EPS Category Specialist Higher

Applications are invited for the following position:

Title of Post: EPS Category Specialist Higher

JOB SYNOPSIS

The Education Procurement Service (EPS), based on the University of Limerick campus, is Ireland’s central purchasing body for the education sector. Managing approximately €1 billion in annual procurement expenditure, EPS delivers innovative, strategic, and sustainable procurement solutions that create value for education, research, and public sector organisations nationwide.

Office of the Director of Finance

Director of Management, Planning & Reporting

Contract Type: Specific Purpose

Salary Scale: €61,641 to €76,484 p.a. pro rata

University of Limerick is a research-led, energetic and enterprising institution with a proud record of innovation and excellence in education and scholarships. We value creativity, curiosity and excellence in our inclusive community which is committed to social good. Our motto Eagna chun Gnímh translates as Wisdom for Action reflecting our mission to contribute to the discovery of new knowledge for a better world.

Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to:

Ms Maria Owens

EPS Procurement Manager

University of Limerick

Email: [email protected]

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday, 16th November 2026

Applications must be completed online before 12 noon, Irish Standard Time on the closing date.

Please note your application must include:

A letter of introduction and a current CV indicating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job description.

A completed online application form.

Are you currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland?

If you are not currently an EEA Citizen and have stated that you are currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland, you MUST upload a copy of your current Visa and Work permit in the attachments section application form. Unfortunately, if the attachment, as noted, is required and not provided your application cannot be processed.

Please note your current work authorisation status must allow you to fulfil the terms of the contract on offer.

Please email [email protected] if you experience any difficulties

Applications are welcome from suitably qualified candidates.

Further information for applicants and application material is available online from: University of Limerick Vacancies

We are committed to upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and transparency in pay, in line with the EU Pay Transparency Directive (Directive (EU) 2023/970)

Many thanks for your interest in this role.

TITLE OF POST: EPS Category Specialist Higher LOCATION: University of Limerick REPORTS TO: EPS Category Manager CONTRACT TYPE: Specific Purpose SALARY SCALE: €61,641 to €76,484 p.a. pro rata

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SYNOPSIS:

The Education Procurement Service (EPS), based on the University of Limerick campus, is Ireland’s central purchasing body for the education sector. Managing approximately €1 billion in annual procurement expenditure, EPS delivers innovative, strategic, and sustainable procurement solutions that create value for education, research, and public sector organisations nationwide.

OVERALL JOB PURPOSE:

The Category Specialist Higher (CSH) supports the Category Manager in delivering category strategies and procurement objectives. The role offers the opportunity to lead end-to-end sourcing and tendering projects, delivering compliant, value-for-money procurement solutions that meet client needs across the public sector. The successful candidate will apply their commercial and procurement expertise to manage sourcing projects, build strong stakeholder relationships, and support team development through mentoring and knowledge sharing. Working closely with the Category Manager, they will contribute to portfolio management, procurement planning, and the successful delivery of strategic procurement initiatives.

The CSH will effectively:

• Contribute to and assist in the development and management of their Category.

• Conduct public procurement tenders that meet stakeholder needs in line with Public Procurement Regulations and Policy.

• Perform analyses in assigned areas of expenditure.

• Deliver compliant sourcing solutions that meet stakeholder needs.

• Support Category Manager in leadership of team.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The Category Specialist Higher will:

• Support the development and management of category strategies.

• Lead public procurement competitions in compliance with legislation, policy, and best practice.

• Deliver value-for-money sourcing solutions that meet stakeholder requirements.

• Analyse expenditure and market data to identify procurement opportunities.

• Manage stakeholder relationships and support cross-functional collaboration.

• Support the Category Manager in leading and developing the team.

CONTEXT:

Key Working Relationships & Contacts

The Category Specialist Higher (CSH) reports to a Category Manager and works collaboratively within a team environment, providing leadership, guidance, and support to colleagues. Acting as a representative of both the Category Manager and EPS, the CSH will engage with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of procurement objectives.

The role involves:

• Leading the delivery of sourcing projects within assigned categories, ensuring compliance, effective risk management, and accurate reporting on project progress, outcomes, and forecast savings.

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders through effective stakeholder engagement and networking.

• Applying commercial awareness and innovative thinking to develop practical solutions that meet stakeholder requirements.

