Join a leading contractor & shape the future of supply chain management Location: Ballymena, Northern Ireland. (Hybrid options available after training) Salary: Competitive - details available upon request Looking to advance your career in procurement? Dowds Group, an award-winning construction contractor, is seeking a Category Buyer to join their growing supply chain team in Northern Ireland. Based at their headquarters in Ballymena, this role offers a unique opportunity to move from transactional buying into a strategic procurement position, working on high-profile projects across the UK and Ireland. With hybrid working, career progression and excellent benefits, this is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Buyer who is ready to expand their skills into procurement. Why join Dowds Group? Hybrid work options After training, work up to 2 days per week from home Career progression Be part of a company investing in its people and long-term growth Attractive remuneration Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, enhanced pension (5-7%), 30 days leave, Westfield health, free on-site gym & more High-profile projects Work with a company delivering multi-million-pound projects across the UK & Ireland Opportunity to drive and embed change Use your skills to help transition the supply chain function from reactive to proactive Key responsibilities - at a glance: Procurement & supplier management source, negotiate, and procure materials and services for projects in UK and Ireland Cost control & efficiency work closely with stakeholders to drive savings and improve supplier performance Market research stay ahead of industry trends and pricing changes Transformation and change - work with the department to embed efficiencies and best practice Contract & compliance ensure all procurement activity aligns with policies and regulations What were looking for: Experience in procurement, purchasing, or buying, ideally within construction or a related sector, although all sectors will be considered Strong negotiation and supplier management skills Some exposure and working knowledge of strategic procurement Proficiency in ERP systems and ability to work at a transactional level initially A procurement-related qualification (CIPS) is desirable but not essential The benefits youll enjoy: Competitive base salary plus company bonus - further information available upon request Enhanced pension (5-7%) Hybrid working after the training period (up to 2 days at home) Westfield Health Plan & Life Assurance (2x salary) 30 days annual leave, including bank holidays Family-friendly policies & free on-site gym Free parking Training and development within an evolving department. Working hours: 8-5 M-T / 8-14.00 Friday with some flexibility around start / finish times How to apply Kelly Jennings & Associates is exclusively managing this recruitment process. To discuss this opportunity in confidence, contact Kelly Jennings at. (Our client is unable to provide sponsorship at this time. A full UK work permit and clean driving licence are required for this role.) As the exclusive specialist search provider retained to deliver this mandate, Kelly Jennings & Associates are solely managing all applications for this position. As such, any unsolicited introductions to Dowds Group from other agencies or search providers will be redirected to us for screening and assessment. Neither Kelly Jennings & Associates nor Dowds Group will be liable for fees linked to unsolicited introductions. Skills: OTIFD Supplier Management Procurement ERP Systems Stakeholder Management Communication Negotiation Benefits: Company Bonus Enhanced Pension Westfield Helath On Site Gym Hybrid Working Training and Development Life Assurance