Strategic Category Lead x 2

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.”

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.

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.

Based at our Headington Campus, you’ll experience the vibrant campus atmosphere and benefit from our modern office environment. 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 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.

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.

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