Procurement Lead HEO

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and run the competitive tendering of supplies, services and works and the procurement function on a day-to-day basis.

• Ensure implementation and delivery of the SFPA corporate procurement plan.

• Ensure the SFPA complies with the procurement rules and guidelines set out by the Office of Government Procurement and the Public Spending Code.

• Ensure the SFPA achieves value for money and enters contracts which offer the most economically advantageous outcome.

• Carry out ongoing risk analysis and management of the SFPA procurement and expenditure activities to highlight trends, patterns, and exposure to risk.

• Maintain and update SFPA contract register including OGP framework agreements.

• Develop, implement, and maintain relevant best practice procedures and governance standards for effective procurement and contract management.

SFPA VACANCIES: PROCUREMENT LEAD consciatalent.com/sfpa

• Ensure financial transactions reflect contract commitments and necessary controls are in place to monitor supplier performance against contracts.

• Lead fleet management for the organisation and ensure that the fleet runs efficiently, productively, and safely.

• Undertake data analysis, cost / benefit analysis, report against key performance indicators and produce management information for business unit managers and stakeholders.

• Actively support and advise business unit managers / project sponsors throughout the procurement process and in ongoing contract management.

• Responsible for continuous improvement of systems and processes and that procurement of all goods / services is in accordance with the organisation’s procurement policies and procedures.

• Provide active training, support and learning and development to business units in relation to procurement through talks, workshops, and other awareness raising initiatives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Internal knowledge sharing within the Finance team and the wider organisation to enhance organisational capability in procurement.

• Support the implementation of projects related to finance and procurement, ensuring that the systems used and procedures applied meet the highest standards.

• Carrying out such other procurement / finance related activities as may be assigned by the Executive Manager, Finance.

• Support and assist the wider Finance team to resolve queries relating to procurement.

• Develop and maintain effective stakeholder relationships.

• Assistance with month end and year end procedures and internal and external audit requirements.

• Deal with finance related queries in a timely manner.

• Ensure financial management systems which facilitate best practice financial and management reporting are implemented and that performance of those systems is monitored on an ongoing basis.

Essential Requirements

• Possess a relevant third level qualification (minimum NFQ Level 7).

• At least 2 years’ relevant experience in a similar role with demonstrable evidence of success in procurement and/or contract management.

• Ability to work well under pressure, on own initiative and as a part of team.

• Excellent analytical skills, and objective judgment and decision making skills.

• Possess strong IT skills, and proficiency in the use of the eTenders platform and Microsoft Office.

Desirable Skills / Experience

• Possess a relevant qualification in procurement or contract management.

• Public sector procurement experience.

• Proficiency in the use of financial systems or accounting software packages.

• Experience drafting, negotiating, and managing contracts including knowledge of Contract Law.

• Basic user competence in the Irish language would be desirable.

Pay:

The basic salary for the position (rates effective from 1st February 2026) is the Higher Executive Officer PPC scale of €59,435 – €75,788 per annum (which includes two long service increments).

Tenure:

This is a permanent position. The appointee will be required to serve a 12-month probationary period.

Location:

This role will be based in the SFPA’s headquarters in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. Meetings may take place at locations around Ireland. When absent from home and place of employment on official duty, the appointee will be paid appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances, subject to normal civil service regulations / public sector regulations.

Blended Working:

The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority is committed to embracing opportunities for remote and blended working, to build a more dynamic, agile and responsive Public Service, while sustaining strong standards of performance and high levels of productivity.

As an employer, SFPA operates a blended working policy that facilitates access to remote working options having regard to work-life balance / integration, mental health, and the need for a safe and productive working environment. Availability and patterns of blended working will be based on business needs and the suitability of the role may be subject to change should the business needs dictate. Requests for blended working arrangements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Hours of Attendance:

Hours of attendance will be fixed from time to time but will amount to not less than 41 hours 15 minutes gross per week or 35 hours net per week. The appointee will be required to work such additional hours from time to time as may be reasonable and necessary for the proper performance of his / her duties subject to the limits set down in the working time regulations.

Rest Periods:

The terms of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 will apply to this appointment.

Annual Leave:

In addition to the standard public holidays, the annual leave for this position is minimum 29 days per annum, rising to 30 after 5 years’ service in the grade, and subject to the individual’s previous entitlements.

Sick Leave:

Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis during probation, in accordance with the provisions of the sick leave circulars.