Procurement Manager (Network Competition) - ESO

About the role

The UK has set out its ambition to be net zero by 2050 and the energy industry is responding – together we are building a cleaner, greener Britain.
 

Reporting to the Head of Procurement and Property, the Procurement Manager (Network Competition) will be responsible for leading the infrastructure competition, which is a unique responsibility for the National Electricity System Operator (NESO) from July 2024.
 

The purpose of network competition is to challenge the current monopoly dominated markets by enabling new parties to design, build and own transmission assets. This is a significant change in regime for the GB electricity transmission industry. These competitions will also be run at an early stage of project development to encourage innovation and end to end accountability. The competition model is currently being finalised and industry framework changes are underway (more information can be found on our Early Competition webpage https://www.nationalgrideso.com/future-energy/projects/early-competition). The first competition is expected to be launched in late 2024. This competition will help deliver the investment required to expand the electricity transmission network to meet UK’s Net Zero targets.
 

We are seeking an experienced procurement professional to run this new major infrastructure competition. This role requires excellent skills in stakeholder engagement, strong commercial acumen, effective supplier management, procurement strategy design and execution for complex technical requirements. An ideal candidate will have solid industry experience leading large energy infrastructure projects with in-depth expertise in strategic procurement. We are seeking for someone who is skilled in finding solutions to new challenges, is highly motivated and has a passion for driving the net zero agenda.
 

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

Key accountabilities

• Managing the end-to-end procurement for Early Competition.
• Facilitating tender queries and clarifications and working with the ESO Early Competition team and Ofgem to define the tender scope.
• Finalising the bid evaluation criteria, leading bid evaluations, identify preferred bidders for approval, shortlisting bidders and governing the evaluation process.
• Delivering stage gate recommendations to Ofgem.
• Undertaking technical adjustments to determine revenue for selected bidder (Tender Revenue Stream)
• Undertaking a lesson learnt review of the procurement and out-turn costs, including benchmarking and data collection
• Ensuring effective compliance with functional standards and policies, and a focus on continuous performance improvement. Incorporating lessons learned from reviews into future competitions
• Engaging business stakeholders and the team. Acting as an advisor and expert on all procurement issues across the stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Working closely with Ofgem who the customer of the process and will ultimately hold the contractual arrangements with the winner, through their licencing arrangements.
• Managing x2 procurement professionals and working as part of an integrated, multi-expertise team of around x10 people including procurement, technical, legal, commercial and other experts in addition to external advisors, as required by the programme.
   

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. A CIPS qualification would be an advantage.
• Expert influencing, negotiation, and relationship management skills to drive commercial value through supporting Ofgem to award commercially sound terms through their licence arrangements and their ongoing licence management. 
• Previous experience as a Procurement Manager on large-scale, multi-national or cross-functional utilities or major infrastructure programmes.
• Expert at designing and implementing procurement strategies, strategic sourcing, category management, leading & negotiating high complexity and value large-scale procurements. 
• Experience of developing category management approaches including defining value and developing plans to deliver.
• Extensive knowledge of Public Contracts Regulations and other relevant regulations and laws.
• Skills in project reporting including KPIs within either procurement, delivery and operational stages of complex infrastructure projects 
• Ability to communicate and influence dynamically at all levels within the FSO and externally to senior leaders within supplier organisations.

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 22/05/2024 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.