About us

Here at National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, making sure supply and demand match each other. We make sure the lights are on in schools, operating theatres, and sporting arenas; we’re thousands of people working on behalf of millions of people. And whatever your role, wherever you work with us, you’ll help us hit stretching targets and achieve our far-reaching goal: to secure, clean energy that supports our world far into the future. Here, you will be at the heart of energy.

At National Grid, we work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value, and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organization, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

Our function covers a diverse range of categories from Indirect, IT & Digital, Network Operations (Maintenance & Repair), Gas equipment and Services to large scale Construction and Network Equipment, with a clear mission: to enable a clean, fair, and affordable energy future through commercial, responsible and innovative supply chain leadership.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Planning Specialist to join our team on a Full Time, Permanent basis!

The Planning Specialist will support the Procurement function in the delivery of our ambition to enable a clean, fair, and affordable energy future through commercial, responsible, and innovative supply chain leadership. They will contribute to and lead a series of projects and initiatives which could be specific to one or spread across multiple areas of the function.

National Grid is leading the charge towards a Net Zero future in the UK and NE of USA. We recognize that decarbonizing our electric and gas systems will require resolving many questions and seeking new partnerships, technologies, and transformative investments. Over the next 5 years, we will be investing over £60bn across our UK and US businesses – nearly double the investment over the past 5 years. This is an exciting time for our industry that is creating significant opportunities for National Grid; this is not just a moment in time; it's a game-changing era that will shape National Grid's success for decades to come.

Given this backdrop, our supply chains are facing an unprecedented set of challenges and are at the forefront of our plans, placing National Grid Procurement at the center of our Net Zero goals. We have set out an ambitious transformation plan, focused on becoming a client of choice for our supply partners whilst ensuring outstanding outcomes for our Business Units (BUs). Our strategy revolves around significant changes in three core areas:

Partnering: We are forging closer ties with our supply chain, aligning ourselves more closely with each NG Group Business Unit (BU).

Scale: We are leveraging the immense scale of our group to unlock even greater potential. By harnessing our collective strength, we can achieve remarkable things.

Operational Transformation: We are revolutionizing the way we work as a team. Embracing new approaches and technologies, we are streamlining processes and making the day-to-day job simpler and more efficient.

What You'll Do

Provide support to the Planning and Performance Manager, ensuring the right Planning system standards are embedded across Procurement with the necessary training of staff.

Provide support to the Planning and Performance Manager, by supporting the development, management and monitoring of business plans to facilitate its delivery and ensure that it continually evolves such that Procurement is providing the optimum level of service to the National Grid business.

Document Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and provide guidance on Procurement business planning policies and processes carried out by the Procurement Planning & Performance Team, ensuring full compliance and adherence to agreed processes and methodologies.

Support the Planning and Performance Teams in providing financial stewardship to the Procurement Towers and Business Units by engaging with Finance Business Partners for all finance related activities.

Co-ordinate and prepare reports and presentations to communicate procurement planning and performance initiatives and reporting for the Procurement department, including quarterly stakeholder meetings and leadership reporting.

Co-ordinate the delivery of key service delivery activities to ensure that a consistent approach is taken, resources are used efficiently and that there is alignment with operational plans and service standards.

Evaluate and summarise data into quantifiable measurements/KPIs with corresponding trending and reporting

Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders. Drive management and issue resolution of Stakeholder and Leadership issues and queries. Track, monitor and make sure actions and queries are addressed.

Manage the Procurement Global Planning System, monitoring access, dashboards, automated reports, and training archive.

Ensure value reporting is aligned appropriately to internal Procurement performance measures and business financial impact.

Develop value tracking methodology that captures category outcomes regionally and at a global level. Interface and facilitate value discussions with our Financial and Procurement stakeholders to support improved business decision making.

Data Analysis

Extracting, analyzing, and summarizing large or complex data sources into simplified and easy to interpret outputs for Procurement Managers

Performing deep dive analysis of data and processes to identify opportunities for continuous improvement through effective business planning and provision management.

Identification of data inaccuracies, process blockers, or inefficiencies, and identify/propose improved methods or ways of working to continually improve the way in which we operate.

What You'll Need

• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in data analysis and performance management

• Proficient in Excel, PowerPoint, data visualisation, and database tools.

• To be successful in this role you will use skills such as critical & creative thinking, a collaborative approach, a process focused approach, confidence, resilience and excellent communication.

• Strong customer service and relationship building and interpersonal skills, ability to interact credibly and genuinely with stakeholders to enhancing user experience.

• Manage different activities concurrently and meet deadlines.

• Experience in collating and organize data, analyze commercial issues and bring insight to the detail including developing KPIs.

More Information

Rewarding work and a collaborative, team-oriented culture is just the beginning. Review our digital benefit guide at ngbenefitslivebrighter.com for full details and descriptions.

This role is offered on a Full-Time, Permanent basis.

We are also offering hybrid / flexible working where travel to the office will be as per business need.

This role can be located: Waltham, MA