Global Category Head of Utilities (Global Category Manager Utilities)

Smith & Nephew
Watford, United Kingdom
3 weeks ago
Seniority
Director
Posted
10 Apr 2026 (3 weeks ago)
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Life Unlimited.At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living.

TheGlobal Category Manager Utilities “GCM”is responsible for executing the global utilities category strategy across regions and sites. The role manages our global energy portfolio, leads national and site level sourcing events, manages supplier relationships, spend forecasts to support budget setting, deliver savings and ensures contract compliance, while operating within defined governance and strategic frameworks, in conjunction with our Energy Management Service Provider.

Utilities category will consume approximately 80% of the role’s time.

A secondary element to the role (20% of time) is supporting the Facilities Services category by leading sourcing and contracting projects covering scope of hard and soft Facilities Services. Sub-categories include stakeholder and supplier engagement activities across Air conditioning, HVAC, Mechanical & Engineering, Janitorial Services, Pest Control, Waste Management, Facilities Services, Office supplies

This role reports to the Manufacturing and Real Estate Global Category Director and partners closely with Global ESG, Facilities, Real Estate, Legal and Finance teams to ensure effective sourcing, risk management, operational continuity and budget stability across electricity, gas, water, solar and related utilities.

What will you be doing?

Category Execution & Sourcing

  • Develop and execute business aligned Global Utilities Category Strategy

  • Execute global and regional sourcing strategies for electricity, gas, water, solar and related utilities

  • Lead RFPs, renegotiations, and contract renewals across assigned regions / sites

  • Implement pricing models (fixed, flexible, indexed) in line with approved category strategy

  • Ensure correct application of hedging windows

  • Lead renewable sourcing events including REC, green certificates, solar and wind projects

  • Partner with ESG team to deliver credible Scope 2 and decarbonization outcomes

  • Lead sourcing and contracting projects covering scope of hard and soft Facilities Services

Supplier & Contract Management

  • Manage operational relationships with utilities, traders, and energy service providers

  • Monitor supplier performance, pricing accuracy, and contractual compliance

  • Resolve billing, settlement, and service issues in collaboration with internal stakeholders

Cost & Risk Management

  • Deliver savings, cost avoidance, and budget stability targets

  • Support management of commodity price exposure and regulatory impacts

  • Identify operational risks and escalate strategic issues to the Category Director

  • Build market intelligence, analytical capability, and external benchmarking to share with internal stakeholders

  • Ensure regulatory, contractual, and internal policy compliance across markets

Stakeholder Collaboration

  • Act as the day-to-day procurement partner for global ESG, Facilities, Real Estate, Legal and Finance teams

  • Support budgeting, forecasting, and consumption planning cycles

  • Provide clear commercial input for site expansions, closures, and transitions

Data, Analytics & Reporting

  • Maintain consumption, cost, and contract data across global portfolio

  • Support development of dashboards, trackers, and performance reporting

  • Provide market insights and analytics to inform sourcing decisions

What will you need to be successful?

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Economics, Supply Chain, or related field

  • 8+ years of experience in procurement and minimum 3 years in utilities category management

  • Solid understanding of electricity and gas markets and pricing mechanisms

  • Experience running multi-country RFPs and contract negotiations

  • Strong analytical, execution, and stakeholder management skills

Key Competencies

  • Strong execution discipline and attention to detail

  • Commercial and analytical mindset

  • Ability to operate effectively in a regional and global matrix

  • Collaborative and solution-oriented approach

  • Strong business partnering

You. Unlimited.

We believe in creating the greatest good for society. Our Strongest investments are in our people and patients we serve.

  • Inclusion and Belonging: Committed to Welcoming, Celebrating and Thriving on Inclusion and Belonging, Learn more about our Employee Inclusion Groups on our website (www.smith-nephew.com)

  • Your Future: Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes, Save As You Earn share options.

  • Work/Life Balance: Flexible Vacation and Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours, so we can give back to our communities!

  • Your Wellbeing: Private Health and Dental plans, Healthcare Cash Plans, Income Protection, Life Assurance and much more.

  • Flexibility: Hybrid Working Model (For most professional roles).

  • Training: Hands On, Team Customised, Mentorship.

  • Extra Perks: Discounts on Gyms and fitness clubs, Salary Sacrifice Bicycle and many other Employee discounts.

#LI-KK1 HYBRID

Stay connected by joining our Talent Community.

We're more than just a company - we're a community! Follow us on LinkedIn to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day.


Check us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek intoYou. Unlimited., life, culture, and benefits at S+N.

Explore our website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.

Stay connected by joining our Talent Community.

We're more than just a company - we're a community! Follow us on LinkedIn to see how we support and empower our employees and patients every day.


Check us out on Glassdoor for a glimpse behind the scenes and a sneak peek intoYou. Unlimited., life, culture, and benefits at S+N.

Explore our website and learn more about our mission, our team, and the opportunities we offer.

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