Graduate Buyer, Procurement

National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we've played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need - and we're leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.

But it's our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it's no small feat and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy.

The National Grid Graduate Buyer opportunity is an 18-month structured development programme designed to build commercial and procurement capability through three six-month placements. Two placements are based within Global Procurement, while a third ‘broadening’ placement offers experience in another area of the business, supporting wider development and a deeper understanding of National Grid’s operations. Upon successful completion of the scheme, graduates transition into permanent roles within Global Procurement.

During each procurement placement, Graduate Buyers work closely with experienced procurement professionals to support the delivery of strategic sourcing activities. You’ll be involved in multiple sourcing events, helping to shape sourcing strategies, challenge demand, and manage the end-to-end procurement process—from market engagement through to contract award.

This is a hands-on role that offers exposure to real commercial challenges, enabling you to develop core procurement skills, build stakeholder relationships, and contribute to the delivery of value across the business.

As a Graduate Buyer, you’ll play a key role in supporting strategic procurement activity across the business. You’ll:

• Contribute to sourcing events and help shape procurement strategies that deliver value for National Grid.
• Research supply markets and share insights to support category development and decision-making.
• Manage sourcing processes from supplier engagement through to contract award.
• Collaborate with contract managers and suppliers to ensure successful delivery and continuous improvement.
• Lead tender activities for key business needs, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality outcomes.
• Support future planning by forecasting requirements and aligning procurement activity to business priorities.

Don’t meet all our requirements? Don’t worry, we are looking for people who are enthusiastic and excited about being part of National Grids journey to net zero.

We’re looking for curious, driven individuals who are ready to make an impact. You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• Communicate clearly and confidently, building strong relationships and working collaboratively to achieve shared goals.
• Enjoy solving problems and thinking creatively to develop smart, evidence-based solutions that deliver long-term value.
• Are self-aware, resilient, and open to feedback—always acting with integrity and taking ownership of your development.
• Have a commercial mindset and can weigh up options, make informed recommendations, and influence outcomes.
• Stay organised and focused, managing your time effectively across multiple projects and using planning tools to stay on track.

As you'll be joining our 18-month graduate programme, you'll have a tailored development pathway to support you as you develop a wide range of leadership, business, and technical skills. You'll attend in-person and virtual development sessions throughout your programme to equip you with the essential skills required, as you begin your career at National Grid. We're committed to the personal development of our colleagues so as well as the support from your line manager as you navigate your new role, you'll also have access to 121 coaching and a mentor, from a previous cohort to help you transition from campus to corporate life.

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