At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing processes, negotiate with suppliers, and support contract activities.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, a leader in inclusive and equitable employment.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in procurement while working in a dynamic team.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a collaborative environment with career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make an impact by delivering value for money and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills; experience in high-volume purchasing is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € 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 in Reading 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 workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer - 10 Month Contract in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with their values and how they approach supplier negotiations. This will help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Role-play scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable discussing pricing and terms. Being able to demonstrate your negotiating prowess can really impress during interviews.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our procurement success.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer - 10 Month Contract in Reading
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 prepared to hit the ground running.
✨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 influence stakeholders effectively.
✨Time Management is Key
Think of specific instances where you successfully managed high volumes of work against tight deadlines. Share these stories during the interview to highlight your organisational skills and ability to thrive under pressure.
✨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 in the past to achieve common goals, showcasing your interpersonal skills and ability to work within cross-functional teams.
