Category Buyer – Packaging (Procurement)

About the role

We are seeking a Category Buyer – Packaging to join Dawn Meats’ Group Procurement team at our head office in Grannagh, Waterford. The role will manage the sourcing, negotiation and performance of packaging and other critical production consumables for sites across Ireland and the UK, while supporting sustainability and innovation initiatives.

Key responsibilities

• Promote best‑in‑class procurement practices across the Group.
• Develop sourcing and risk‑mitigation strategies for packaging categories.
• Research, pre‑qualify and onboard new suppliers to ensure continuity.
• Monitor market trends and identify fit‑for‑purpose products.
• Prepare tender documentation, analyse responses and negotiate prices.
• Resolve supplier disputes, manage contracts and terms of sale.
• Lead projects, manage change and handle crisis events related to supply.
• Produce reports and present findings to senior managers and executives.

Required profile

• Detail‑oriented with the ability to evaluate and cleanse high‑volume data.
• Strong analytical mindset, capable of hypothesising solutions with minimal supervision.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to build and maintain cross‑functional relationships.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and problem‑solving techniques.
• Effective planning, scheduling and prioritisation of tasks.
• Basic knowledge of supply‑chain processes and project‑management principles.

Required skills