Category Buyer - Cubis Systems

Cubis Systems is a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of network access products for the infrastructure, utility and construction markets. Headquartered in Northern Ireland, Cubis is part of the €27 billion CRH Group and operates from multiple sites across the UK and Ireland, exporting to over 30 countries worldwide.

Job Overview

The Category Buyer will play a crucial role in optimizing the NAP (Network Access Products) 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. Preferably with an Engineering background.

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.
• Contract Management: Lead negotiations with suppliers of own category to secure favourable terms and conditions.
• 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.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including finance, business systems, 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.
• Advanced Sourcing: Stay informed about market trends, industry best practices and regulatory changes related to assigned categories.
• Leadership Quality: Prioritise own work and provide category leadership to procurement internal and external teams, promote procurement value at all times.

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
• Preferably with an Engineering background

Essential Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven experience in a focused category management and strategic sourcing
• Whilst not essential, a qualification or industry experience in engineering would be desirable

What We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Company pension contribution
• A range of healthcare options
• Competitive holidays, including Christmas shutdown
• Employee Committees for Health & Wellbeing and Inclusion & Diversity
• Engagement & Wellbeing initiatives
• Employee referral programme
• Enhanced Family friendly policies
• Career development opportunities across IPE and the wider CRH Group

Cubis Systems is an equal opportunity employer, which values differences in our people. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we provide equality through our career development opportunities regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, nationality, age, and disability.