Category Buyer Job ref: | Job type: Permanent Location: Westland House, Belfast | Salary: £32,166 to £39,314 per annum Quantity of Posts Available: 1 Closing date: Monday 26 Oct 2026 10:00 Role Description This is an excellent opportunity for someone wishing to join an award winning procurement team responsible for over £200m of contracts annually. NI Water provides water and wastewater services for all of Northern Ireland. As a member of the Procurement Team you can make a real difference to your community by supporting these vital services. From vans to laboratory supplies and IT systems to renewable energy the variety of contracts needed are diverse and interesting. Procurement is all about buying the goods and services NI Water needs and is a varied, challenging and rewarding profession and a much sought-after skill across the world. If procurement is new to you NI Water will provide excellent training and financial support to achieve widely recognised professional qualifications with the prestigious Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). Motivation and a willingness to learn is all you need to get started. If you have an eye for detail, enjoy working with people and want to see the difference you can make at work apply now to take your first step to becoming a future procurement leader. Role Responsibilities Support the overall Procurement function to achieve their objectives. Manage the tendering of contracts above and below the Procurement Act 2023 threshold, with support of line managers, to deliver value for money. Conducting procurements in a manner that minimises risk of legal challenge to NI Water (compliance with Procurement Act 2023) Stakeholder management to develop tender documents, supervise evaluation panels and consensus meetings, analysing. Conduct price evaluation of tender submissions Preparation of contract award documentation including supplier debriefs. Supporting contracts post-award. Supporting negotiations. Manage contract extension activities to achieve best value for money and continuous contract coverage. Including negotiation with suppliers where required. Working with members of Contract Management team to review spend and KPIs when needed Market research Data Analysis Use eTendersNI portal to manage tenders. Deal with day-to-day queries and issues on procurement matters. Providing expert advice to stakeholders in the business. Use NI Waters contract management system to create and maintain contract information, including processing contract set-up and extensions. Support Category Managers in their duties. Participate in and support Category Councils to achieve their objectives. Develop effective working relationship with internal and external stakeholders. Provide training, guidance, support and challenge to relevant key stakeholders in the preparation of tender documents against agreed timetables to ensure compliance with relevant standards. Ensure that all tendering activity complies with NI Waters procurement policies and procedures. Undertake supply market analysis and assist management of supplier relationships. Represent Procurement in cross-functional meetings and external meetings. Provide procurement support to major incidents. Approve purchase orders as required in line with internal procedures to ensure compliance and limit off contract spend where possible. Produce reports for NI Water colleagues and assist in compilation of reports for external stakeholders. Budget and People Management Responsibilities This role may be required to line manage one Assistant Buyer. **Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder will be required to carry out other duties as required** Entry Requirements Candidates MUST be able to demonstrate that they meet the following requirements in their application and, where necessary, at interview: ESSENTIAL CRITERIA A minimum of 5 GCSEs to include Maths and English at grade C or higher. A minimum of 3 A levels or equivalent at grade C or higher with at least 2 years experience working in an office or customer facing environment OR A third level qualification (e.g., HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent) with at least 1 years experience working in an office or customer facing environment. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. MS Excel experience should include the ability to analyse and manipulate data for presentation in a professional manner. Have full CIPS membership (MCIPS) or willing to study to obtain CIPS professional qualification with full support of NI Water. DESIRABLE CRITERIA In the event of a large number of applications, in the first instance, candidates may be short-listed on the following desirable criteria: 1 years experience in any aspect of procurement/supply chain management. In the second instance, candidates may be short-listed on the following, additional desirable criteria: Experience of using an electronic tendering system. In the third instance, candidates may be short-listed on the following, additional desirable criteria: Line management experience. In the fourth instance, candidates may be short-listed on the following, additional desirable criteria: Full CIPS membership or current membership of an appropriate industry body e.g., IACCM, ISM Competencies The candidate should demonstrate the following competencies in the candidate response and interview process through examples and outcomes: Information and Communication The ability to communicate confidently, clearly and concisely both orally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders. The ability to provide advice, support or education to colleagues. The ability to scrutinise and challenge the work of colleagues. Influencing and Negotiation The ability to influence colleagues in order to achieve team and company objectives. Problem Solving & Decision Making The ability to make timely decisions when required. The ability to analyse problems and evaluate solutions displaying flexibility, enthusiasm and creativity. The ability to manage projects and prioritise workload, achieving the objectives on time and to the required standards. The ability to manage multiple concurrent activities / tasks to agreed deadlines. People and Teamwork Acts in accordance with NI Waters Values of Respect, Excellence, Customer, Integrity & Sustainability. The ability to build effective working relationships and partnerships both within the team and across the organisation. The ability to receive and react positively to constructive feedback. Ability to work effectively on own initiative with minimum supervision, whilst maintaining a keen involvement within the team. How to Apply Apply by application through Jobs page on Source (Internal) or the NI Water Careers Page TPBN1_NI
Category Buyer in Lisburn employer: NI Water
NI Water is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. Located in Belfast, the role of Telemetry Controller not only provides a competitive salary and generous benefits, including flexible working policies and a robust pension scheme, but also allows employees to make a meaningful impact on customer satisfaction and environmental compliance within the community.
