Role Summary
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.
Job Details
Location: London, Reading
Job Family: Commercial
Job Type: Full Time
Posted Date: 12‑May‑2026
Reference #: 73655
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.
Qualifications
In order to be considered, you must have the following experience:
* 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 (typically <£1m) through VMO2’s GEP spend management tool within strict timescales.
* 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.
Benefits
Working at Virgin Media O2, you 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.
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