Category Buyer

 
 
Vacancy Number:  26040
Procurement
Job Type:  Full-time
 

ESB is a purpose led company striving to create a brighter future for the customers and communities we serve, leading the transition to reliable, affordable, low-carbon energy.  Today, we operate one of the most progressive electricity systems in the world, with activities spanning electricity generation, transmission, distribution and supply in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, and an international energy consulting business.

With almost 8,000 employees we invested €1bn in infrastructure last year, contributed over €2bn to the economies we operate in and distributed over €2m across a range of community initiatives. This requires us to bring the best of our capabilities together to deliver innovative and value-driven solutions that enable our customers to live low-carbon lives. ESB strives to foster an effective and inclusive culture where people engage, challenge and feel connected to our purpose, colleagues, customers and community.

 

 

Position Description 

 

Procurement plays a key role in delivering ESB’s “Driven to Make a Difference: Net Zero by 2040” Strategy, enabling Decarbonised Electricity, Resilient Infrastructure and Empower Customers on our path to Net Zero by 2040.  ESB Procurement is a driver of ESB’s ESG strategy and its commitment to achieving the UN Sustainable Development goals.

 

Enterprise Services Procurement is responsible for the procurement of goods and services worth c.€1bn per annum on behalf of the ESB Group.  Working closely with the business, Procurement’s primary objective is to obtain best value in terms of cost, quality and service for all materials, services and works purchased, and to maintain the highest standards of ethics, health, safety, environment and sustainability in all dealings with suppliers.

 

Applications are invited for a Category Buyer in the Engineering & Technical Services team within Enterprise Services Procurement, providing services primarily to the Generation and Trading and Engineering and Major Project businesses.

 

This is an excellent career development opportunity for the right candidate, who will gain invaluable commercial experience of ongoing and future business requirements and training in an area which generates significant value and savings for ESB.

 

 

Key Responsibilities

 

The successful candidate will work in a Category Team within Engineering and Technical Services Procurement and be involved in an interesting and varied mix of commercial work. The key responsibilities of the role will be to:

 

  • Support the Category Manager in developing & executing the category strategies & plans

  • Research & understand the supply market for relevant categories, including the identification of spend aggregation and value creation opportunities

  • Conduct tenders predominately in excess of €300k, including commercial negotiations and debrief of unsuccessful tenderers, in compliance ESB Procurement Policy / Procedures, EU Directives, State Body Guidelines, and applicable procurement law

  • Manage a suite of contracts and framework agreements (including contract management & administration)

  • Develop close working relationships with internal customers.

  • Support / manage supplier relationship management interventions with key vendors

 

 Experience and Qualifications

  • Experience in a procurement, contract management or commercial role

  • Excellent stakeholder management, communication and interpersonal skills

  • Strong level of commercial acumen and excellent interpersonal skills

  • Highly motivated – able to work on own initiative and as part of a team

 

Desirable

  • Knowledge of SAP FMIS and SRM systems

  • Experience of working in a regulated procurement area (i.e., subject to either the Utilities or Public Sector Procurement Directive)

 

If required, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a qualification in Procurement, on a day release basis. 

 

 

Location

 

This position will be based in ESB Head Office - F27.

 

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. 

 

 

Why Work with Us? 

 

  • Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future 

  • Progressive, hybrid working model 

  • 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 

 

€46,000 - €54,000 depending on experience.

 

 

Closing Date 

 

17th December 2024

 

 

 

 

Note: Applicants who anticipate requiring assistance or reasonable accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence, recruitment@esb.ie 

 

If you have any queries in relation to this job, please contact recruitment@esb.ie  

 

Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.