Category Buyer, ESB Networks

Position Description

The role of a Category Buyer is to work with buyers, the category manager and partners across ESB Networks and Engineering and Major Projects to procure works and services achieving best value for money, while ensuring compliance with EU Directives, statutory regulations, internal procedures and the code of ethics.

Contractor Procurement covers the procurement of contractors required to deliver ESBs ongoing capital works programme. The procurement team which the successful candidate will work with focuses in particular on procurements related to substations construction, HV cable projects, electrical and civil frameworks, smart metering programmes and subsea cable projects.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidates will work as part of the procurement team and be involved in a challenging and varied mix work. The key responsibilities of the role will include:

• Conduct end to end tender processes in accordance with ESB procurement procedures and statutory regulations. This includes review of tender documentation, managing the tender process with internal statutory stakeholders and market participants, heading commercial negotiations and ensuring the outcome of the tender process is communicated to all stakeholders as required through process and regulation.
• Working closely with business managers within ESB Networks to define their requirements and identify appropriate procurement strategies.
• Develop an understanding and expertise in the categories of spend under their responsibility.
• Support the category manager in developing the category strategy/plan, including identification of opportunities for continuous improvement including identification of spend aggregation and value creation opportunities.
• Monitor and reporting on spend against Frameworks contracts.
• Investigate supplier over-dependency, proprietary purchases and propose measures to address.

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• Either 3rd Level qualification or equivalent work experience.
• Good working knowledge of MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and reporting skills.
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and eye for detail in document drafting.
• Proven ability to work to deadlines as a member of a team and on own initiative.

Desirable

• Qualifications in procurement or construction disciplines.
• Procurement and/or tendering experience.
• Knowledge and experience of Irish/European construction industry.
• Knowledge and experience of FMIS, SRM and eTenders.
• Awareness of Procurement Regulations.
• Commercial Awareness.

Location

Flexible within an ESB Networks Depot in Republic of Ireland – There may be a requirement to attend occasional meetings in Dublin or other locations.

ESB is committed to smart working – combining digital tools with a culture of trust and empowerment to enable flexible ways of working. The successful candidate may work flexibly within their jurisdiction with attendance at the workplace for in-person collaboration on at least one anchor day per week. All smart working arrangements are subject to manager approval and ongoing review, based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the individual.

Reporting to

Category Manager, Networks Procurement

Salary

€48,000 to €56,000 per annum

Closing Date

6th June 2025