Graduate Buyer

Oldcastle Inc.; Lurgan; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing leader in Northern Ireland is seeking a Graduate Buyer to optimize the supply chain for network access products. The role requires a solid understanding of procurement and strategic sourcing, along with strong communication skills. The ideal candidate will be a recent graduate with a degree in business or Supply Chain Management. This is a full-time position offering hybrid work options and excellent career development opportunities.

Benefits

Company pension contribution

Healthcare options

Competitive holidays

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven experience in focused category management and strategic sourcing.
• Qualification or industry experience in engineering desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies for cost optimization.
• Identify and manage supplier relationships for optimal performance.
• Lead negotiations to secure favorable supplier terms and conditions.

Skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Understanding of procurement processes

Cross-functional team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or related field

Job description

Job Details

Country: United Kingdom

City: Lurgan

Req ID: 515363

Job Type: Full Time Permanent

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Seniority Level: Entry Level

About Cubis Systems

Cubis Systems is a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacture of network access products for the infrastructure, utility and construction markets. Headquartered in Northern Ireland, Cubis is part of the €27 billion CRH Group and operates from multiple sites across the UK and Ireland, exporting to over 30 countries worldwide.

Our market-leading brands, Cubis Systems, NAL, and FILOform, supply smart, safe, and sustainable product solutions to a range of construction sectors. Through innovation, we enable construction partners to optimise efficiency and safety through pioneering products designed for simplicity, speed, and reliability.

We stand together to reinvent the way our world is built through collaboration on breakthrough ideas that achieve tomorrow’s solutions today.

Business Overview

Working in the Procurement Department for a high-growth, global business with over £200m+ in revenue, operating across the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, France, and Germany. We specialise in manufacturing solutions that simplify complex infrastructure projects, providing innovative and sustainable products to international clients.

Our market-leading brands—Cubis Systems, NAL, and FILOform—offer smart, safe, and sustainable solutions across various construction sectors. Through innovation, we empower our partners to enhance efficiency and safety with pioneering products designed for simplicity, speed, and reliability.

Together, we are transforming the way our world is built, collaborating on breakthrough ideas that deliver tomorrow's solutions today.

Reports to

Reports to: Procurement Manager

Role Overview

Role Overview: The Graduate Buyer will play a crucial role in optimizing the NAP (Network Access Products) supply chain by strategically sourcing and managing suppliers’ performance within specific categories. The role requires a strong understanding of procurement processes, market trends, cross-functional team works and negotiation skills. Preferably with an Engineering background. The successful candidate will have the following responsibilities:

Key Accountabilities

• Category Strategy Development: Develop and implement category strategies aligned with overall IPE organizational goals, ensuring cost optimisation, quality, delivery, supply chain rationalisation and supplier diversity objectives are met.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Identify critical and strategic suppliers, map out tier N suppliers, conduct supplier evaluations and re-evaluations, establish and maintain strong business relationships. Continuously assess supplier performance and manage relationships to ensure optimal delivery and service levels.
• Contract Management: Lead negotiations with suppliers of own category to secure favourable terms and conditions. Draft, review and manage contracts, ensuring compliance with legal and organisation standards.
• Cost Management: Drive cost-saving, avoidance and VAVE initiatives by partnership with cross functional teams, through effective negotiation, process optimization, value engineering and supplier innovation. Monitor and report on PPV cost variances and implement corrective actions as needed. Effectively manage supplier payment terms, cashflow, ensure ethical procurement practices while aligning with finance objectives.
• Collaboration: Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including finance, business systems, quality, engineering and operations, to understand business requirements and ensure alignment with procurement strategies.

Associated Responsibilities

• Collaborate and manage internal and external stakeholder relationships
• Lead and attend category project meetings
• Report relevant category procurement KPIs on monthly basis

Experience and Training

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Advanced degrees or professional certifications (e.g., CIPS) are a plus
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven experience in a focused category management and strategic sourcing
• Whilst not essential, a qualification or industry experience in engineering would be desirable

What We Offer

• Company pension contribution
• A range of healthcare options
• Competitive holidays, including Christmas shutdown
• Employee Committees for Health & Wellbeing and Inclusion & Diversity
• Employee referral programme
• Enhanced Family friendly policies
• Career development opportunities across IPE and the wider CRH Group

Cubis Systems is an equal opportunity employer, which values differences in our people. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, and we provide equality through our career development opportunities regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, nationality, age, and disability.

About CRH

CRH (NYSE: CRH, LSE: CRH) is the leading provider of building materials solutions that build, connect and improve our world. Employing c.78,500 people at c.3,390 operating locations in 28 countries, CRH has market leadership positions in both North America and Europe. As the essential partner for transportation and critical utility infrastructure projects, complex non-residential construction and outdoor living solutions, CRH’s unique offering of materials, products and value-added services helps to deliver a more resilient and sustainable built environment. The company is ranked among sector leaders by Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) rating agencies. A Fortune 500 company, CRH’s shares are listed on the NYSE and LSE.