Category Buyer

The Category Buyer is responsible for managing the procurement process for a specific category of products or services. This role involves supplier management, contract negotiations, cost control, and ensuring that the category meets the company’s operational and quality requirements. The Category Buyer will work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure supply chain efficiencies and continuity of supply.
 

Category Management:
o    Develop and execute category strategies that align with company goals and market trends.
o    Maintain knowledge of the category, including market conditions, product trends, and supplier landscape.

Supplier Management:
o    Identify, evaluate, and select suppliers based on quality, price, and reliability.
o    Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure long-term partnerships.
o    Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Procurement & Sourcing:
o    Lead sourcing efforts for the assigned category, including tendering, RFP/RFQ processes, and supplier negotiations.
o    Ensure that products or services are sourced at competitive prices without compromising quality or service levels.
o    Work with suppliers to manage lead times, delivery schedules, and inventory levels.

Cost Management:
o    Drive cost savings through negotiation, value engineering, and strategic sourcing.
o    Monitor and analyse category spending to identify cost-saving opportunities.

Contract Negotiation and Management:
o    Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers, ensuring favorable terms and conditions for the company.
o    Monitor contract compliance and manage any disputes or issues that arise with suppliers.

Stakeholder Collaboration:
o    Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Estimating, Operations, Marketing, ESG, Safety , etc.) to understand internal requirements and ensure alignment with procurement strategies.
o    Provide insights and recommendations to internal teams regarding supplier capabilities and market opportunities.

Market Analysis and Risk Management:
o    Monitor market conditions, trends, and potential risks within the assigned category.
o    Develop contingency plans to manage supply chain risks, including supply disruptions, price fluctuations, or changes in regulations.

Reporting and Data Analysis:
o    Maintain accurate records of all procurement activities, contracts, and supplier interactions.
o    Analyze purchasing data and trends to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
 

Education:
o    Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, or a related field.
o    Professional certifications (e.g., CIPS, iipmm, or equivalent) are a plus.

Experience:
o    Ideally 3-5 years of procurement, sourcing, or buying experience in the construction industry is preferred, but not essential 
o    Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, and supplier negotiations is required.

Technical Skills:
o    Proficiency in procurement software or ERP systems (e.g., Coins or SAP).
o    Advanced knowledge of Excel and data analysis tools.
o    Familiarity with e-procurement platforms and online tendering processes.

Bam offers opportunities to work on some of Irelands' largest and most exciting construction and civil engineering projects. We are committed to our employees and offer strong competitive salaries, along with benefits such as:

• 8% pension contribution 
• private health insurance
• two wellbeing days per year
• holiday purchase scheme
• learning and Development opportunities
• company vehicles (depending on the role)
• flexible working arrangements

People are at the heart of what we do at BAM. We recognise that creating a diverse and inclusive environment that nurtures our employees and encourages them to bring their best and whole self to work is crucial. We’re on an exciting journey to get us there by recruiting the very best talent to join us regardless of race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability or other characteristics.

The art of building is about building for communities; it’s about building for life.

Where others stop, we go further, leading the way towards a sustainable tomorrow for us and future generations. As an industry leader, we raise the bar.

Our values: sustainable, inclusive, collaborative, reliable and ownership, enable us to achieve our ambitions. Today, tomorrow and every day.