EPS-Buyers
The Educational Procurement Service (EPS) is the Department of Education’s shared service, providing procurement services for Specific Categories to the wider Public Sector.
EPS conducts competitive tendering on expenditure areas in line with the project plan. Competitions may be run at a national, sector or individual institution level and include multiple partners and stakeholders on a collaborative basis
EPS currently has fulltime temporary vacancies for Buyers at both a senior and junior level. Successful candidates will work with the EPS team, budget-holders, internal/external service providers and stakeholders to plan, organize and co-ordinate the full range of contracts necessary for the successful operation of the Education Sector on a day to day basis.
Posts will initially be offered on contract via the public sector recruitment service, Unijobs. It is envisaged the post will be at least 6-months in duration and it is further anticipated that the position will, in due course be advertised on a permanent basis employed directly by the EPS
Key Accountabilities
- Provide efficient and timely roll out of contracts or frameworks from collaborative tenders, including completing mini competitions and assessing and reporting on value for money.
- Prepare strategies for the procurement of goods and services
- Establish and define requirements with budget-holders, internal service providers and key users in Request for Proposal/Invitation to Tender, adding commercial and specific Terms and Conditions of Purchase.
- Input into the development and management of an annual plan with agreed targets.
- Prepare regular reports on project progress, cost savings, efficiency building or quality improvement initiatives.
- Assist/perform account control including active and effective handling of Suppliers.
- Ensure closure is achieved on all projects and queries from customers.
- Conduct all Procurement business with integrity and Diligence in accordance with procurement best practice and Irish/EU law.
- Assist in the implementation of system improvements, new systems, process improvement in line with best practice/government guidelines.
- Deliver savings through tendering and Procurement expertise.
- Deliver procurement services efficiently and expertly
As the Office of Government Procurement model is rolled out across the public sector the role will evolve to include the following main activities related to the Education Sector hub:
- Take responsibility for categories of expenditure or specific spot buying activities assigned.
- Deliver specific sourcing and saving projects.
- Drive innovative approaches in relation commercial arrangements, operating models, specification, etc.
- Aid the development of an online knowledge base for each category, using common templates and structures.
- Run, manage and record tender processes.
- Manage internal controls to assure process and legal compliance.
- Ensure compliance to the Category Sourcing Process.
- Develop and proactively manage customer relationships.
- Monitor and report on key performance indicators.
- Using agreed methodologies, report on forecast savings and deliverables for each procurement project.
The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive. It will be subject to periodic review with the post holder.
You will work as part of team, the Higher education procurement spend is approximately €600 million. The EPS have a staff of approximately 9 staff.
Experience & Qualifications
- Working knowledge of best practice rules of Procurement
- Microsoft office proficient, good presentation skills, analytical skills, communication skills and excellent negotiation skills
- Experience in a procurement sourcing role, in a medium or large public sector or regulated organization
- Experience of dealing with suppliers and internal customers
- Preparing complex detailed tender documents
- Public sector procurement experience desirable
Qualifications
Holding or pursuing IIPMM Degree/Diploma or degree in relevant discipline or equivalent