Head of Category - Ashfield, Clondalkin, Dublin 22

Part of Grafton Group Plc, Chadwicks Group is the market leader in the builder’s merchanting industry in the Republic of Ireland. The core business is through the traditional Builders Merchants division. Main brands include Chadwicks, Cork Builders Providers, Davies & Telfords. In addition, and through organic growth and acquisitions the Group have established a range of brands which are close to the core but offer a uniquely different range of products. These include Heitons Steel, Panelling Centre, Morgans Timber, Proline & Sitetech.

Principle Objective 

Reporting to the Category Director of the Chadwicks Group, the Head of Category is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of buying activities within assigned category. The primary objective will be to develop and execute buying strategies and optimise cost efficiency, ensure high-quality products, and support the organisations overall goals. You will oversee a team of category managers, establish strong relationships with suppliers and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance buying processes. There will be a strong focus on customer needs.

Knowledge & Experience 

• BSc/BA in business administration, buying, supply chain management or relevant field.
• An experienced strategic business leader in a comparable role, preferably with industry knowledge.
• Proven experience (5+ Years) in buying, strategic sourcing, or supply chain management, with a focus on leadership roles.
• Strong negotiation skills with a track record of achieving cost savings and favourable contract terms.
• Experience in managing supplier relationships, conducting supplier performance evaluations, and driving supplier development initiatives. 
• Familiarity with procurement regulations, legal requirements, and ethical standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the ability to develop creative solutions to complex procurement challenges.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.

Key Responsibilities 

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organisational goals and objectives.
• Drive revenue growth along with margin initiatives including a cost reduction program. 
• Oversee the procurement process, including sourcing, negotiation, and implantation of agreements. 
• Lead supplier evaluation and selection processes to ensure the organisation works with reliable and high quality suppliers.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with branch managers, regional sales management and operations, suppliers, promoting collaboration and managing performance.
• Monitor market trends and changes in supplier landscape to identify opportunities for cost savings and process enhancements.
• Promote sustainability across the key strategic areas identified in the business. 
• Drive a positive culture across the business, listening to colleagues and leading the way in diversity and inclusion.
• Ensure all legal and compliance standards are adhered to.
• Ensure that all Company policies and procedures are being followed and improve processes and policies where needed ensuring compliance on ethics and standards.
• Identify and lead technology driven projects that will ensure efficiencies as well as customer service and sustainability improvements.

Essential Competencies 

• Strong strategic and commercial acumen coupled with a practical pragmatic approach.
• Proven track record in leading and motivating a team and driving operational performance.
• The ability to build relationships with both customers and suppliers.
• Drive, enthusiasm, and flair, combined with resilience and rigour. 
• Ability to prioritise workload.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work within a senior leadership team.
• The flexibility, open-mindedness and willingness to learn.
• Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail.

Key Performance Measures

• Revenue growth through effective category management across the category.
• Cost savings achieved through strategic sourcing and negotiation efforts.
• Supplier performance metrics, including delivery reliability, quality, and responsiveness. 
• Compliance with procurement policies, regulations, and ethical standards. 
• Procurement process efficiency, measured by cycle time, lead time reduction, and cost-effectiveness. 
• Stakeholder satisfaction, including feedback from internal customers and cross-functional teams. 
• Development and retention of a high performing team. 
• Achievement of procurement-related KPI’s, such as supply chain costs as a % of sales targets, stock turn, DC costs as a % of sales, supplier delivery performance to DC, cost savings targets, spend under management, and supplier diversification.

Team & Budget 

• Team Size – 2 – 5 
• Direct Reports – 2 – 5 
• Budget Responsibility – Commercial Responsibility of €250m+

Contract Type

• Permanent full time 
• Full time 39-hour contract 
• Working week Monday to Friday (Hybrid Working)

Our Benefits Include 

• Level 5 Role
• Company Car/Car Allowance
• Competitive Basic Salary
• Competitive Performance Related Bonus
• Private Health Care 
• Sick Pay Scheme 
• Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave 
• Pension Scheme * Colleague Saving Scheme
• Profit Share Scheme
• Colleague Discount
• Educational Assistance 
• Wellness initiatives

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Chadwicks Group we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

DISCLAIMER: Chadwicks Group reserves the right at any time to change, delete, or add to any of the provisions of this Role Profile at its sole discretion and it is the colleagues responsibility to familiarise themselves with these changes. Furthermore, the provisions of this Role Profile are designed by Chadwicks Group to serve as guidelines rather than absolute responsibilities and duties.