Overview:
Teagasc - the Agriculture and Food Development Authority - is the national body providing integrated research, advisory and training services to the agriculture and food industry and rural communities. Our vision is to be a globally recognised leader in developing innovative science-based solutions for the sustainable transformation of our land resources into products and services for the benefit of society. Our mission to be provide scientific leadership and support to Irish farmers and food companies in achieving a sustainable food system is underpinned by our recently launched organisational values of 'Respect, Excellence and Integrity'.
Duration:
Temporary contract post,
the indicative duration of which is 06 to 12 months
, subject to contract. A panel may be formed from which future similar vacancies may be filled; such a panel will remain active for a maximum period of 12 months.
Background:
The purpose of this post is to assist the organisation to remain compliant with procurement rules and regulations, to improve effectiveness of the procurement function and to obtain best value from its procurements.
Basic Function:
The Procurement Specialist will have specific responsibility for procurement and will continuously review and improve procurement policies and procedures in Teagasc. They will provide expertise to the organisation on national and EU legal and regulatory requirements and will monitor procurement activity throughout the organisation to ensure compliance. They will co-ordinate procurement requirements within supply categories across multiple Teagasc locations, ensure appropriate competitive tendering is employed to secure best value from suppliers and assist in the management and implementation of contracts and of procurement systems. The role involves collaboration and negotiation at all levels within Teagasc, with external agencies and with our suppliers and potential suppliers tendering for Teagasc business.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
* Continuously review and improve procurement policies and processes in Teagasc in terms of efficiency, compliance and value for money.
* Work with end-user representatives to develop strategies for the procurement of goods and services.
* Co-ordinate and process procurement requirements within supply categories across multiple Teagasc locations and ensure appropriate competitive tendering is employed to secure best value from suppliers.
* Provide expertise to the organisation on national and EU legal and regulatory requirements and ensure that evolving regulations are incorporated into the Teagasc processes in a timely manner.
* Provide support to managers in Teagasc in preparing invitations-to-tender and evaluating tenders and negotiating with suppliers.
* Implement and manage contracts and manage suppliers.
* Analyse and report on procurement activity.
* Lead and co-ordinate procurement cost improvement projects as assigned.
* Develop and deliver/support procurement training programmes for Teagasc managers/staff involved in procurement activity.
* Lead/assist in the implementation and management of ICT procurement systems.
* Line Management responsibility for staff as identified.
* Provide support to the wider Corporate Services team as and when required.
* Assist Teagasc in meeting the commitments of the Quality Customer Service Charter and Action Plan.
* Actively participate in the annual business planning and Performance Management Development System (PMDS) processes.
* Fully co-operate with the provisions made for ensuring the health, safety and welfare of oneself, fellow staff and non-Teagasc staff and co-operate with management in enabling Teagasc to comply with legal obligations, including full compliance with the responsibilities outlined in the Safety Statement.
* Carry out other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
* This Job Specification is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and responsibilities and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be reviewed from time to time with the post-holder
.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Candidates must have a Level 8 degree as recognised on the National Framework Qualifications (NFQ) in Procurement or another related discipline (for example, Business, Economics, Logistics, Supply Chain Management).
* Candidates should have a minimum of 1 years' experience in procurement and contract management
Desirable
* APICS / CIPM / IIPMM or equivalent qualification.
* 5 years' experience in a procurement role.
* Qualifications and/or experience in:
* Project management.
* Risk management.
* Quality and continuous improvement.
* Procurement and / or contract law.
Knowledge
* Solid understanding of the principles of Procurement including Category Management, Supplier Relationships, Contract Management, procurement processes, analytics and compliance requirements.
* Strong understanding of the use and deployment of procurement systems including sourcing, ordering, contract management, supplier management and analysis systems.
* Very good knowledge of process improvement, change management, project management and the potential for using procurement to effect change.
* An understanding of budgets and cost management, along with KPI management and reporting.
Desirable
* Good knowledge of contract and procurement law and the legal and regulatory framework relating to procurement within the public sector.
* Procurement and contract management of one or more of the following categories:
* Laboratory supplies, chemicals, equipment & services.
* Construction and facilities management.
* Farm supplies and services.
* Professional services.
* Strong knowledge of quality / continuous improvement systems and customer support.
* Experience of inventory management processes and systems.
* Intensive supplier management including performance, compliance, consolidation and the maintenance of contract and supplier documentation, registers and information.
Skills
* Strong negotiation skills.
* Effective communication skills with a strong ability to consult and collaborate in a clear, concise and persuasive manner at all levels across the organisation.
* Analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to organize and structure information and processes to meet organisational needs.
* Able to think strategically and contribute to the strategic business agenda.
* Strong proficiency in the use of MS Office, Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook.
* Excellent administration, organizational Project Management, and time management skills.
Desirable
* Development of systems and process documentation and training materials.
* Contract negotiation.
* Spend analysis.
* Project management.
* Preparation of specifications and requests for tender.
Behavioural Competencies
* Ability to work on own initiative and to work as part of a team, including consulting, collaborating and building relationships with key stakeholders.
* Ability to lead and guide project teams members.
* Self-disciplined, organised, methodical and flexible with an ability to adapt to changing requirements/priorities.
* Strong operational decision-making capacity.
* Strives for high quality of work and demonstrates commitment to the programme.
* Ability to communicate effectively to enable knowledge transfer and an ability to set clear standards and to take a quality customer service approach to work.
* A proactive, solutions approach to work.
* A commitment to on-going personal and professional development.
* A commitment to teamwork and collaborating with colleagues as per our
Teagasc Together
ethos
Note
: The 'essential' qualifications, knowledge, skills and behavioural competencies outlined above are 'must-have' which will be used in the selection process.
Interviews
Applicants should note that it is intended to hold interviews for this post on
Monday, 3rd
November 2025.
Further details will issue to candidates who are selected for interview.
Why Join Us?
* At all levels in Teagasc, we believe in growing and keeping alive an open, diverse and inclusive workplace which is respectful to all and nurtures different perspectives for the benefit of all in our organisation.
* We are committed to the principles of '
Equal Opportunities, No Barriers and Active Inclusion
'. We actively welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds.
* Be part of a forward thinking organisation committed to positive change
* Work in a collaborative environment that values your unique perspective
* Drive initiatives that make a lasting impact on workplace culture
Join Teagasc in creating a workplace where everyone thrives and diversity is celebrated.
If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the recruitment process please contact a member of our Recruitment Team at