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.
What You’ll Be Doing
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.
