At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing processes and negotiate with suppliers for best value.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O₂, a leading inclusive employer in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic rewards package and support for you and your loved ones.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of equity and inclusion, celebrating authenticity.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while working with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage high volumes of purchases.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
This job is with Virgin Media O₂, an inclusive employer and a member of my Gwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
We're looking for a Category Buyer to join our Procurement team, helping us deliver best value for money while keeping things simple, sustainable, and fully compliant.
In this role, you'll manage a high volume of low-value purchasing processes using our GEP spend management tool, negotiating with suppliers, supporting contract activity, and working closely with colleagues across Finance, Legal, and Procurement.
It's a hands-on role where you'll balance cost savings, risk management, and customer satisfaction every day.
Who we are The UK's fastest broadband network.
The nation's best-loved mobile brand.
And, one of the UK's biggest companies too.
Diverse, hard-working teams - jam packed with serious talent.
Together, we offer the UK more choice and better value, through our boundary-pushing, customer-championing values and ambitions.
Together, we are Virgin Media O2, and we can't wait to see what you can do.
Accessible, inclusive and equitable for all Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and we're working hard to remove bias and barriers for our people and candidates.
So, we build equity and inclusion into everything we do, from the policies we craft to the relationships we shape.
We support and encourage you to be your authentic self throughout your application journey with us.
The must haves In order to be considered, you must have the following experience: Good interpersonal skills and an ability to work with and influence suppliers and internal stakeholders at all levels Strong negotiating skills and the ability to lead competitive sourcing processes Ability to manage high volumes of purchasing activity against tight SLA targets Strong time management and organisational skills The ability to work within cross-functional and/or virtual teams IT Software skills such as Saas and perpetual software licenses The other stuff we are looking for We'd also love you to bring: Experience of using management information from ERP and Purchasing systems (ideally GEP) Basic contract knowledge, with an ability to finalise low-value agreements where required Strong analytical and desktop research skills An interest in procurement and studying towards CIPS accreditation What you'll be doing Processing low-value purchases (typically Leading sourcing activity including RFPs, auctions and negotiations, ensuring best commercial value, risk mitigation and sustainability impact Engaging and communicating with internal customers, Category Managers and group stakeholders (Telefonica Global Services, Liberty Global Procurement) Supporting contract implementation and ensuring compliance with VMO2's procurement policies and procedures Managing multiple projects and processes while delivering a positive customer experience Contributing to savings targets, efficiency improvements and sustainability objectives What's in it for you Our goal is to celebrate our people, their lives and everything in-between.
We aim to create a culture that empowers everyone to bring the best versions of themselves to work each and every day.
We believe the most inclusive and diverse culture makes for a better business and a brighter world.
Working at Virgin Media O2, you get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you'd like to.
These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you're covered no matter what life throws your way.
Next steps If we feel like a place where you can belong, we'd love to learn more about you as a person and your experience to date.
Once you've submitted an application, the next steps of the process, if successful, are likely to include an interview either on Teams or in person.
When you apply, you'll be asked about any adjustments you might need to support the recruitment process.
Let us know, and we'll be sure to discuss it with you.
Please note: Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert, therefore we may bring the closing date forward.
We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible #LI-NA1
Category Buyer employer: Virgin Media O₂
At Virgin Media O₂, we pride ourselves on being an inclusive employer that values diversity and fosters a collaborative work culture. As an Operational Performance Manager, you'll benefit from our flexible-first approach, extensive employee support networks, and opportunities for professional growth, all while contributing to innovative connectivity solutions in a dynamic environment. With competitive benefits including healthcare, generous holiday, and unique perks, you'll find a rewarding workplace that truly cares about your well-being and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨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 Virgin Media O₂.
✨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 Buyer
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 Virgin Media O₂:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Virgin Media O₂. 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 Virgin Media O₂.
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O₂
✨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 Virgin Media O₂!
✨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 Virgin Media O₂. 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 Virgin Media O₂'s culture.
