Category Buyer – Packaging

About the Role

Dawn Meats is seeking a Category Buyer specialized in packaging to join their Group Procurement team at the head office in Grannagh, County Waterford. This permanent, full-time position involves applying excellent procurement strategies to maximize value and cost savings across the Group, focusing primarily on packaging and other essential production consumables. The individual will also support the Group's sustainability initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Strategic Group Procurement Manager and Head of Finance on category leadership across Irish and UK sites.
• Support the packaging team by resolving supply chain challenges, streamlining processes, and maintaining data integrity for sustainability reporting.
• Work alongside the packaging technology team on innovation trials and identifying new opportunities.
• Assist cross-functional teams in achieving their project goals.
• Champion best procurement practices throughout the Group.
• Develop sourcing and risk mitigation strategies.
• Research, source, and prequalify suppliers to ensure contingency plans.
• Evaluate market trends to identify appropriate products.
• Prepare tender documentation and evaluate supplier proposals.
• Negotiate pricing and resolve disputes or claims with suppliers.
• Lead project deployment, category management, change management, and crisis response.
• Review and develop contracts and terms of sale.
• Manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Generate reports and provide updates to senior management and executives.

Candidate Qualifications

• Detail-oriented with the capability to analyze and cleanse large volumes of data.
• Able to interpret unstructured information and independently develop solutions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain effective team and cross-functional relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Leadership qualities to mentor and develop team members.
• Commitment to continuous improvement using problem-solving methodologies.
• Strong follow-up discipline to ensure control over tasks.
• Effective planning, scheduling, and prioritization abilities.
• Basic understanding of supply chain and project management concepts.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• A relevant third-level qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, or related business discipline is preferred.