Category Lead

Do you want to work on the biggest Nuclear project in Europe?

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced individual to take the lead on category-specific deliverables that drive the development and implementation of comprehensive Procurement and Supply Chain strategies for the Sizewell C (SZC) project.

SZC is a major nuclear power project, jointly owned by EDF and the UK Government (HMG). The project aims to design, construct, operate, and decommission a nuclear power plant at Sizewell C in Suffolk, with associated infrastructure supporting hydrogen, direct air capture, and/or desalination technologies.

The role will involve working closely with key stakeholders including the UK Government, regulators, EDF, financial institutions, and local communities to successfully deliver the project's procurement goals.

Principal Accountabilities, Activities and Decisions

• Design and delivery of Procurement Strategies for Project Wide and/or high value packages through application of Category Management principles.
• Delivery and execution of end-to-end Sourcing strategies aligned with broader Package strategy through application of Project Wide process and as a minimum including market analysis, supplier selection, risk and opportunity assessments, forecasting requirements.
• Carrying out the procurement process for complex packages in accordance with SZC procurement & supply chain management strategy.
• To provide an ethical and consistent approach to the procurement of high value packages and ensuring compliance with the project governance and procurement best practice throughout the process to meet current legislation and nuclear regulations.
• Closely working with commercial teams in contract negotiation and carrying out commercial checks for suppliers and past performance.
• Contribute to and provide regular reports on procurement and supplier performance.
• Monitor the supply market to identify potential new suppliers and products and meet with suppliers to understand their products.
• Understand the supplier market, keeping abreast of market developments, demand trends and risks.
• Focus on exceeding minimum service expectations by delivering an agile, value adding service with a deep understanding of customer requirements, technical competence, functional knowledge and process efficiency.
• Establish performance led, long term supplier relationships focusing on value for money, service & product quality and continuous improvement to drive competitive advantage for SZC and Parent Companies.
• Leading a team of Buyers / Senior Buyers.
• Ensure a relentless focus on Zero Harm.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience of working within the construction industry and demonstrated knowledge of the interfaces and relationships that exist.
• Implemented project procurement plans using a wide variety of contract types.
• Good communication skills (verbal & written).
• Can manage and put staff under their supervision to work.
• Lead category specific activities.
• A measured approach to decision making and the ability to ensure best value procurement.
• Has delivered demonstrable added value through their procurement activity.

Desirable Skills

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) or chartership with another construction focused Institute (i.e., CIOB or RICS).

Don't match all the criteria? We are open and always happy to hear from people with transferable skill sets and a commitment to learning.

About us:

Laing O'Rourke are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality - this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the 'Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please get in touch.