Description
They lead sourcing initiatives, develop category strategies aligned with business goals, and collaborate with stakeholders to optimize costs and drive continuous improvement across the supply base.
Responsibilities
1)Develop and implement category strategies: align procurement activities with business objectives by creating long-term plans for specific spend categories to deliver value, innovation, and risk mitigation.
2)Lead sourcing and tendering processes: manage end-to-end procurement activities including market analysis, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract award to ensure competitive and compliant outcomes.
3) Stakeholder engagement and collaboration: work closely with internal stakeholders to understand needs, gain buy-in, and ensure procurement strategies support operational and strategic goals.
4) Supplier relationship and performance management: build and maintain strong supplier partnerships, monitor performance, and drive continuous improvement and innovation.
5) Cost optimization and value delivery: identify opportunities to reduce total cost of ownership while enhancing quality, service, and sustainability across the category.
6) Risk management and compliance: ensure procurement activities adhere to legal, regulatory, and internal policy requirements, and proactively manage supply chain risks.
7) Market intelligence and trend analysis: stay informed on market developments, emerging technologies, and industry trends to inform strategy and maintain competitive advantage.
Qualifications
Experience
* A minimum of 5 years' experience in a procurement role, ideally as a Category Manager on large-scale infrastructure programmes.
Skills
* Understanding of public/semi-state procurement frameworks and regulations.
* Proven ability to manage complex sourcing activities.
* Proven negotiation skills.
* Proven stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
* Proficient in identifying and mitigating procurement risks, including regulatory, financial, and delivery risks.
* Understanding of lifecycle costing and value engineering principles.
* Demonstrated strategic thinking, communication, and leadership capabilities.
* Clear and confident communicator, able to influence and manage expectations.
* Strong grasp of supply chain dynamics, contractor capabilities, and market trends in construction and infrastructure.
* Understanding of construction contracts (i.e. NEC, FIDIC, JCT).
* Familiarity with construction processes, engineering terminology, and infrastructure delivery models (e.g. design & build).
* Strong IT proficiency and familiarity with procurement system (e.g. Oracle); experience with eTenders would be an advantage.
* Ability to analyse spend data, supplier performance, and market benchmarks to inform decisions.
Education & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as:
* Procurement or Supply Chain Management
* Business Administration
* Engineering or Construction Management
* Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management
Professional Memberships
A member of one of the following would be beneficial but not mandatory:
* CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) – ideally MCIPS status or working towards it.
* ISM (Institute for Supply Management)
* IPICS or APICS (for supply chain-focused roles)
* RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors).
Other
* Some travel to Cork Airport may be required (1/2 times a year).