At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for IT, HR, and Marketing, driving efficiency and value.
- Company: Dynamic company in Oxfordshire with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising procurement strategies and building strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Oxfordshire
Type: Permanent
Salary: 50,000 - 60,000
Overview
We are seeking an experienced Category Manager to lead procurement activity across the IT, Marketing, and HR categories. This is a strategic procurement role focused on partnering with key stakeholders to understand business requirements, develop category strategies, deliver sourcing projects, and maximise value from third-party spend. Working within a fast-paced and evolving environment, you will play a key role in driving efficiencies, supporting transformation initiatives, and ensuring procurement delivers measurable commercial benefits. The successful candidate will be a commercially minded procurement professional with strong category management expertise, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to build lasting supplier and stakeholder relationships.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category strategies across IT, Marketing, and HR spend areas.
- Partner with stakeholders to understand medium and long-term business requirements and translate these into effective procurement solutions.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing and tender activities, including RFIs, RFQs, supplier evaluations, negotiations, and contract award.
- Identify opportunities to optimise spend, improve supplier performance, and deliver value for money.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships that encourage innovation, continuous improvement, and best practice.
- Drive return on investment across third-party expenditure through strategic sourcing and category management.
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing structures, and contractual agreements to achieve favourable outcomes.
- Assess and manage procurement risks, ensuring appropriate contractual protections are in place.
- Work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure procurement projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned to business objectives.
- Monitor market trends, supplier developments, and emerging technologies to inform procurement decisions and category strategies.
Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience in a Category Manager, Senior Buyer, Strategic Sourcing, or Procurement Manager role.
- Strong procurement experience across one or more of the following categories: Information Technology (IT), Marketing, Human Resources (HR).
- Demonstrable experience managing tender processes from initial engagement through to contract award.
- Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Experience drafting, reviewing, and managing supplier contracts.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to assess commercial proposals, risks, and value-for-money opportunities.
- Experience delivering multiple procurement projects simultaneously within a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organisational and project management capabilities.
Desirable
- Degree educated or equivalent professional experience.
- CIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS accreditation.
- Existing supplier market knowledge and professional networks within relevant category areas.
- Experience supporting business transformation, technology, or change programmes.
Personal Attributes
- Commercially focused with a strategic mindset.
- Proactive, solutions-oriented, and results-driven.
- Strong relationship builder with excellent communication skills.
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to manage changing priorities.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
- Collaborative approach with a positive, can-do attitude.
Category Manager – IT, HR, & Marketing in Oxford employer: Procurement Heads
Join a forward-thinking global industrial technology and machinery business that values innovation and transformation. With a dynamic work culture that encourages problem-solving and strategic thinking, you'll have the chance to shape global sourcing strategies and build impactful supplier partnerships. Located in Berkshire, UK, this role offers significant travel opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and a matched pension scheme, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager – IT, HR, & Marketing in Oxford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Procurement Heads.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager – IT, HR, & Marketing in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Procurement Heads:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Procurement Heads. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Procurement Heads.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Procurement Heads!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Procurement Heads. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Procurement Heads's culture.
