Category Buyer

Location: Finance Division, Oxford, Purchasing, OUP, Great Clarendon Street/Estates Services, Tidmarsh Lane with hybrid working 2 days in the office weekly.

We seek a Category Buyer to join our finance division to support the Estates Operations Purchasing team with a diverse £40M+ annual spend , you’ll manage high-value procurement projects, develop category strategies, and drive efficiencies across the University’s diverse supplier network while working in a collaborative and forward-thinking team.

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

This role supports University departments by providing expert purchasing guidance and commercial insight, helping them make informed, value-driven procurement decisions.

You’ll manage high-value projects (over £125k), develop supplier relationships, and work with colleagues to identify and deliver category strategies that drive savings and efficiency.

By understanding departmental needs, you'll ensure central agreements are fit for purpose, promote best practice, and support compliance with University and legal requirements.

About You

• Experience of letting / tendering one-off high value agreements  (>£125k) [JC1] [NS2] and frameworks with suppliers to generate savings and efficiencies.
• Experience in negotiating with suppliers (and reducing agreements to clear contractual drafts).
• Good analytical skills.
• Experience of building strong relationships internally with customers and externally with suppliers to enable the delivery of objectives.
• Strong oral, written and electronic communication skills.
• Ability to plan workload and deliver on projects.
• Excellent computer skills, including Word and Excel.
• Full member of CIPS, or willingness to study for the qualification.
• Degree education or equivalent professional experience.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. We aspire to build a truly diverse community which values and respects every individual’s unique contribution.

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 4th  July.

First Round interviews will take place on 14th July and will be held face-to-face in Oxford.

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