Category Buyer- Indirect

Business Overview
Working in the Procurement Department drive for a high-growth global £200m+ revenue business with manufacturing operations within the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, France, and Germany supplying international clients. Our solutions-focused manufacturing offers a whole range of products designed to simplify complex infrastructure projects.
Our market-leading brands, Cubis Systems, NAL, and FILOform, supply smart, safe, and sustainable product solutions to a range of construction sectors. Through innovation, we enable construction partners to optimise efficiency and safety through pioneering products designed for simplicity, speed, and reliability.
We stand together to reinvent the way our world is built through collaboration on breakthrough ideas that achieve tomorrow’s solutions today.
Position : Category Buyer- Indirect
Reports to : Head of Procurement
Role Overview : The Category Buyer will play a crucial role in optimizing the IPE supply chain by strategically sourcing and managing suppliers’ performance within specific categories. The role requires a strong understanding of procurement processes, market trends, cross-functional team works and negotiation skills. Based at Cubis, Lurgan site the Category Buyer will be responsible for:
Key Accountabilities :
Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement category strategies aligned with overall IPE organizational goals, ensuring cost optimisation, quality, delivery, supply chain rationalisation and supplier diversity objectives are met.
Supplier Relationship Management: Identify critical and strategic suppliers, map out tier N suppliers, conduct supplier evaluations and re-evaluations, establish, and maintain strong business relationships. Continuously assess supplier performance and manage relationships to ensure optimal deliver and service levels.
Contract Management: Lead negotiations with suppliers of own category to secure favourable terms and conditions, Draft, review and manage contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and organisation standards.
Cost Management: Drive cost-saving, avoidance and VAVE initiatives by partnership with cross functional teams, through effective negotiation, process optimization, value engineering and supplier innovation. Monitor and report on PPV cost variances and implement correct actions as needed, effectively manage supplier payment terms, cashflow, ensure ethical procurement practices while aligning finance objectives.
Collaboration: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including finance, business system, quality, engineering, and operations, to understand business requirements and ensure alignment with procurement strategies.
Risk Management and Sustainability: Identify and mitigate potential supply chain risks, ensure continuity of supply and minimizing disruptions to the business. Develop contingency plans for critical supply categories.
Advanced Sourcing: Stay informed about market trends, industry best practices and regulatory changes related to assigned categories, by attending key trade shows, webinars, and relevant industry events. Utilise CRH Procurement resources to optimise for the benefit of IPE’s bottom line, look for continuous improvement by adopting latest technologies and process.
Leadership Quality: Prioritise own works and provide category leadership to procurement to internal and external teams, while promoting procurement values at all times.
All other duties as deemed necessary by the Head of Procurement
Associated Responsibilities :
Managing pricing and contract of IPE key indirect categories including FME, CapEx, MRO, Production, Mobile equipment, IT & Telecom, Energy and General Services
Lead and attend category project meetings
Manage regular supplier review meetings
Experience and Training :
Proven experience in a focused category management and strategic sourcing
Strong Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Project management skills
Strong negotiation skills
Proficient with procurement software and tools
Knowledge of procurement regulations and compliance standards
Essential Criteria:
Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy in procurement data and order processing
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities concurrently.
Proactive and able to adapt to changing priorities and requirements.
Results-driven and committed to meeting procurement compliances and objectives.
Keen to learn and committed to continuous improvement.
Essential Competencies :
Ensure accountability
Action oriented
Manages ambiguity
Business insight
Collaborates
Communicates effectively
Manages complexity
Manages conflict
Courage
Customer focus
*This list is not exhaustive and will be reviewed in line with changing business requirements, a good degree of flexibility and adaptability is critical to this role.
If you are interested in this role, applications can be submitted via ##### before
Monday 3rd June 2024.
About CRH
CRH (NYSE: CRH, LSE: CRH) is the leading provider of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world. Employing c.75,800 people at c.3,160 operating locations in 29 countries, CRH has market leadership positions in both North America and Europe. As the essential partner for road and critical utility infrastructure, commercial building projects and outdoor living solutions, CRH’s unique offering of materials, products and value-added services helps to deliver a more resilient and sustainable built environment. The
company is ranked among sector leaders by Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating agencies. A Fortune 500 company, CRH’s shares are listed on the NYSE and LSE.