Senior Category Manager – IT, Business & Professional Services

Kilkenny / Dublin

Hybrid working model

Tirlán

Tirlán, is a world-class food and nutrition co-operative, with a diverse portfolio of quality ingredients, leading consumer and agri brands.

Tirlán owns leading brands such as Avonmore, Kilmeaden Cheese, Millac, Solmiko, Truly Grass Fed, Premier Milk, Wexford, mymilkman.ie and GAIN Animal Nutrition.

We nurture a talented team across Ireland, the US, MEA and China, delivering annual revenues of over €3 billion, and over  2,100 people to manage our network of 11 processing plants and 52 agri branches. Our purpose is to nourish the world, while safeguarding our environment for future generations.

Role Profile

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, the Senior Category Manager - IT, Business & Professional Services will be responsible for strategically acquiring technology goods, and business and professional services, ensuring cost optimisation, supplier relationship management, policy and organisational compliance.  This role will take the lead in developing, maintaining and executing effective procurement strategies through effective stakeholder management, supplier relationship management, service performance, quality, cost and innovation, ensuring alignment with Tirlán’s sustainability and ethical sourcing policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional procurement expertise to deliver key business objectives, cost, delivery performance, risk mitigation, innovation, industry trends, emerging technologies and market conditions across the breadth of the following category areas: 
  • IT
    • Software – licenses and maintenance support
    • Contracted Services – outsourced services, contracted support personnel, IT CAPEX solutions projects and Telecoms/data/mobile communication services, IT desktop and server hardware
  • Business Services: Cleaning, Security, Laboratory Testing & Supplies, Pest Control, Office Supplies, H&S, First Aid, Travel
  • Professional Services: A full range of Legal, Audit, Insurance, Marketing and related support services as well as consultancy services across all functions
• Responsible for the overall development of short-term and long-term category strategies, ensuring alignment with Tirlán’s overall strategic objectives
• Management of end to end supplier contracts process in line with Tirlan’s Procurement Policy
• Collaborate with the relevant key stakeholders within the organisation to ensure full and early procurement involvement, collaboration and foresight of potential issues
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with key suppliers to develop and execute annual plans to deliver the Tirlan agenda in each category
• Review and monitor key supplier performance against established KPIs
• Lead the negotiation of contracts, terms, and pricing to secure the best possible value and terms for the company.
• Manage full contract lifecycle, including renewals, monitoring compliance with terms, and resolving disputes
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, promoting best practice and innovation within the procurement team
• Identify potential supply chain risks (e.g., market changes, price fluctuations, service disruptions, regulatory changes etc.) and develop mitigation plans.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities within the relevant sectors
• Ensure all procurement activities adhere to legal, ethical, and internal company policies

• Lead, develop and engage team member(s) to excel in their role and realise their full potential

Requirements

• Degree qualified in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business or a related discipline
• Experienced Procurement professional with a minimum of 7 years’ experience in category management in these or similar category areas
• Knowledge of IT procurement is advantageous
• Proven understanding of procurement best practices, market dynamics, and supplier relationship management
• Working knowledge of SAP, Ariba, purchasing tools and processes desirable  
• Financial understanding and credibility in the analysis and reporting of forecasts/budgets and compliance to policies
• Proven negotiation and influencing skills
• A strong team player with a growth mindset

We offer

• Hybrid working (flex Fridays)
• Free parking incl. EV charging – where applicable
• On-site gym free to use for employees
• Parenting room
• Work/life balance and collaborative work culture
• Career progression opportunities

About us

Through our expertise in research and development, customer insights, food safety and state-of-the-art manufacturing we bring innovative food and nutrition solutions to a global market.  Our new and vibrant headquarters in Kilkenny City operates as a collaboration hub where multi-functional teams come together in a hybrid work environment.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We believe in the value of difference. We know that different perspectives, life experience and backgrounds can drive innovation and deliver growth.

We welcome people from all walks of life without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, or disability status. 

Join our Talent Pool

Considering a new career in Tirlán but this isn’t the role for you? Join our talent community and sign up for job notifications at www.tirlan.com/careers

Tirlán is a Values Based Organisation