Category Buyer

Finance Division

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

Salary: £39,424 - £47,779 per annum

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.

Essential:

• 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

Desirable:

• Experience developing and implementing category management plans
• Familiarity with e-catalogues

Application Process

To apply, please upload:

• A covering letter/supporting statement
• Your CV
• The details of two referees

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 8 May. Applicants will be reviewed throughout this time and the position may be closed early if a suitable candidate is found.

First-round interviews will take place on an ongoing basis.