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- Tasks: Manage high-value procurement projects and develop category strategies for the University.
- Company: Join the University of Oxford, a world-leading institution blending tradition with innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, hybrid working, and a generous family leave scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team tackling global challenges while shaping the future of education.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-value agreements, strong communication skills, and a degree or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity to study for CIPS qualification and access to vibrant community clubs.
The predicted salary is between 33600 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
We seek a Category Buyer to join our finance division to support the Estates Operations Purchasing team with a diverse £40M+ annual spend. You’ll manage high-value procurement projects, develop category strategies, and drive efficiencies across the University’s diverse supplier network while working in a collaborative and forward-thinking team.
Location: Oxford, Purchasing, OUP, Great Clarendon Street/Estates Services, Tidmarsh Lane with hybrid working 2 days in the office weekly.
Salary: ÂŁ38,674 - ÂŁ46,913 per annum.
Contract: Full Time, Permanent.
About Us: Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires,” the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations.
Integral to the University, the Finance Division aims to enable world-class research and education by collaborating on sound financial strategy to provide long-term resources, underpinned by excellent operational and professional services.
What We Offer: Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
- 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
- One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
- A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
- An excellent contributory pension scheme.
- Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
- Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role: This role supports University departments by providing expert purchasing guidance and commercial insight, helping them make informed, value-driven procurement decisions. You’ll manage high-value projects (over £125k), develop supplier relationships, and work with colleagues to identify and deliver category strategies that drive savings and efficiency. By understanding departmental needs, you’ll ensure central agreements are fit for purpose, promote best practice, and support compliance with University and legal requirements.
About You:
- Experience of letting/tendering one-off high value agreements (>ÂŁ125k) and frameworks with suppliers to generate savings and efficiencies.
- Experience in negotiating with suppliers (and reducing agreements to clear contractual drafts).
- Good analytical skills.
- Experience of building strong relationships internally with customers and externally with suppliers to enable the delivery of objectives.
- Strong oral, written and electronic communication skills.
- Ability to plan workload and deliver on projects.
- Excellent computer skills, including Word and Excel.
- Full member of CIPS, or willingness to study for the qualification.
- Degree education or equivalent professional experience.
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.
Category Buyer employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the University of Oxford's procurement processes and policies. Understanding their specific requirements and compliance standards will give you an edge when discussing your experience and how it aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in the finance division or procurement roles at the University. They can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of high-value procurement projects you've managed. Highlight your negotiation skills and any savings achieved, as these are crucial for the Category Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being ready to discuss how you've used data to inform procurement decisions in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to drive efficiencies and support the University's objectives.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and category management. Emphasise any high-value projects you've managed, particularly those over ÂŁ125k, and showcase your negotiation skills with suppliers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the role of Category Buyer. Discuss your understanding of the finance division's goals and how your skills can contribute to achieving them. Mention your analytical skills and ability to build relationships.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated contracts or developed category strategies. Use metrics to demonstrate the savings and efficiencies you achieved in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your communication is clear and professional, reflecting the strong written skills required for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience with high-value procurement projects, especially those over ÂŁ125k. Highlight specific examples where you successfully negotiated contracts or developed category strategies that resulted in savings and efficiencies.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Since the role requires good analytical skills, come ready to discuss how you've used data to inform purchasing decisions. You might want to prepare a brief case study or example that illustrates your ability to analyse supplier performance or market trends.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Given the importance of relationship-building in this role, focus on establishing a connection with your interviewers. Share experiences that demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively with both internal teams and external suppliers.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have insightful questions ready about the role and the Finance Division's goals. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to the team’s success.
