Procurement Category Buyer, Networks Delivery Services

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.

Networks Strategic Procurement are responsible for the procurement of a range of materials, contractors and services that enable ESB Networks to deliver its work programs.   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.

The Category Buyer works with their procurement team, together with their colleagues in the Networks business and with Engineering and Major Projects, to procure materials, contractors and services and to achieve best value for money, while ensuring compliance with EU Directives, statutory regulations, internal procedures and ESB Code of Ethics.

This role represents an excellent career opportunity for the right candidate, who will gain invaluable commercial experience of ongoing and future business requirements and training in an activity which delivers significant value and savings to ESB Networks.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will work in a Category Team within Networks Strategic 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 predominantly 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)
• Providing guidance and support to Stakeholders in relation to the Procurement process
• Develop close working relationships with internal customers
• Support / manage supplier relationship management interventions with key vendors.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Good level of procurement expertise
• Good working knowledge of MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint
• A high level of commitment, commercial acumen, excellent interpersonal skills and reporting skills
• A proven track record of successfully delivering procurement processes
• Proven ability to work to deadlines as a member of a team and on own initiative
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic
• 2+ Years relevant work experience

Desirable

• Procurement and/or tendering experience
• Knowledge and experience of FMIS, SRM and eTenders
• Awareness of Procurement Regulations
• Commercial Awareness

Qualifications

Essential

• 3rd Level relevant qualification or Procurement qualification or equivalent work experience.
• A full Driving licence.

*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. 

Networks Strategic 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 may also be required to attend meetings in other locations. Occasional travel may also be required.

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

Materials Category Manager, Networks Strategic Procurement