At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage low-value purchasing, negotiate with suppliers, and support contract activities.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, the UK's fastest broadband network and a top mobile brand.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Diverse environment with a focus on equity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make an impact in procurement while working with talented teams and innovative projects.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills, time management, and interest in procurement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € 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.
Who we are
The UK’s fastest broadband network, the nation’s best‑loved mobile brand, and one of the UK’s biggest companies. Diverse, hard‑working teams jam packed with serious talent, offering the UK more choice and better value through boundary‑pushing, customer‑championing values and ambitions.
Equal Opportunities
Virgin Media O2 is an equal opportunities employer and works hard to remove bias and barriers for all people and candidates. We build equity and inclusion into everything we do, encouraging you to be your authentic self throughout your journey with us.
Requirements
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to 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
- Ability to work within cross‑functional and/or virtual teams
- IT software skills such as SaaS and perpetual software licences
Nice to Have
- Experience using management information from ERP and Purchasing systems (ideally GEP)
- Basic contract knowledge, with the ability to finalise low‑value agreements where required
- Strong analytical and desktop research skills
- Interest in procurement and studying towards CIPS accreditation
Responsibilities
- Process low‑value purchases (typically Lead sourcing activity including RFPs, auctions and negotiations, ensuring best commercial value, risk mitigation and sustainability impact
- Engage and communicate with internal customers, Category Managers and group stakeholders (Telefonica Global Services, Liberty Global Procurement)
- Support contract implementation and ensure compliance with VMO2’s procurement policies and procedures
- Manage multiple projects and processes while delivering a positive customer experience
- Contribute to savings targets, efficiency improvements and sustainability objectives
Category Buyer - IT Procurement in London employer: Virgin Media O2
At Virgin Media O2, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London and Reading. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a culture where every employee can thrive, while our focus on professional development ensures that you have ample opportunities for growth within the procurement field. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation, sustainability, and collaboration, all while delivering the best value for our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer - IT Procurement in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 researching the company and its values. Understand their procurement processes and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves supplier negotiations, consider role-playing scenarios with friends or mentors. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform in real situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer - IT Procurement in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Category Buyer role. Highlight your negotiating skills and any experience with procurement tools like GEP, as these are key to impressing us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your interest in sustainability and compliance, as these are important to us.
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In your application, don’t forget to highlight your interpersonal skills. We want to see how you can influence suppliers and work with various teams. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated or negotiated.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Media O2
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around low-value purchasing processes and negotiation tactics. Familiarise yourself with the GEP spend management tool, as it’s crucial for the role. This will show that you’re proactive and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Since this role involves influencing suppliers and internal stakeholders, prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated similar situations in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to negotiate or collaborate with different teams, and be ready to discuss these experiences.
✨Demonstrate Time Management Prowess
With high volumes of purchasing activity expected, it’s essential to highlight your organisational skills. Prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage deadlines effectively. You might even want to share a specific example where you successfully juggled multiple projects.
✨Express Your Interest in Continuous Learning
Mention your interest in procurement and any steps you’re taking towards CIPS accreditation. This shows your commitment to professional development and aligns with the company’s values of growth and sustainability. It’s a great way to connect with their ethos!