• Communicating clearly and effectively to secure stakeholder buy-in, manage expectations, and resolve issues.

• Ensuring robust governance, transparency, and compliance throughout all sourcing activities.

• Monitoring and reporting on procurement performance, savings, and key deliverables using agreed methodologies and metrics.

• Preparing market analysis, reports, and supporting documentation.

• Collaborating effectively with colleagues across functions to support organisational objectives.

• Reviewing the performance and uptake of procurement frameworks and arrangements, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and increased value for stakeholders.

Working Environment/Special Circumstances

EPS is committed to supporting the professional development of its people through a range of learning opportunities, including on-the-job training, accredited programmes, coaching, and mentoring. The role is based on standard office hours and offers blended working arrangements in line with organisational policy. You will also have opportunities to engage with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders across the sector through meetings, events, and collaborative projects, with occasional travel as required.

Job Boundaries

• Demonstrates strong organisational, planning, and prioritisation skills.

• Exercises sound judgement and decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

• Applies strategic thinking and analytical skills to complex procurement challenges.

• Leads and delivers multiple sourcing projects while managing competing priorities.

• Ensures compliance with EU procurement directives, national policy, and governance requirements.

• Maintains high standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.

DIMENSIONS:

Staff

• May assume line management, supervisory, mentoring, or buddy responsibilities, as required.

• Provides guidance, coaching, and support to Category Specialists and other team members.

• Contributes to the development of team capability through knowledge sharing and professional mentoring.

Customer

• Delivers procurement solutions aligned with stakeholder objectives and budget requirements.

• Manages tender processes to achieve value for money and compliant procurement outcomes.

• Builds effective relationships with clients and key stakeholders.

• Provides professional procurement advice and support throughout the sourcing process.

• Supports the uptake and performance of EPS procurement arrangements.

• Promotes strategic and sustainable procurement practices that maximise stakeholder value.

Operational

• Manages end-to-end tender and sourcing processes in compliance with EU Directives, procurement policy, and governance requirements.

• Manages multiple procurement projects, delivering against agreed timelines and objectives.

• Identifies and manages procurement risks, issues, and reporting requirements.

• Ensures GDPR, FOI and other relevant legislative requirements are embedded within and underpin all working practices.

• Maintains accurate records and audit trails to support transparency and compliance.

• Supports the delivery and performance of procurement frameworks and contracts.

• Applies strategic and sustainable procurement principles to achieve value-for-money outcomes.

Administration

• Responsible for maintaining accurate procurement files, records, and data for audit, compliance, and governance purposes.

• Ensures procurement documentation is complete, up to date, and managed in line with organisational requirements.

• Supports internal and external audits through effective record management and document control.

KNOWLEDGE, FUNCTIONAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

Essential Criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree (level 8NFQ) or equivalent professional qualification (holds or actively pursuing)

• Demonstrated knowledge of end-to-end procurement and sourcing processes.

• Good understanding of contract development and the commercial considerations associated with procurement activities.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build effective stakeholder relationships.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.

• Minimum of three years' relevant procurement experience.

• Proven experience in the planning and delivery of procurement projects.

Desirable Criteria:

• Good working knowledge and practical understanding of public procurement legislation, policy, and current procurement issues.

• Good understanding of category management principles and their application in a procurement environment.

• Strong commercial awareness, including experience conducting market research and analysis to inform procurement strategies.

• Project management experience, including planning, coordinating, and delivering projects to agreed objectives.

• Experience of procurement within the public sector environment.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

