Head Of Procurement - Energy & Utilities

Head Of Procurement - Energy & Utilities

Flexible location (London / Coventry / Manchester) and Home

The Head of Procurement - Energy & Utilities is accountable for leading and delivering the strategy for the purchasing of electricity, gas and own-use diesel across Sainsburys Group operations. The role is pivotal in the delivery of Sainsburys’ target to be net zero by 2035 through the procurement of low and zero carbon energy supply solutions. The role involves negotiation and contract management of all energy supply contracts and Power Purchase Agreements as well as forecasting and managing the delivered cost of all energy supplied to the Sainsburys Group.

More about the role

• Support the Director of Procurement to develop the short, medium and long term category strategies and plans needed to achieve the wider business goals and commercial objectives
• Develop and deliver specific Category Plans that provide fit for purpose and sustainable sourcing and supply chains across the Sainsbury’s Group in order to achieve business and procurement objectives- balancing risk, cost and quality/service.
• Participate in and actively lead cross functional teams to successfully execute complex sourcing and commercial projects in support of the defined category plans / strategy.
• Establish and maintain a successful relationship with business stakeholders, operating as the category business partner to effectively build support for challenging commercial strategies.
• Maximise potential advantage for Sainsbury’s by maintaining effective understanding of external supply markets and making the most of supplier relationships.
• Effectively manage colleagues, provide support, coaching and provocation to help them achieve their objectives and develop as individuals.
• Operate as a leading member of the procurement function, role modelling its vision and supporting the advancement of the Group Function.
• Ensure all sourcing activity is conducted in line with Sainsbury’s Procurement Policy
• Sourcing of and contract management of supply contracts including renewable energy generation assets
• Use knowledge of energy market prices and cost drivers to optimise energy use
• Forecasting energy costs and consumption
• Own and implement the energy purchasing strategy
• Regular strategy updates and recommendations
• Subject matter expert support on investment appraisals linked to net zero targets
• Management of third-party support specialist advisors

More about you

• Experienced Procurement professional or comparable relevant commercial experience
• Deep sector experience in energy and utilities with strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Strong strategic thinking and commerciality but with hands on experience to deliver
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills with a good understanding of contract law
• Organisation and effective project management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, influence up to and including Director level.
• Knowledge and awareness of emerging trends, opportunities and risks within my field
• Experience of 3rd party relationship management at Board level.
• Energetic, resilient and adaptable- effectively operate in dynamic, fast paced environments.
• Ability to quickly gain the confidence of senior stakeholders and colleagues.
• Strong judgment and ability to prioritise conflicting programs and initiatives.
• Confident in constructively challenging senior stakeholders on the decisions they make
• Wide network developed internally and externally.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills

Benefits

As a Head of Procurement, you’ll receive a host of great benefits. As well as a competitive salary, rewarding bonus scheme, cash car allowance, private healthcare, you will receive a huge range of learning and development opportunities, 27 days’ holiday, access to a save-as-you-earn scheme, pension scheme and staff discounts at Argos, Sainsbury’s and Habitat.

Work-life balance is important to us, so we offer our colleagues as much flexibility as possible in line with the needs of their role. We trust them to decide how, where and when they work, combining remote and collaborative working with a flexible approach to hours, giving them plenty of time and space for life outside of work whilst delivering against our business goals.