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- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies for Metals & Plastics, enhancing quality and sustainability.
- Company: Join Oxford Instruments, a leader in innovative technology with a rich history.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape global sourcing strategies and drive meaningful change in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and a degree preferred.
- Other info: Work with cutting-edge technologies and make an impact on global challenges.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
Are you an experienced procurement professional looking for a strategic role in a global business? Oxford Instruments is seeking a Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager to lead sourcing strategies for Metals & Plastics across our Group.
The Role
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.
About You
- 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.
Why Join Us?
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.
Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager in High Wycombe employer: Oxford Instruments
Contact Detail:
Oxford Instruments Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager in High Wycombe
✨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 values and how they align with your own. We want you to walk into that interview room feeling confident and ready to showcase how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and build your confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager in High Wycombe
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 Metals & Plastics, and showcase any relevant projects that demonstrate your skills in negotiation and supplier management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this strategic role. Mention specific achievements in cost improvement and stakeholder collaboration that align with our goals at Oxford Instruments.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your soft skills as well! We’re looking for someone with excellent influencing and negotiation abilities. Share examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or led cross-functional projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Instruments
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement, especially in the Metals & Plastics categories. Understand market dynamics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully developed supplier strategies in the past.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of your negotiation successes. Think about specific instances where you’ve negotiated commercial agreements or improved supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your ability to drive value and manage key supplier partnerships.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to talk about your experience in cross-functional projects. Highlight how you’ve collaborated with teams in Operations, Engineering, and Finance to achieve common goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific sourcing challenges or cost improvement projects. Prepare to discuss your approach to NPI engagement and continuous improvement initiatives, showcasing your strategic thinking.
