The University of Oxford is seeking a Category Buyer to deliver professional procurement support across our diverse and complex organisation. This role offers the opportunity to lead high-value purchasing projects, influence senior stakeholders, and ensure value for money across significant areas of spend.
Location: Great Clarendon Street, Oxford with the option of some hybrid/remote working
Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term for 2 years
About Us
Spanning the historic streets of the “city of dreaming spires,” the University of Oxford has been ranked the world’s leading university for nine consecutive years. A place where centuries of tradition meet world-changing innovation, we offer you the chance to shape the future while working in an inspiring environment that promotes excellence. Here, you’ll contribute to ground-breaking research that tackles global challenges - from advancing sustainability to pioneering healthcare solutions - and join a diverse, inclusive community that champions your wellbeing, development, and aspirations. Apply now to become part of our extraordinary legacy.
Integral to the University, the Finance Division aims to enable world-class research and education by collaborating on sound financial strategy to provide long-term resources, underpinned by excellent operational and professional services. For more information, please visit: https://finance.admin.ox.ac.uk/
What We Offer
Working at the University of Oxford offers several exclusive benefits, such as:
* 38 days of annual leave (inclusive of public holidays) to support your wellbeing, with the option to purchase up to 10 extra days and additional leave after long service.
* One of the most generous family leave schemes in UK higher education, offering up to 26 weeks of full-pay maternity and adoption leave, plus 12 weeks of full-pay paternity/partner leave.
* A commitment to hybrid and flexible working to suit your lifestyle.
* An excellent contributory pension scheme.
* Affordable and sustainable commuting options, including a cycle loan scheme, discounted bus travel, and season ticket loans.
* Access to a vibrant community through our social, cultural, and sports clubs.
About the Role
You will provide commercial and procurement expertise to departments across the University, managing high-value tenders and supplier relationships (typically £100k+). Working closely with Purchasing Managers and internal customers, you’ll help develop category strategies, lead complex procurement projects, and support the adoption of best-practice purchasing.
This is a varied role combining project delivery, stakeholder engagement, supplier negotiation, and market insight, within a collaborative and highly professional finance function.
* Managing high-value, high-risk tendering exercises from requirements gathering through to contract award
* Leading supplier negotiations and converting outcomes into clear, robust contractual agreements
* Supporting category management initiatives through data analysis, market research, and strategy development
* Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand needs and influence outcomes
* Managing contractual risk, drafting bespoke clauses, and working with Legal Services where required
* Monitoring supplier performance, market trends, and value for money over the contract lifecycle
* Representing the University on sector-wide procurement groups and consortia where appropriate
About You
You’ll bring experience of delivering complex procurement projects in a regulated or large-scale environment, alongside strong communication and analytical skills.
* Experience tendering high-value agreements (£100k+) and/or frameworks
* Proven supplier negotiation experience and contract drafting capability
* Strong analytical and organisational skills
* Ability to build effective working relationships with internal customers and suppliers
* Excellent written, verbal and digital communication skills
* Proficiency in Word and Excel
* Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience
* Full CIPS membership or willingness to work towards it
* Experience developing and implementing category management plans
* Familiarity with e-catalogues
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