Job Description

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, Permanent

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 12th January