Job Description
SP Electricity North West manages and invests in the power network that supplies electricity to the 2.4m homes and businesses across the North West. Our 2,400 colleagues manage the 13,000km of overhead lines, 44,000km of underground cables and thousands of electricity substations to keep power flowing and supporting green growth. We’re one of six distribution network operators in the UK and are regulated by Ofgem.
We’re proud that in December 2024 we were named Utility of the Year by Utility Week magazine who said we punched above our weight and used innovation to solve some of the industry’s most difficult challenges. Come and be part of our team and make a difference.
Now part of the Iberdrola and ScottishPower group, we’re collectively building smarter, greener electricity networks that will get Britain growing by investing in a better future, quicker.
A Fantastic Opportunity: Buying Assistant
The Buying Assistant plays a key role in delivering commercial value through effective quote negotiation and procurement administration. The role ensures that all quotes received between £10k and £50k represent strong value for the business, actively improving existing quotes and sourcing additional competitive options where needed. Driving commercial benefit while maintaining quality and safety standards is central to the role.
The role holder will manage the Procurement Administration mailbox, supporting colleagues across the business in their day‑to‑day interactions with Procurement. They will monitor shopping‑cart activity to ensure compliance with internal governance, taking action where intervention is required. Regular engagement with operational teams, alongside providing support to colleagues within the wider Commercial function, forms a key part of the role’s responsibilities.
The successful candidate must, at the start of employment have permission to work in the UK without sponsorship.
There is also opportunity for hybrid working following completion of your probationary period.
What we’re looking for:
We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who meet the following criteria:
- Commercial function experience — experience working within a Commercial function of similar scale or complexity
- Commercial value understanding — understanding of the principles that drive commercial value and cost efficiency
- Commercial outcomes delivery — proven track record of achieving strong commercial outcomes
- Procurement systems capability — experience using procurement systems; SAP ECC experience advantageous
- Workload management — experience handling multiple procurement activities in a fast‑paced environment
- Numerical accuracy — strong numerical capability with high attention to detail
- Quote challenge experience — experience challenging supplier quotes and adding alternative quotes for comparison
- Commercial comparison skills — ability to accurately compare commercial offers and assess value
- IT proficiency
What we’re offering
We value your expertise. In return, you’ll receive:
- An annual bonus scheme
- 25 days annual leave increasing with length of service
- Private Healthcare
- Salary sacrifice EV car scheme
- An employee rewards portal offering discounts on several well-known brands
- A market-leading contributory pension scheme
- Employee assistance programme
- Opportunity for professional development through our L&D function.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We’re proud to foster a workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger.
If you need any adjustments or support during the application process, please contact our Recruitment Team at careers@enwl.co.uk or call 0845 366 0092 (option 2).
Any offer made will remain conditional until pre-employment checks are complete to a level deemed satisfactory by SP Electricity North West. Due to the of this role, the following pre-employment checks will be required; references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and a Drug & Alcohol test.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early.
We don't accept speculative CVs from agencies. Any received we will assert ownership of the candidate and no fee will be payable.