Category Assistant

A career that will deliver change. Together, we’ll help Britain achieve Net Zero.  

Job Purpose:

The ‘Category Assistant – Professional Services’ will provide essential support to the ‘Category Manager – Professional Services’ by playing a key part in ensuring effective contract administration and delivery of procure to pay (P2P) process activities, supporting the wider business in the delivery of a major national infrastructure programme.

Working under the direction of the ‘Category Manager – Professional Services’, the Category Assistant will be responsible for leading on the delivery of P2P processes and administration, providing guidance and support to stakeholders on P2P and related processes and governance in relation to the scope of activities in the Professional Services area.

Nature and Scope:

Sitting within the Procurement Indirects Team, the Category Assistant role is a very important role within the team, enabling strong supplier and stakeholder relationships to be built from a foundation of smooth and efficient processing and management of P2P documentation.  The Category Assistant is encouraged to adopt a continuous improvement approach, identifying and raising to the ‘Category Manager – Professional Services’ areas within their accountability where efficiencies could be obtained.

The Category Assistant will work closely with colleagues across the procurement function, its stakeholders and suppliers, advising on procurement related P2P processes and procedures within the category they operate within, supporting assessments and valuations, processing payment notices, maintaining accurate procurement records and using systems such as SAP.  The Category Assistant shall also work closely and pro-actively with other Category Assistants and stakeholders at all levels within SZC. 

Principal Accountabilities:

The Category Assistant is responsible for supporting P2P Procurement activities in relation to the Professional Services category.  Although this is the main focus for the category, the Category Assistant will also support the ‘Category Manager – Professional Services’ with Category Assistant related activities on other smaller categories, which may include, but are not limited to one or more of the following: Insurance, Finance & Treasury and Legal.

Whilst the Category Assistant will work within the Professional Services category, it is encouraged that Category Assistants share knowledge and skills and support each other as appropriate across the wider Indirects team, including providing cover for each other’s absence from work for reasons such as annual leave and sickness.

Growth within the team is important to SZC, so the responsible Category Manager is encouraged to develop those within their team and give them the opportunity to grow in their role, gain experience and knowledge in best practice Procurement, such that they can progress within the department should they want to.

The Category Assistant is responsible and accountable for:

• Supporting day to day contract administration
• Working within and assisting stakeholders and suppliers with P2P process
• Processing payment certificates in line with contract requirements
• Supporting Task Orders and associated governance processes
• Maintaining accurate procurement and audit ready records
• Using systems including Microsoft and SAP
• Monitoring procurement performance and escalating issues early
• Providing general procurement support to the Category Manager and wider team
• Working with a combination of both onshore and offshore colleagues and stakeholders

The Category Assistant will work with collaborative behaviours, in a spirit of mutual trust and cooperation with all parties in SZC, thereby adopting a positive and proactive work ethic.

Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Working towards CIPS accreditation or educated to relevant degree level would be advantageous
• Prior experience in a P2P or highly processed environment
• Able to work under pressure and tight timeframes
• Good commercial acumen and competent in data analysis
• Ability to identify and escalate matters affecting finance or service quality
• Good stakeholder interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Confidence in guiding stakeholders and colleagues on process matters in a clear and concise manner
• Previous experience of building relationships and learning new skills in a transformation and change environment would be advantageous

Why EDF? 

Joining EDF means joining a company with a clear purpose to create a more sustainable energy future. We’re leading the charge for electric driving, investing in new carbon-cutting tech and innovating with Smart home technology; building Britain’s low carbon network and our nation’s low carbon economy. Together we’re helping Britain achieve Net Zero.

Join us and together we can help Britain achieve Net Zero.