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: Be part of a dynamic team pushing the boundaries of science and technology.
- 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 in High Wycombe 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 vibrant area, we offer a unique blend of professional challenge and personal fulfilment, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the world of science and technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Direct Materials in High Wycombe
✨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 in how you can contribute to our mission of pushing the boundaries of science and technology.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a GSS Category Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build strong supplier relationships. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨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 us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Direct Materials in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the GSS Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in Indirect and CAPEX categories, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about sourcing excellence and how your strategic mindset can drive value at Oxford Instruments. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your impact.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a confident communicator, it’s important to convey your ability to influence and collaborate. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this skill, as it’s crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
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, as well as how they relate to Oxford Instruments' mission. This will show your strategic mindset and ability to turn insights into action.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully built supplier relationships or secured favourable terms. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiating commercial agreements that support quality and sustainability, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've guided teams through sourcing projects. Highlight how you ensured alignment and compliance while driving continuous improvement. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a matrix environment and work effectively with business leaders.
✨Be Results-Driven and Proactive
Prepare to discuss how you've implemented smarter ways of working in previous roles. Share specific examples of how your proactive approach has led to measurable results, such as improved supplier performance or reduced risk, which aligns perfectly with what Oxford Instruments is looking for.
