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
1. Manage assigned categories of spend with their team in line with business and sustainability objectives
2. Using procurement and market knowledge, provide leadership and direction for these categories of spend
3. Work closely with Framework Owners/managers within ESB Networks and Engineering and Major Projects to define their requirements, and identify appropriate procurement strategies
4. Develop and maintain excellent relationships with key stakeholders (including key contractors)
5. Develop annual procurement plans with all the category framework owners
6. Responsible for the administration and management of all relevant tendering processes for their assigned spend categories
7. Ensure tenders are conducted in compliance with ESB Procurement Policies and Procedures
8. Provide contract management support to the business users and contract owners for tenders and framework agreements as directed by their manager
9. Undertake industry / market analysis and risk management activities with respect to their respective categories
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
10. A relevant professional qualification or 3rd level qualification, or equivalent work experience
11. A minimum of five years relevant work experience
12. A strong working knowledge of and experience with procurement procedures and processes
13. A high level of commitment, commercial acumen and excellent interpersonal skills
14. A high level of procurement expertise
15. A proven track record of successfully delivering procurement tender processes
16. A very good working knowledge of MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint
17. A full Driving licence
Desirable
18. Experience with procurement of large contractor frameworks and project.
19. A good knowledge of EU and Government policies and legislation in relation to procurement
20. Experience in standard forms of construction contracts e.g. FIDIC, NEC, Public Works Contracts
21. Knowledge of SAP FMIS and SRM systems.
22. 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?
23. Opportunity to lead Ireland's transition to net zero carbon future
24. Career development through mentoring and training
25. Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
26. Sports and Social Clubs
27. Networking opportunities
28. Credit Union
29. Generous Pension
30. Access to staff well-being programmes
31. Generous parental leave entitlements
32. Strong values-based and inclusive culture
33. Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
34. 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