|Customer Focus |Level: 4 | |Ensuring a ‘customer focussed’ approach is implemented in own | | |area. Systematically analyses customer information. | | |Planning & Organising |Level: 4 | |Contributes to the development of business planning. Project | | |management of operational plans. Monitors progress and ensure | | |that corrective action is taken to meet targets. | | |Using Initiative, Achieving, Goals |Level: 4 | |Contributes to the identification of stretched objectives for | | |delivery. Ensures processes and procedures are in place for the| | |delivery of the service. | | |Decision Making & Problem Solving |Level: 4 | |Analyses, assesses, resolves/makes recommendations on complex | | |problems. Proactively solves problems to affect change, makes | | |informed decisions. Takes responsibility and is accountable. | | |Leadership |Level: 4 | |Leads by example at individual, team and peer level. | | |Demonstrates suitable people management styles in order to | | |motivate and manage performance effectively. | | |Effective Communication |Level: 4 | |Communicates persuasively and confidently both to external and | | |internal groups. Plays a representational role. | | |Team & Collaborative Working |Level: 4 | |Establishes teams and manages the team process. Is aware of | | |campus diversity and incorporates this into forming a team/team| | |objective. | | |Effective Networking and Relationships |Level: 4 | |Develops internal/external relationships with a university | | |focus, to resolve both short-term issues and advance | | |longer-term projects/work. | | |Innovation & Creative Thinking |Level: 4 | |Identifies designs and develops innovative programmes and | | |processes. | | |Change, Adaptability and Flexibility |Level: 4 | |Involves and motivates others in finding improved ways of | | |working. Manages specific change projects. | | |Continuous Development |Level: 4 | |Actively seeks out opportunities to learn and develop. Actively| | |promotes learning and development in others. | | |Thinking & Acting Strategically |Level: 4 | |Contributes to the development of key goals, implements agreed | | |priorities and communicates the vision to others. | |

Further Information for Candidates:

Are you currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland?

If you are not currently an EEA Citizen and have stated, you are currently legally entitled to work and reside in Ireland. You MUST upload a copy of your current Visa and Work permit in the attachments section application form, or your application will not be processed. Please note your current work authorisation status must allow you to fulfil the terms of the contract on offer.

Recruitment Procedures used at University of Limerick (UL)

University of Limerick uses a three-stage recruitment procedure: screening, shortlisting and interview.

Screening: Initially, applications for an advertised position are screened to determine if applicants meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ as outlined in the advertised job description. It is only candidates who meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ that progress beyond this stage.

Shortlisting: Depending on the number of applications remaining, it may not be possible to interview every candidate who has passed the screening process. Therefore, at this stage the Selection Board may review the applications and select a final shortlist of candidates who, in their view, are most closely aligned to the post as advertised.

Interview: Once a shortlist has been finalised, all applicants will be notified of the status of their application. The final shortlist of candidates will then be invited to interview. We aim to provide at least two weeks’ notice to all candidates. The interview process will take the format of a standard interview and may include a presentation –you will be provided with details of this in your invitation to interview letter.

University of Limerick benefits to staff

Employees of the University of Limerick receive a variety of benefits including: • Supported professional development under the Researcher Development Programme and Staff Training Programmes.

• Membership of the Public Sector Single Public Service Pension Scheme.

• Membership of the Income Continuance Plan

• The opportunity to join the University’s Additional Life Cover plan.

• Coverage in the UL Sick Leave Scheme (available under “S” on the HR A- Z)

• Flexible working practices such as the Shorter Working Year Scheme.

• Preferential rates for health insurance.

• Employee wellness is a priority and a number of initiatives take place each year for the benefit of UL employees, see more at Be Well at UL.

• Preferential rates for access to the UL Arena swimming pool and fitness centre.

Additional Links: • Join the Team in UL Join the team in UL | University of Limerick • Link to website for new staff New To UL - Staff Roadmap

Equal Opportunities

University of Limerick holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advancing equality in higher education. University of Limerick is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to selection on merit, welcoming applicants from all sections of the community. UL is committed to developing and maintaining a positive working environment, in which all employees are treated with dignity & respect. In pursuit of this, it is the policy of the University to provide all employees with an environment which is free from bullying, harassment or victimisation of any form. You can read more about UL’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion here.

Culture Charter A positive culture within an organisation is a shared system of values and behaviours that influence and reflect how its people behave and interact with each other and the wider community. It is shaped by the everyday actions, behaviours and words that are used. The values and behaviours outlined in UL’s Culture Charter should guide how we act, interact and connect with one another in the challenges and successes of university life.

Pension Abatement If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012. Please note: In applying for this position you are acknowledging that you understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the employing Department/Office/Body will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.

Qualifications Please take note of the essential qualifications for this position as listed in the job description. If you are successful in being offered this position, the offer will be made pending the Chair of the selection committee verifying your qualifications. Therefore, after the interview, you will be required to forward your transcripts to the Chair by email. No contract of employment will be issued until all required documentation is received.