Role: Purchasing Manager

Location: Kildare

Salary: Negotiable DOE

Job Purpose

The Purchasing Manager will oversee the procurement of construction materials, equipment, and services, ensuring timely and cost-effective acquisition to support construction projects. The role involves strategic supplier management, price negotiation, and ensuring that all purchases align with project specifications, budgets, and schedules.

Key Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

Procurement Strategy and Management:

• Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned with the overall project objectives.
• Manage the procurement process for materials, tools, and equipment required for construction projects.
• Ensure that all purchases comply with the project's budget, quality standards, and schedule requirements.

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Identify and assess potential suppliers, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Negotiate contracts, pricing, terms, and conditions with suppliers.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers to ensure reliability and performance.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management:

• Monitor inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted supply of materials to job sites.
• Manage logistics, deliveries, and transportation of materials to ensure timely availability on-site.
• Work closely with the site managers to forecast material requirements and adjust orders as necessary.

Cost Control and Budgeting:

• Oversee cost control measures to ensure procurement is within the established project budget.
• Evaluate and approve purchase orders, invoices, and payment terms.
• Prepare regular reports on procurement costs, vendor performance, and material deliveries.

Contract Management:

• Draft, review, and manage purchase contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee contract negotiations, renewals, and amendments in alignment with project needs.

Risk Management:

• Identify procurement risks, including delays, price fluctuations, or material shortages, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry-specific laws.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with the construction, finance, and project management teams to ensure alignment on procurement needs.
• Coordinate with engineers, architects, and project managers to ensure that purchased materials meet technical specifications.

Process Improvement:

• Continuously evaluate procurement processes to identify areas for improvement, cost savings, and increased efficiency.
• Implement best practices in purchasing and supply chain management.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Negotiation Skills: Excellent at negotiating favorable terms and conditions with suppliers.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze costs, budgets, and procurement trends to ensure cost-effective purchases.
• Problem-solving: Strong ability to troubleshoot procurement and supply chain issues.
• Communication: Clear and effective communication with vendors, site managers, and senior management.
• Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple procurement activities simultaneously across various projects.
• Attention to Detail: Ensure all materials meet the required specifications and standards.
• Leadership: Ability to lead a team of purchasing assistants or coordinators if applicable.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain management (preferably in construction).
• Knowledge of construction materials, equipment, and suppliers.
• Familiarity with procurement software or systems.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and any relevant procurement software.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills.
• A proactive and resourceful approach to problem-solving.
• Basic understanding of construction materials and processes (desirable but not essential).
• A full clean driving license (if applicable for site visits).

This job description is flexible and may adapt or evolve as the role progresses over time.

MC