NW - Contractor Category Buyer (EPC, Civils and Electrical Contractor) - Procurement (Band 4)

Position Description

Applications are invited for a Contractor Category buyer position in the Networks Procurement EPC, Civils and Electrical Contractor team. Networks Strategic Procurement are responsible for the procurement of a range of materials, contractors and services that enable ESB Networks to deliver its work programmes.

In 2026 ESB Networks commenced Price Review 6 (PR6), the sixth regulatory price control period for ESB Networks, covering the years 2026 to 2030. It is a comprehensive and ambitious investment programme, aimed at transforming Ireland’s electricity network to meet Ireland’s Net Zero and National Development Plan targets. PR6 is the largest undertaking in ESB’s history, with a proposed capital expenditure 2.6 times the scale of the previous PR5 programme. It is a cornerstone of ESB Networks’ commitment to enabling a decarbonised, secure, and resilient electricity system for Ireland.

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 Contractors.

The Contractor Category buyer will work together with their colleagues in the Networks business and EMP to procure works and services and to achieve best value for money, while ensuring compliance with EU Directives, statutory regulations, internal procedures and ESB Code of Ethics.

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

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the role will be to:

• 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 their 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

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

Desirable

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

Note: If deemed necessary, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a certificate or diploma qualification in Procurement.

Location

The Category buyer role will have a base location in a Networks office.

The successful candidate may combine remote / smart working within the Republic of Ireland, with attendance at a base location for in-person collaboration, the frequency of which will be determined by the Procurement Manager and subject to ongoing review. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business. The successful candidate will also be required to attend meetings in person at other locations in Ireland, including other ESB work locations and Vendor offices. Occasional foreign travel may also be required.

Reporting to

Category Manager Networks EPC & Civil works

Why Work with Us?

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

€49,830 - €58,622

Closing Date

21st October 2026

Interview

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:

• Accountable and Ethical
• Collaborative
• Growing and Adaptive
• Proactive
• Respectful and Supportive

More information available on Our Behaviours SharePoint site

Notes

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

The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland prior to commencement of employment.