At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape sourcing strategies that drive scientific innovation and optimise supplier performance.
- Company: Join Oxford Instruments, a leader in advanced materials technology with a rich history.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make an impact, lead change, and work in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission that delivers world-changing tools and solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and strategic mindset; degree preferred.
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 Direct and support CAPEX category as required.
- 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.
- 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.
Group Strategic Sourcing Category Manager - Direct Materials in High Wycombe employer: Oxford Instruments
At Oxford Instruments, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our employees enjoy a dynamic work environment where they can make a tangible impact on scientific advancements while benefiting from continuous professional development opportunities and a commitment to sustainability. Join us in our mission to push the boundaries of science and technology, and be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your growth.
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 the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their sourcing strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When discussing your experience, highlight specific projects where you drove value or improved supplier performance. We love seeing results!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at Oxford Instruments.
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 is tailored to the GSS Category Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your strategic and analytical mindset. We want to see how you can turn insights into action!
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. Let us know how you can help shape our sourcing strategies.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a confident communicator, it's important to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and don’t shy away from sharing examples of how you've influenced others in a matrix environment. We love a proactive approach!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Oxford Instruments team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford Instruments
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around direct materials. Understand the latest trends in sourcing and be ready to discuss how you can apply them at Oxford Instruments.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic and analytical mindset. Think of situations where you've turned insights into actionable strategies, especially in a matrix environment.
✨Build Strong Supplier Relationships
Be ready to talk about how you've successfully built and maintained supplier relationships in the past. Discuss your negotiation tactics and how they’ve led to improved performance and sustainability.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice your communication skills! You’ll need to influence and guide cross-functional teams, so be prepared to demonstrate how you can effectively convey your ideas and ensure alignment during sourcing projects.
