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- Tasks: Join us as a Category Buyer, optimising our supply chain and managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Cubis Systems is a global leader in network access products for construction and utility markets.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive holidays, healthcare options, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-growth team transforming infrastructure with innovative solutions and sustainable practices.
- Qualifications: A degree in business or supply chain management is preferred; engineering background is a plus.
- Other info: We value diversity and offer equal opportunities for all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Country: United Kingdom
City: Craigavon
Req ID: 513342
Job Type:Full Time Permanent
Workplace Type:Hybrid
Seniority Level:Associate
About 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.
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.
Business Overview
Working in the Procurement Department for a high-growth, global business with over £200m+ in revenue, operating across the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, France, and Germany. We specialise in manufacturing solutions that simplify complex infrastructure projects, providing innovative and sustainable products to international clients.
Our market-leading brands—Cubis Systems, NAL, and FILOform—offer smart, safe, and sustainable solutions across various construction sectors. Through innovation, we empower our partners to enhance efficiency and safety with pioneering products designed for simplicity, speed, and reliability.
Together, we are transforming the way our world is built, collaborating on breakthrough ideas that deliver tomorrow\’s solutions today.
Position: Category Buyer
Reports to: Procurement Manager
Role 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. The successful candidate will have the following responsibilities:
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 delivery 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 corrective actions as needed. Effectively manage supplier payment terms, cashflow, ensure ethical procurement practices while aligning with finance objectives.
- 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. 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 benefit for NAP bottom-line, look for continuous improvement by adopting latest technologies and processes.
- Leadership Quality: Prioritise own work and provide category leadership to procurement internal and external teams, promote procurement value at all times.
- All other duties as deemed necessary by the NAP Procurement Manager
Associated Responsibilities:
- Collaborate and manage internal and external stakeholder relationships
- Lead and attend category project meetings
- Report relevant category procurement KPIs on monthly basis
Key Performance Indicators:
- Annual procurement budget target of P&L savings- minimum 3%
- Contracts coverage for SRM, based on aligned annual target
- Strategic Supply Chain mapping on critical supplies and tail-end spend management
- Effective supplier performance management on OTIF and Quality Matrix target
Experience and Training:
- Proven experience in a focused category management and strategic sourcing
- Strong Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Proficient with procurement software and tools
- Knowledge of procurement regulations and compliance standards
- Preferably with an Engineering background
- Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications (e.g., CIPS) are a plus
- 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
- Ensures accountability
- Action oriented
- Business insight
- Manages complexity
- Manages conflict
- Courage
*Note: This list is not exhaustive and may be updated based on business needs. Flexibility and adaptability are key aspects of this role.
How To Apply
Interested candidates should submit their applications to recruitment@cubis-systems.com by Monday 11th August 2025.
What We Offer
- Company pension contribution
- A range of healthcare options
- Competitive holidays, including Christmas shutdown
- Employee Committees for Health & Wellbeing and Inclusion & Diversity
- 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.
About CRH
CRH (NYSE: CRH, LSE: CRH) is the leading provider of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world. Employing c.78,500 people at c.3,390 operating locations in 28 countries, CRH has market leadership positions in both North America and Europe. As the essential partner for transportation and critical utility infrastructure projects, complex non-residential construction 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.
Job Segment: Procurement, Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, Design Engineer, Buyer, Operations, Engineering
Provider
Description
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Category Buyer employer: Oldcastle Inc.
Contact Detail:
Oldcastle Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management, especially within the construction sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry by attending relevant trade shows, webinars, and events. Building relationships with key players can provide insights into the company culture at Cubis Systems and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or driven cost-saving initiatives in previous roles. Real-life scenarios will showcase your experience and problem-solving skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Cubis Systems and its market-leading brands thoroughly. Understanding their products and values will allow you to tailor your discussions and show how your skills align with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Category Buyer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, such as procurement processes and supplier relationship management.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and any engineering background you may have. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in negotiation and supplier management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that connects your experience with the requirements of the role. Mention your understanding of market trends and how you can contribute to cost management and supplier performance at Cubis Systems.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in procurement.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oldcastle Inc.
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Category Buyer does, especially in relation to procurement processes and supplier management. Familiarise yourself with Cubis Systems' products and how they fit into the construction sector.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your analytical and problem-solving skills. Be ready to provide examples of how you've used these skills in past roles, particularly in strategic sourcing or category management.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Experience
Since negotiation is key for this role, think of specific instances where you've successfully negotiated contracts or supplier terms. Highlight your approach and the outcomes to showcase your effectiveness.
✨Prepare Questions
Have insightful questions ready for your interviewers. This could include inquiries about their procurement strategies, challenges they face in the supply chain, or how they measure success in the role of a Category Buyer.
