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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, part of the €27 billion CRH Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive holidays, pension contributions, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team transforming construction 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 encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ 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.
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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. Understanding current market dynamics will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to the role of Category Buyer.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those with experience in engineering or construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, as this role heavily involves securing favourable terms with suppliers. Consider role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues to practice your approach and build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Cubis Systems and its market-leading brands. Understanding their products and values will allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews, showing that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and category management. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'supplier relationship management' and 'cost management', to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Cubis Systems and the specific challenges they face in the procurement sector. Mention how your skills and experiences align with their needs, particularly in strategic sourcing and supplier performance management.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to manage complex supplier relationships. Provide examples of past successes in these areas to strengthen your application.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in procurement roles.
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 examples that demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving abilities. Discuss how you've used data to drive decisions or improve supplier performance in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since negotiation is a key part of the role, be ready to discuss your negotiation strategies. You might even be asked to role-play a negotiation scenario, so think about how you would approach securing favourable terms with a supplier.
✨Highlight Collaboration Experience
The role requires working closely with various stakeholders. Be prepared to share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams, particularly in procurement or supply chain contexts.
