Purchasing Manager

The postholder will use category management and strategic relationship management techniques to ensure that the University leverages its full potential spend and achieves best value for money in particular spend categories.

The University of Oxford is a stimulating work environment, which enjoys an international reputation as a world-class centre of excellence. Our research plays a key role in tackling many global challenges, from reducing our carbon emissions to developing vaccines during a pandemic.

The Purchasing Department sits in the Finance Division, which supports the academic, research and administrative community at the University providing sound financial advice and timely information with a range of support services including financial operations, financial reporting, financial support and professional services.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

We have an exciting opportunity to join the central Purchasing Department of the University of Oxford. You will play an important role in providing a professional purchasing service to the University in support of the delivery of world-class research and teaching activities.

Reporting to a Senior Purchasing Manager, you will develop and manage internal and external strategic relationships within selected categories of spend to ensure the needs of the University are met at best value for money.

You will be responsible for developing, implementing and managing purchasing strategies in line with the University’s objectives; developing a robust category management approach; negotiating and bringing to completion robust contractual agreements with category suppliers, ensuring value for money and in accordance with best practice; identifying, developing, and implementing continuous improvement opportunities with category suppliers; identifying and reporting on value for money activities within your categories; and acting as a local expert and first point of contact within the categories for the wider University and suppliers.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

You will be based in Hythe Bridge Street, and will be able to agree a pattern of regular remote working with your line manager (most of our staff work two days a week in central Oxford).

To be considered at shortlisting you should have experience of purchasing and a proven ability of developing strategic plans for spend categories and evidence of successfully executing those plans; driving value for money/savings in the category; negotiating complex arrangements with suppliers; constructing and negotiating contractual terms; continuous improvement initiatives with category specific suppliers and internal customers and influencing at all levels within the organisation.

You should be educated to degree level and be CIPS qualified or be willing to study to become a full member of CIPS.

You will be required to upload a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 31 January 2024

Interviews will take place during week commencing Monday 5 February 2024 and will be in person.