At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies that drive innovation and sustainability in a global business.
- Company: Join Oxford Instruments, a leader in scientific technology with a rich history.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make an impact, lead change, and develop your career.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape sourcing strategies that support world-changing tools and solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and strategic mindset required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At Oxford Instruments, we enable the world’s leading industrial companies and scientific research communities to image, analyse and manipulate materials down to the atomic and molecular level. With a sixty-year history, and fourteen Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, our world‑class products and technologies are helping our customers to address the greatest challenges of the 21st century.
Join Oxford Instruments and help shape the sourcing strategies that power scientific innovation. As our GSS Category Manager, you’ll play a key role in driving value, reducing risk, and building a sustainable, high‑performing supply base across the Group.
What You’ll Do
- Lead Indirect and CAPEX category strategies that deliver impact across our global business.
- Partner with business leaders to optimise spend, elevate supplier performance, and drive continuous improvement.
- Build strong supplier relationships and negotiate commercial agreements that support quality, service, and long‑term sustainability.
- Guide cross‑functional teams through sourcing projects, ensuring alignment, compliance, and best‑practice procurement.
- Manage supplier KPIs, financial performance reporting, and the Group Approved Vendor List.
- Oversee contracting, supplier quality, and risk mitigation to protect business continuity.
What You Bring
- Strong procurement experience with proven success in Indirect and CAPEX categories.
- Strategic, analytical mindset with the ability to turn insights into action.
- Commercially focused, with solid financial and market awareness.
- Confident communicator and influencer who thrives in a matrix environment.
- Proactive, results‑driven, and always looking for smarter, better ways of working.
- Up‑to‑date on industry trends and passionate about advancing sourcing excellence.
Qualifications
- Degree in a relevant field (preferred).
- MCIPS certification beneficial but not essential.
Why Oxford Instruments?
Be part of a business that pushes the boundaries of science and technology. You’ll have the freedom to make an impact, lead meaningful change, and help shape the sourcing strategies that support our mission to deliver world‑changing tools and solutions.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Direct Materials employer: Oxford Instruments plc
At Oxford Instruments, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous development opportunities and the chance to work alongside industry leaders in a dynamic environment. Located in a hub of scientific advancement, we offer a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects while enjoying a supportive workplace that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Direct Materials
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those at Oxford Instruments. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and innovations. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about what we do at Oxford Instruments.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a GSS Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Direct Materials
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of GSS Category Manager. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in Indirect and CAPEX categories, and showcase any relevant achievements that demonstrate your strategic mindset.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sourcing excellence and how your skills align with our mission at Oxford Instruments. Don’t forget to mention your ability to build strong supplier relationships!
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In your application, emphasise your analytical abilities and how you've turned insights into actionable strategies in previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate a results-driven approach and a knack for continuous improvement.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Instruments plc
✨Know Your Categories Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Indirect and CAPEX categories. Research the latest trends and challenges in these areas, and be ready to discuss how you can apply your knowledge to drive value and reduce risk for the company.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare examples that demonstrate your strategic and analytical thinking. Think about times when you've turned insights into actionable plans, and be ready to explain how you can optimise spend and elevate supplier performance at Oxford Instruments.
✨Build Rapport with Your Interviewers
Remember, communication is key! Practice your influencing skills and be prepared to engage with your interviewers. Show them that you can thrive in a matrix environment by discussing how you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past.
✨Highlight Your Results-Driven Approach
Be ready to share specific examples of how you've achieved results in previous roles. Discuss your proactive nature and how you've sought out smarter ways of working, especially in managing supplier KPIs and financial performance reporting.
