Vacancy Number: 27727
Category: Procurement
Job Type: Full-time
Position Description
The Contractor Category Manager influences and implements strategy and manages change for their assigned categories of spend within their team. They manage, develop and implement business plans, policies and procedures for cost effective delivery of business goals. The Contractor Category Manager is the lead role in ensuring system and procedures are in place to support an efficient and compliant procurement function.
The Contractor Category Manager works together with their colleagues in the Networks and Engineering and Major Projects businesses, to procure contractors, materials and services and to achieve best value for money, while ensuring compliance with EU Directives, statutory regulations, internal procurement procedures and ESB Code of Ethics.
The successful candidate will manage a category portfolio within within the EPC, Civil and Electrical Contracting category and be involved in an interesting and varied mix of commercial work.
Key Responsibilities
* Manage assigned categories of spend with their team in line with business and sustainability objectives
* Using procurement and market knowledge, provide leadership and direction for these categories of spend
* Work closely with Framework Owners/managers within ESB Networks and Engineering and Major Projects to define their requirements, and identify appropriate procurement strategies
* Develop and maintain excellent relationships with key stakeholders (including key contractors)
* Develop annual procurement plans with all the category framework owners
* Responsible for the administration and management of all relevant tendering processes for their assigned spend categories
* Ensure tenders are conducted in compliance with ESB Procurement Policies and Procedures
* Provide contract management support to the business users and contract owners for tenders and framework agreements as directed by their manager
* Undertake industry / market analysis and risk management activities with respect to their respective categories
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
* A relevant professional qualification or 3rd level qualification, or equivalent work experience
* A minimum of five years relevant work experience
* A strong working knowledge of and experience with procurement procedures and processes
* A high level of commitment, commercial acumen and excellent interpersonal skills
* A high level of procurement expertise
* A proven track record of successfully delivering procurement tender processes
* A very good working knowledge of MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint
* A full Driving licence
Desirable
* Experience with procurement of large contractor frameworks and project.
* A good knowledge of EU and Government policies and legislation in relation to procurement
* Experience in standard forms of construction contracts e.g. FIDIC, NEC, Public Works Contracts
* Knowledge of SAP FMIS and SRM systems.
* eTenders experience
If deemed necessary, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a Certificate or Diploma qualification in Procurement.
Location
The role will have a base location in a Networks office. The successful candidate may combine remote / smart working within the Republic of Ireland, with weekly attendance at the base location for in-person collaboration, the frequency of which is determined by the Procurement manager and subject to ongoing review. Networks Procurement main base of Operations is ESB Networks, Finglas, Dublin 11 and the successful candidate will be required to attend meetings there as required and will also be required to attend in person meetings in other locations. Occasional travel both domestic and foreign may also be required.
Reporting to
Networks Procurement Category manager, EPC, Civil and Electrical Contracting
Why Work with Us?
* Opportunity to lead Ireland's transition to net zero carbon future
* Career development through mentoring and training
* Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
* Sports and Social Clubs
* Networking opportunities
* Credit Union
* Generous Pension
* Access to staff well-being programmes
* Generous parental leave entitlements
* Strong values-based and inclusive culture
* Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
* Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted
Salary
€59,000 - €70,000 per annum.
Closing Date
6th of January, 2026
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
ESB is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and ensure that no one is discriminated against on the grounds of race, religion or belief, ethnicity or nationality, disability, age, citizenship, marital status, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other basis as protected by law.
Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence,
About ESB
Join us in our mission to achieve a net-zero electricity system by 2040. ESB is Ireland's leading energy utility, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution, energy supply, energy services and international consultancy. Operating in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, we invest over €1 billion each year to deliver a new energy future based on reliable, affordable zero-carbon electricity.