Category Manager - Battery Energy Storage Systems

SSE has big ambitions to be a leading energy company in a low carbon world. Following our commitment to invest £12.5 billion in low carbon projects over the next 5 years, we have significant growth plans and are well on our way to achieving our ambition to build a world that's more sustainable and inclusive for you, your family, the community you live in and for generations to come.

Join us on our journey to net zero and help us power change.

About the Role

Base Location: Flexible, however our preference is that you will be based in one of our key UK or Ireland sites, which includes but is not limited to:- Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen, Inverness, Reading, Havant, Belfast or Dublin.

Salary: £44,100 - £66,100 + performance-related bonus + a range of benefits to support your finances, wellbeing and family.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

We currently have an opportunity for an exciting, challenging strategic role as a Category Manager within SSE's Procurement Operations function. We are seeking an experienced Procurement professional to work closely with the Renewables Development Business to support its growth ambitions domestically and internationally within the Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) market.

The Category Manager will be expected to have a solid understanding of BESS supply chain from EPC contractors, OEM Manufacturers, BESS Integrators through to package contractors and component suppliers. Knowledge of the overall market with respect to other developers and competitors plus upstream raw material producers and refiners is also welcome. An understanding of the various BESS chemistries, alternative technologies and technology roadmap is preferred.

Using their understanding of the supply chain, market drivers and cost components, the Category Manager will source and have a solid understanding of forecasts on future price points and availability information, recommending strategies to ensure that SSE's project pipeline can be viably delivered. Allied to this an understanding of Environmental, Social and Governance risks in the BESS market, including circularity (end of life recycling and second life) and potential mitigation actions are also key to the role.

• You will be expected to have a strong background in the strategic procurement of BESS (works, services, plant and materials) or infrastructure category management and a track record in delivering innovative commercial approaches.

• You will be responsible for the execution of a category management approach to the procurement of the portfolio of spend for BESS to ensure compliance, drive efficiencies, mitigate supply chain risks, and drive down the total cost of ownership to the organisation.

• You will be responsible for conducting internal and external market, risk, demand, spend analyses, effective stakeholder engagement and development of optimum sourcing strategies.

• You will lead or project manage others to provide a range of sourcing activities in support of category plans and in accordance with all policies and procedures. You will foster strong relationships with key suppliers.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who truly wants to take their procurement career to the next level and work within a procurement function that is working towards becoming 'world class', and for the pre-eminent green energy company in the UK and Ireland, leading the just transition to net zero.

What do I need?

In addition, you will be a confident and enthusiastic team player with excellent negotiation skills, line management experience, advanced numeracy skills, an ability to influence people and a confident decision maker who can challenge the norm and think creatively.

To be considered for this role, we would love you to have;

• A sound understanding and experience of Category Management and the development and communication of corresponding procurement strategies; and a track record of delivering high value or high risk/complex procurement projects within challenging timescales. Your ability to manage multiple projects concurrently, be flexible and quickly adapt to changing priorities is key, plus an ability to secure commitment from all stakeholders.

• You will be expected to have a broad knowledge of the BESS supply markets (goods, works and services), end to end supply chain (and value chain) and the associated contracting options – with an ability to draft and negotiate specific and appropriate terms, including dispute procedures.

• You will have a strong commercial awareness and appreciation of contractual risk and significant experience in drafting and negotiating the suite of NEC3 Contracts and/or FIDIC Contracts.

• An understanding of various aspects of a group of products and services as well as an understanding of company policies and legal procedures is desirable.

• You will be expected to be fully conversant in procurement related IT systems such as Oracle, Jaggaer and Achilles Utilities Vendor Database.

About our Business

At SSE, we own more than 500 property assets and several thousand land assets, which are located across the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland. Our Procurement & Commercial, Property and Facilities Management teams are responsible for helping the business to procure services and materials in a timely and cost-effective way, and for ensuring SSE offers a safe, modern, fit-for-purpose property portfolio. We work right across the SSE Group, ensuring our businesses gets the best possible service and value from our supplier network, as well as ensuring all service providers are compliant and continue to meet contractual obligations and business need.

What's in it for you?

We offer an excellent package with 34 days annual leave entitlement. Enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments you need during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.

What happens now?

All applications should be made online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome.

If you would like to discuss any working flexibly requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Francesca on francesca.thorn@sse.com / 01738 344763.

Before commencing your role with SSE, you'll need to complete our pre-employment screening process. This will consist of a criminality and credit check.

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