Public Sector | Permanent | Hybrid Working
We are seeking experienced public procurement professionals to join a large, public sector organisation delivering programmes of national significance.
These appointments span two seniority levels and multiple procurement categories. Roles will be offered at a level appropriate to experience.
This is an opportunity for commercially minded procurement professionals who operate as strategic advisors and delivery leaders, rather than solely as tender administrators.
Role Overview
You will play a key role in shaping and delivering procurement and commercial outcomes in a regulated, high-profile environment. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will translate organisational objectives into compliant, defensible and outcome focused procurement and commercial strategies.
Depending on experience, the role may involve ownership of defined categories or leadership of a broader procurement portfolio, including strategy, delivery, governance, systems and risk management.
Responsibilities
- Own and manage defined procurement categories or portfolios, developing deep understanding of supply markets, commercial models, risks and opportunities.
- Design and implement procurement and commercial strategies aligned to organisational objectives and delivery priorities.
- Lead complex, high-value and high-risk procurements in compliance with Irish and EU public procurement law.
- Design sourcing strategies, procurement routes, award criteria, evaluation methodologies and governance approaches.
- Apply public procurement law pragmatically and commercially to enable delivery while managing legal and reputational risk.
- Partner with senior stakeholders to shape procurement and commercial solutions, acting as a trusted advisor and critical friend.
- Lead and moderate multi-disciplinary evaluation teams, negotiations and decision-making processes.
- Manage end-to-end strategic competitions including market engagement, tendering, evaluation, award, contract negotiation, mobilisation and transition.
- Design, embed and oversee contract management, supplier performance and commercial risk management frameworks.
- Identify, assess and actively manage commercial, legal, delivery and supply-chain risks.
- Ensure procurement activity stands up to audit, assurance and governance scrutiny.
- Maintain robust procurement records and reporting to support compliance and transparency.
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of procurement policies, templates, systems and tools.
- Use procurement and contract management systems, data and performance information to support effective decision-making.
- For more senior appointments, lead, develop and coach procurement professionals, setting standards and building organisational capability.
Requirements
We are interested in candidates who:
- Are experienced public procurement professionals operating as category managers or procurement leads, not solely as tender administrators.
- Have a strong track record of leading complex procurements under Irish and EU public procurement law (EU Member State or UK experience considered equivalent).
- Are commercially focused, outcome-driven and capable of designing strategies that deliver value and manage risk.
- Have excellent stakeholder management skills and sound commercial judgement.
- Are comfortable working in ambiguity and complexity within regulated environments.
Person Specification
- Strong analytical and commercial capability
- Confidence leading evaluations, negotiations and governance processes
- A pragmatic, solution-focused approach to compliance
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- High professional integrity
A professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS or equivalent) is advantageous but not essential. Public procurement law expertise, commercial judgement and leadership capability are the core requirements.
