Strategic Category Lead - Procurement

Oxford Brookes University; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a Strategic Category Lead to drive procurement strategies and deliver significant savings. This role is pivotal in aligning procurement with the university's broader goals while managing a team of Category Managers. You'll thrive in a dynamic environment that values innovation and inclusivity, contributing to a vibrant campus atmosphere. With a commitment to professional development and a comprehensive benefits package, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of procurement in higher education. Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence and community engagement.

Benefits

Minimum 25 Days Holiday

Local Government Pension Scheme

Discounted Gym Membership

Training and Development Opportunities

Flexible Working Options

Relocation Scheme

Employee Assistance Helpline

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of procurement and change management.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end category management for designated spend categories.
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to achieve cashable savings.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders.

Skills

Communication Skills

Strategic Thinking

Leadership Skills

Negotiation Skills

Procurement Governance Knowledge

Category Management Experience

Customer Service Skills

Education

Relevant Degree or Equivalent Experience

Job description

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*** 2 ROLES AVAILABLE ***

Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward-thinking institution rooted in and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”

Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.

In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.

The role

The Strategic Category Lead, in Digital and Technology Services and Place and Space Services, are key strategic leadership roles responsible for defining and implementing best-in-class procurement strategies across multiple spend categories.

These roles require a deep understanding of procurement, trends, change management expertise, and the ability to influence senior stakeholders to align procurement with broader University goals.

In addition, these roles have line management responsibility for the Category Managers in either the Academic and Student Services spend category, and the Professional and Business Services spend category or Category Managers in the Teaching, STEM and Research spend category, and the People and Development Services spend category.

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Deputy Director of Procurement, the Strategic Category Lead for Digital and Technology and Place and Space Services will be responsible for delivering significant cashable savings from the spend category of at least 20% cashable savings over the next three years, whilst supporting and enabling University colleagues in delivering their savings objectives.

Please see the accompanying Campaign Document, detailed Job Description and Person Specification for full details.

About the team

The Strategic Procurement Team at Oxford Brookes is evolving and redefining the way we deliver services.

Our small procurement team is growing, and moving to a category management approach and structure that aligns with the University’s strategic vision and objectives. We are developing a strategic, coordinated procurement approach that improves commerciality, risk management, and service quality across the University, from the c.£50 million that the University spends annually on goods, services, and works, purchased from a multitude of suppliers.

What will I be doing?

• As Strategic Category Lead undertake full responsibility for end-to-end category management across the designated spend categories, including, developing and implementing short, medium and long term sourcing and category management strategies to deliver cashable savings.
• Lead and assume responsibility for the structural transformation of procurement, contract management and supplier performance in the designated spend categories, including leading, overseeing and managing the ‘professionalising’ of end-to-end procurement and contract management cycle activity.
• Develop, promote, support and implement customer-service improvements, through building strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and Senior Management to achieve a high standard of customer care.

What skills do I need?

• Excellent communication interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, senior management, and external suppliers.
• Strategic thinker with a strong focus on achieving cost savings and continuous improvement.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams.
• Strong procurement governance, policy, and legislative compliance knowledge and skills.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to influence key decision-makers.
• Strong category management experience.
• Strong customer service and customer-experience skills.
• Be a highly visible and approachable, and be able to engage with all levels of the University.

About the location

Based at our Headington Campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. The campus is one mile from the centre of Oxford and is served by regular public transport. This role will be hybrid and we expect attendance on campus for at least 1-2 days per week, which may increase during 2026 and 2027 as our hybrid working policies evolve over time.

As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 Bank Holidays and additional University concessionary Days (approx. 5 per year).

We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.

We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with a 19.2% Employer contribution rate, as well as providing all staff with financial education, a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.

We prioritise the well-being of our employees—both physically and mentally, as well as financially. That's why we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.

In addition, all employees have access to:

• Discounted rates for the University sports & gym facilities
• Brookes on-site Nursery.
• Discounted travel options
• Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles)
• Training and development opportunities
• Connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks which instil a sense of community offering employees a space for support, guidance and friendship making it a vibrant and inclusive place to work.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Project Management and Supply Chain

• Industries

  Higher Education

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