At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing activities and negotiate with suppliers for best value.
- Company: Join Virgin Media O2, a leader in inclusive and equitable employment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fantastic reward package with extra benefits for you and your loved ones.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic team with a focus on sustainability and compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage high-volume purchasing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About the role
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.
Responsibilities
- 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
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
- 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
Benefits
You’ll get a bumper reward package bursting with benefits, and loads of extras you can add if you’d like. These are designed to support both you and your loved ones, making sure that you’re covered no matter what life throws your way.
Equal Opportunities
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.
Category Buyer employer: Virgin Media
At Virgin Media O2, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Category Buyer, you'll benefit from a comprehensive rewards package, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, all while working in a vibrant environment that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at companies you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Show us that you understand their values and how you can contribute to their goals, especially around sustainability and cost savings.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves a lot of supplier interactions, being able to demonstrate your negotiating prowess in mock scenarios can really set you apart 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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience with procurement, negotiation skills, and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that show your strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage high volumes of purchasing activity. This will help us see how you fit into our dynamic environment.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively with various stakeholders!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around sourcing activities and contract management. Familiarise yourself with terms like RFPs and SLAs, as well as the GEP spend management tool, since this will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach to balancing cost savings with risk management, as this is crucial for the Category Buyer position.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would communicate with various internal customers and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past, as this will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to influence others.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be prepared to talk about how you use data to inform your purchasing decisions. Bring examples of how you've used management information from ERP systems to drive efficiency or savings, as analytical skills are key for this role.
