At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing processes and negotiate with suppliers to deliver best value.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, a leader in inclusive and equitable employment.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience in procurement with a supportive team.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make an impact by balancing cost savings and customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
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, negotiate with suppliers, support contract activity, and work 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.
Qualifications
- 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
Desirable Qualifications
- 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 toward CIPS accreditation
Responsibilities
Processing low‑value purchases.
Category Buyer - 10 Month Contract employer: Virgin Media O2
At Virgin Media O2, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in London and Reading that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our inclusive culture promotes employee growth through continuous learning opportunities, while our commitment to sustainability ensures that your contributions make a meaningful impact. Join us as a Category Buyer and be part of a team that values your skills and supports your professional development in a rewarding and engaging atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer - 10 Month Contract
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Category Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since this role involves a lot of supplier interaction, practice how you'd handle different scenarios. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to make informed purchasing decisions. Bring examples of how you’ve balanced cost savings with customer satisfaction to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer - 10 Month Contract
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Category Buyer. Highlight your experience with procurement, negotiation skills, and any relevant tools like GEP. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your skills align with our needs. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, make sure to highlight your interpersonal skills in your application. Share examples of how you've influenced others or built strong relationships in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O2
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around low-value purchasing processes. Familiarise yourself with tools like GEP and understand how they can streamline operations. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but also proactive about understanding the tools you'll be using.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved cost savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your strong negotiating skills and ability to lead competitive sourcing processes.
✨Demonstrate Time Management Mastery
Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed high volumes of tasks under tight deadlines. Share these stories during the interview to highlight your organisational skills and ability to meet SLA targets, which are crucial for this role.
✨Engage with Cross-Functional Teams
Be prepared to talk about your experience working with different teams, such as Finance and Legal. Highlight how you’ve collaborated effectively in the past, as this role requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
