Summary
Location: London, Reading
Job Family: Commercial
Job Type: Full Time
Posted Date: 14-May-2026
Ref #: 73713
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 <£1m) through VMO2’s GEP spend management tool within strict timescales
* 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
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