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- Tasks: Maximise supplier value and lead negotiations in the Technology sector.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at OUP with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while working with top-tier technology suppliers.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
Working as a part of the Group Procurement team you will be tasked with maximising the value (service, quality, cost, risk) derived from our supplier relationships. Primarily focussed on strategic, and other high-value suppliers, this is an opportunity for a confident and capable Category Manager to make their mark, with plenty of scope to support OUP\’s evolving business.
You will be responsible for several key activities, including:
- Partnering with key stakeholders and translating their business needs to deliver commercial solutions.
- Ensuring the timely delivery of specific procurement projects which achieve targeted savings and minimise supply risk.
- Leading negotiations with sophisticated Technology suppliers or service providers.
- Identifying efficiency opportunities and implementing associated improvements using value engineering approaches.
- Applying new policy and process changes within the procurement operating environment.
We operate a hybrid working policy that requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the Oxford office.
About You
Qualifications & Technical Skills
- Procurement management experience of strategic sourcing in a large company environment, preferably with European or global experience.
- Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the Technology supply market, with experience working in Technology category management.
- CIPS Advanced Diploma (Level 5) or MCIPS Professional Diploma Level (Level 6) would be advantageous but not essential.
- High level of project management skills and working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proven track record of delivering cost savings across multiple business units and spend categories.
Skills and Behaviours
- Conversant and experienced in the application of modern category management tools and techniques, with an ability to develop category strategies to meet stakeholder needs.
- Able to forge close, partnering relationships with Technology stakeholders at all levels (up to C-suite level).
- Has excellent technical knowledge and experience in category management application.
- Commercial acumen with proficient negotiation skills, with confidence and ability to lead complex commercial negotiations and achieve results.
Benefits
We care about work/life balance here at OUP. With this in mind we offer 25 days\’ holiday that rises with service, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure (3-days) and a 35-hour working week. We are open to discussing flexibility in respect to working patterns, dependent on role. We also have a great variety of active employee networks and societies.
We help make your money go further by contributing to your pension up to 12%, offering loans and savings schemes through our partnership with Salary Finance, in addition to travel to work schemes and access to a wide range of local discounts.
This role comes with the added benefit of private medical insurance and a management bonus.
Please see our Rewards and Recognition page for more information.
Queries
Please contact grace.mcfadyen@oup.com with any queries relating to this role.
We are committed to supporting diversity in our workforce, and ensuring an inclusive environment where all individuals can thrive. We seek to employ a workforce representative of the markets that we serve and encourage applications from all.
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Category Manager, Technology employer: Oxford University Press
Contact Detail:
Oxford University Press Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager, Technology
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and technology sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Category Manager role!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its suppliers. Understand their procurement strategies and think about how you can add value. We want you to showcase your negotiation skills and commercial acumen, so practice articulating your past successes!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to leverage social media! Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your expertise in technology category management. Engage with relevant content and connect with industry leaders. It’s a great way to get noticed and show off your knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at OUP. Let’s make your next career move a successful one together!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager, Technology
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement management and category strategies. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves leading negotiations with technology suppliers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your negotiation prowess. Share specific examples of successful negotiations you've led and the results you achieved. We love a good success story!
Highlight Stakeholder Collaboration: We value teamwork, so be sure to mention your experience working with various stakeholders. Describe how you’ve translated business needs into commercial solutions, as this will show us you can effectively partner with others in our organisation.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford University Press
✨Know Your Suppliers
Before the interview, do your homework on the key suppliers in the Technology sector. Understand their strengths, weaknesses, and how they align with the company's goals. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially those that resulted in significant cost savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes, as this will highlight your commercial acumen and ability to lead complex negotiations.
✨Understand Stakeholder Needs
Think about how you can translate business needs into commercial solutions. Prepare to discuss how you've partnered with stakeholders in the past and how you can apply that experience to meet the needs of OUP's diverse teams.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Prowess
Be ready to talk about specific procurement projects you've managed, focusing on your project management skills. Highlight how you ensured timely delivery and achieved targeted savings while minimising supply risk, as this is crucial for the role.