Associate Category Buyer

About The Position

As the Associate Category Buyer, you will support National Grid’s sourcing activities for US Procurement, delivering innovative thinking to aid in effective sourcing decisions for categories and stakeholders. You will be responsible for one of three teams: NY/NE Gas, Electric, or Group Indirect Procurement. You will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to define business needs and support savings targets. You will gain a foundational understanding of contractual terms and conditions to draft structured agreements with legal and stakeholder input, and learn to analyze large data sets for strategic decision-making.

Location

Albany or Syracuse, New York; Brooklyn or Hicksville, New York; or Waltham, Massachusetts.

Key Responsibilities

• Category Management
• Execute complex sourcing activities operationally, implementing options such as RFX (Request forX), e-sourcing, or Consortiums.
• Commercial Negotiation
• Establish structured negotiation plans with clarity on desired outcomes, leveraging stakeholder input and support.
• Supplier Relationship Management
• Identify critical suppliers and create engagement plans to proactively manage Supply Chain risk and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Demonstrate a collaborative approach with the supply base to develop integrated plans that drive value for business and customer requirements.
• Systems & Analytics
• Adapt to Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems such as SAP, Tableau, Ariba, and Spend Analytics.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelors or Master's degree from an accredited institution. Preferably in supply chain, business, operations management, information technology, or a related field.
• Graduated between May 2026 and June 2027.
• Ability to begin the National Grid Graduate Program on June 7, 2027, or July 12, 2027.
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving history.
• Work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

Qualifications (It would be awesome if you had)

• Experience with SAP, Ariba, Tableau, Spend Analytics, or other business, procurement, or reporting systems.
• Experience with strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, category management, or project management through coursework, internships, student organizations, or other leadership experiences.
• Familiarity with software development processes, networks, data and process flows, or other technology concepts that support procurement and supplier engagements.

About The Graduate Development Program

The National Grid Graduate Development Program (GDP) is a year-long development program for recent college graduates aspiring to future leadership roles. The program includes a 3-week in-person Orientation, followed by the full-time position and robust in-person and virtual development activities, including monthly development sessions, mentorship, and a "Hackathon Project."

Procurement Rotations

Procurement graduates will participate in a rotational exploration opportunity. The first year will be in the outlined role, followed by a 9-month rotation in Procurement for broader experience.

About National Grid

National Grid is the critical energy infrastructure company operating electricity and gas networks across Massachusetts and New York.

More Information

• Salary Range: $70,000 - $89,000 a year
• Locations: Albany & Syracuse, NY | Brooklyn & Hicksville, NY | Waltham, MA
• Visa Sponsorship: Not provided now or in the future.
• Residency: US Colleagues must reside within the existing footprint (Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont) and within a reasonable, commutable distance to their assigned primary office.
• Application Close Date: December 1, 2026 (posting may close earlier due to rolling application review). Early application is encouraged.