Job Description

Applications are invited for a Materials Category manager position in the Services, Tools and Flexibility Markets Procurement team. Networks Strategic Procurement are responsible for the procurement of a range of materials, contractors and services that enable ESB Networks to deliver its work programmes.

In 2026 ESB Networks commenced Price Review 6 (PR6), the sixth regulatory price control period for ESB Networks, covering the years 2026 to 2030. It is a comprehensive and ambitious investment programme, aimed at transforming Ireland’s electricity network to meet Ireland’s Net Zero and National Development Plan targets. PR6 is the largest undertaking in ESB’s history, with a proposed capital expenditure 2.6 times the scale of the previous PR5 programme. It is a cornerstone of ESB Networks’ commitment to enabling a decarbonised, secure, and resilient electricity system for Ireland.

Procurement’s primary objective is to obtain best value in terms of cost, quality and service for all materials, services and works purchased and to maintain the highest standards of ethics, health, safety, environment and sustainability in all dealings with Suppliers and Service providers.

The Materials Category manager will work together with their colleagues in the Networks business to procure strategic materials for both the transmission and distribution Networks to achieve best value for money, while ensuring compliance with EU Directives, statutory regulations, internal procurement procedures and ESB Code of Ethics.

This role represents an excellent career opportunity for the right candidate, who will gain invaluable commercial experience and training in an activity which delivers significant value and savings to ESB Networks.

Key Responsibilities

Working as a member of the Services, Tools and Flexibility Markets Procurement team, the Materials Category manager will be responsible for providing strategic advice and a high-quality service in ESB Networks.

A key aspect of this role will be engagement with the business, the provision of strategic procurement advice, and the development of category plans for key categories of spend.

The Materials Category manager will also be responsible for providing leadership and direction for their team, including advice in relation to source planning, appropriate tender strategies, contract management and vendor relationship management.

They will also be responsible with their team for the administration and management of all relevant tendering processes for their assigned spend categories. The successful candidate will assist their manager in managing a category portfolio within Networks Procurement and be involved in an interesting and varied mix of commercial work.

The key responsibilities of the role will be:

• Manage assigned categories of spend, and lead a team of Category buyers in line with business and sustainability objectives
• Provide leadership, oversight, due diligence, mentoring, and strategic direction across their category team area.
• Maintain live supplier relationships, undertake purchase order and commodity pricing reviews, maintain framework governance, contract performance oversight, and issues resolution across the supply chain.
• Work closely with framework owners/managers within ESB Networks to define their requirements, and identify appropriate procurement strategies
• Develop annual procurement plans and build quality relationships with internal and external stakeholders (including key vendors/suppliers)
• Ensure tenders managed by the team are conducted in compliance with ESB Procurement Policies and Procedures
• Provide contract management support to the business users and contract owners for tenders and framework agreements
• Active industry / market analysis, stewardship and risk management activities with respect to their respective categories

Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• A relevant professional qualification or 3rd level qualification, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5 years relevant work experience in a procurement, commercial, technical, financial or other relevant role
• A strong working knowledge of and experience with ESB procurement procedures and processes
• A high level of commitment, commercial acumen and excellent interpersonal skills
• A high level of procurement expertise in high level procurement processes
• A proven track record of successfully delivering procurement tender processes
• A good knowledge of EU and Government policies and legislation in relation to procurement
• A very good working knowledge of MS Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint
• A full Driving licence

Desirable

• Knowledge of ESB’s organisation structure and relevant Corporate Policies
• Knowledge of SAP FMIS and SRM systems.
• eTenders experience

Note: If deemed necessary, the successful candidate must be prepared to undertake a Certificate or Diploma qualification in Procurement.

Location

The role will have a base location in a Networks office. The successful candidate may combine remote / smart working within the Republic of Ireland, with attendance at the base location for in-person collaboration, the frequency of which will be determined by the Procurement Manager and subject to ongoing review. All Smart Working arrangements are subject to regular review based on the operational requirements of the role, the team, and the business. The successful candidate will also be required to attend meetings in person at other locations in Ireland, including other ESB work locations and Supplier offices. Occasional foreign travel may also be required.

Reporting to

Services, Tools and Flexibility Markets Category Manager, Networks Strategic Procurement.

Why Work with Us?

• Opportunity to lead Ireland’s transition to net zero carbon future
• Career development through mentoring and training
• Corporate Social Responsibility Opportunities
• Sports and Social Clubs
• Networking opportunities
• Credit Union
• Generous Pension
• Access to staff well-being programmes
• Generous parental leave entitlements
• Strong values-based and inclusive culture
• Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Great team environment working to our Core Values: Courageous, Caring, Driven and Trusted

Salary

€52,000 - €62,000 per annum

Closing Date

27th November 2026

Interview

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will complete a Behavioural Interview based on each of the following Behaviours, which underpin how we work at ESB and are critical to delivering our strategy:

• Accountable and Ethical
• Collaborative
• Growing and Adaptive
• Proactive
• Respectful and Supportive

More information available on Our Behaviours SharePoint site

Notes

• Your application will be held in reserve for 6 months should you be suitable for the role.
• The successful candidate will be required to evidence their right to work in the Republic of Ireland prior to commencement of employment.