement, by seeing the bigger picture, and focussing on the things that will make the biggest difference to the overall FSO strategy.
• Managing stakeholders, including initial outreach, strategy development and demand management. Takes a collaborative approach to enhancing critical relationships with internal stakeholders, generating mutual value for procurement and the organisation. Acting as the interface between internal stakeholders, procurement team and suppliers.
• Building and releasing RFPs where required. Negotiating with new and existing suppliers. Supplier management during selection process.
• Managing full tender process and present sourcing recommendations for approval at an Executive level by demonstrating expertise on the procurement process followed and by providing clear rationale to support decisions.
• Actively considering the future needs of the FSO business, influencing and implementing sustainable supply chain opportunities aligned with the business strategy. 
• Driving effective sourcing and category management, support standardised and centralised reporting, manage demand, track value delivery, support relevant category initiatives and coordinate with the key stakeholders to lead on end-to-end procurement.
• Responsible for ensuring all sourcing are fully compliant with the compliance/governance frameworks.  Accountable for effective controls, risk management and mitigation and delegation of activity with the defined framework.
• Leading the I.T Procurement category team, as well as executing projects and programmes. Track record of strategic leadership, managing others and working with cross-functional teams. Plays a mentorship and coaching role where required 
   

About you

What we do isn’t just important – it’s essential. That’s why we look to recruit experts in their field. In this case, we’re looking for someone who has/is:

• A recognised degree in business or engineering. A postgraduate business management qualification is preferred. An appropriate professional registration would be an advantage.
• MBA or equivalent. Exposure to executive development programmes and/or specialist supply chain programmes.
• An experienced Negotiator who is skilled in using a range of negotiating tactics to achieve commercial and non-commercial outcomes. This role requires excellent stakeholder management and strong communication skills at all levels.
• An in-depth understanding of the supply market within Digital, Data and Technology, and the ability to determine opportunities for cost reduction and supplier performance enhancement is critical.
• The ability to form long-term internal and external business relationships, manage change and provide strategic leadership is essential. Ensures the organisation and its suppliers enter contracts aware of the relevant deliverables, timescales, costs, risks and other commitments.
• Strong commercial acumen and an ability to think strategically about future requirements.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £70,000 - £90,000pa – dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a company car or allowance, a bonus of up to 20% of your salary for stretch performance, private medical insurance, 28 days annual leave as standard and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. 

You will also have access to a comprehensive benefits package tailored to support your well-being and professional success. From a competitive salary to flexible work arrangements, we promote your work-life balance. Enjoy fit for purpose wellbeing and lifestyle offerings, ongoing skill development aligned to our Purpose and Values, and be part of a supportive community that values your individuality and where you can belong.
 

More information

This role closes on 22/05/2014 at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

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 organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office. 

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

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