Category Manager / Business Partner

What is the opportunity?

An exciting opportunity as arisen for an experienced Category Manager/Category Business Partner to join our team. We facilitate the effective purchase of goods and services across the Bank. We do so with the aim of improving value from our total spend whilst protecting against supplier risk.

In this role, you will:

• Work with the relevant business leaders/partners at multiple levels, as well as cross-functionally to ensure robust category strategies are established and regularly updated.
• Implement strategy for defined category as directed by the Category Management Lead and establish and maintain strategic relationships with suppliers and key internal stakeholders to ensure successful implementation and maximising cost savings for the Group
• Co operate with the Outsourced Team to develop the annual sourcing plan for each of their assigned categories and engage with the Business Divisions to identify sourcing projects for inclusion such that potential procurement cost savings to the Group are improved.
• Optimize total cost of ownership year-over-year for assigned spend categories according to Group guidelines
• Work to improve processes to achieve Category Management best practices while completing end-to-end Category Management and Sourcing
• Confirmation of business requirements for the category or sourcing event
• Negotiation and completion of contracts. Ensuring there is active management and filing of contracts in place across the category, and that contracts in place are fit for purpose
• Execution of tendering processes as required, including the use of e-RFP and e-auction methods where deemed appropriate and negotiation and completion of contracts.

In addition, accountabilities include:

• Executing strategic direction and transformation within chosen category, following direction from the Head of Category Management and Strategic Sourcing
• End-to-end delivery of Category Management and Sourcing process, also ensuring a high standard is performed by more junior members of the team where applicable
• Supporting with the development of sourcing channel strategy and its associated governance within associated category, with foresight that this could also be used by the wider Category Management team when executing strategic sourcing and contracting projects
• Helping to benchmark and promote best practice in Category Management and Strategic Sourcing of associated category
• Maintaining an understanding of external best practices, monitoring trends of new developments within the global procurement field.
• Ensuring that their own word is in full compliance with all Corporate standards, policies, processes and procedures and with all external legal, regulatory and voluntary code obligations.
• Providing specialist technical input into relevant discussions/design issues relating to the particular category

What will make you stand out?

The successful candidate will have deep knowledge of the assigned category spend including sourcing techniques, commercial scenarios, the market place and emerging trends. Be able to demonstrate dedication to developing own professional skills and proficiencies through working towards a professional accreditation.

Evidence of developing a strong understanding and increased experience of procurement and supplier management practices, at both strategic and operational level. You will have the ability to interpret and understand key issues, ranging from executive to operational level, and translate these into action plans for resolution.

Experience with any of the following will help you to stand out but is not necessary in order to apply

• Experience of Financial Services/Banking industry trends
• Experience in IT Infrastructure and IT Services a distinct advantage
• Experience in both IT Outsourcing and Business Process Outsourcing a distinct advance

Essential Qualifications

• Degree in Business or Finance
• Procurement Qualification preferred.

More about the team

Group Procurement & Partner Management is a Bank of Ireland Group-wide function that provides Strategic Sourcing, Category Management, Partner Relationship Management, Supplier Risk Management & Governance and Procurement Services & Transformation support to all Divisions and Business Units. Group Procurement is part of Group Business Efficiency.

This job can be done anywhere in Republic of Ireland with the primary office location as Dublin to which travel will be required for in person collaboration. Exact frequency to be agreed with manager.

#li-hybrid #ij-hybrid

Why work with us?

The Bank of Ireland company culture prioritises work-life balance with an opportunity for flexible working, along with 23 days annual leave and excellent pension contributions. Family can mean different things to different people; we offer 6 months paid maternity leave, an innovative fertility and surrogacy policy and working parent supports.

Your wellbeing is important to us; we have an employee assistance program, WebDoctor and financial wellbeing coaches available. We also encourage and support staff to pursue educational and professional qualifications to grow and enhance your career!

Flexible working matching promise

A fear of losing your current working flexibility shouldn't hinder you from applying for new opportunities, which is why we aim to match your existing flexible working arrangements.

Key Competencies

• Customer Focused - Self
• One Group, one team - Self
• Champion Transformation - Self
• Manage Risk - Self
• Accountable - Self

Where Agency assistance is required Bank of Ireland Recruitment Team will engage directly with suppliers. Unsolicited CVs / profiles supplied to Bank of Ireland by Recruitment Agencies will not be accepted for this role.

We're on a continuous journey to build an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, lived experience, abilities and perspectives. We provide reasonable accommodations at every stage of our recruitment process for disabilities, neurodivergence or medical conditions. If you require an accommodation please complete this form and one of our recruitment team members will be in touch via email.

Any information provided will be treated as confidential within the recruitment team and used only for the purpose of determining and providing appropriate accommodations for the application and recruitment process.