At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver sourcing strategies while managing key supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a leading tech company with a rich history and innovative products.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with a focus on sustainability and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a global business with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a degree preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At Oxford Instruments we enable the worlds 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 Queens Awards for Enterprise our world‑class products and technologies are helping our customers to address the greatest challenges of the 21st century.
Reporting to the Group Strategic Sourcing Director you’ll shape and deliver category strategies that reduce cost and risk while enhancing quality, service and sustainability. You’ll manage key supplier relationships, negotiate commercial agreements and lead cross‑functional projects with stakeholders in Operations, Engineering, Finance and Supply Chain. This role is pivotal in driving value through initiatives such as NPI engagement, design‑to‑cost activities and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and implement category sourcing strategies aligned with Group objectives.
- Own supplier relationships, performance management and long‑term agreements.
- Lead cost improvement projects and value engineering activities.
- Collaborate with Engineering on early supplier involvement for NPI.
- Monitor supplier KPIs and maintain the Approved Vendor List.
- Ensure compliance with sourcing policies and governance processes.
- Extensive procurement experience in technical categories ideally Metals & Plastics.
- Strong understanding of market dynamics and supplier strategy development.
- Proven success in NPI cost improvement and supplier development projects.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Degree educated; MCIPS preferred but not essential.
This role is hybrid and can be based at any of our UK based sites – High Wycombe, Bristol or Belfast.
This is a high‑impact role offering the chance to shape sourcing strategies across a global business working with cutting‑edge technologies and a collaborative team. You’ll have the autonomy to deliver meaningful change and unlock value for the organisation.
Oxford Instruments is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager in Bristol employer: Oxford Instruments
At Oxford Instruments, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies in a hybrid environment across our UK sites. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and inclusion.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and how they align with your skills, especially in procurement and supplier management. We want you to walk in feeling confident and ready to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves managing supplier relationships and negotiating agreements, being able to demonstrate your expertise in this area during interviews will set you apart. We suggest role-playing scenarios with a friend or mentor.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in technical categories like Metals & Plastics, and showcase any relevant projects that demonstrate your negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about sourcing strategies and how your background aligns with our mission at Oxford Instruments. Don’t forget to mention specific achievements that relate to cost improvement and supplier development.
Showcase Your Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t underestimate the power of soft skills. We want to see your influencing and collaboration abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams or managed key supplier relationships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Oxford Instruments!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Instruments
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in technical categories like Metals & Plastics. Understand the market dynamics and be ready to discuss how you've developed supplier strategies in the past.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Be specific about the outcomes and how they benefited your previous employers. This will demonstrate your ability to manage key supplier relationships effectively.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working with cross-functional teams, think of instances where you've collaborated with Engineering, Finance, or Operations. Highlight your experience in leading projects that required input from multiple stakeholders.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific sourcing challenges or cost improvement projects. Prepare by thinking through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
