Category Manager for Professional and Business Services

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 Category Manager for Professional and Business Services is a role that leads, owns and manages spend categories to develop and hone category strategies, and to drive and implement strategic sourcing decisions.

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Senior Category Manager the Category Managers will be responsible for delivering significant cashable savings from the spend category of at least 10% cashable savings over the next three years, whilst supporting and enabling University colleagues in delivering their savings objectives.

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 Category Manager you will manage and undertake procurement and contract management activities within the spend category across the University.

• Develop and implement short, medium and long-term procurement strategies for the spend categories to deliver cashable savings, efficiency gains, and long-term value creation in collaboration with University and FLS colleagues.
• Undertake all procurement activities within the spend category, including establishing preferred suppliers.
• Prepare tender documentation on e-tendering solutions and go out to the market to ensure value for money and compliance in each tender and contract.
• Undertake procurements/tenders, undertake contract management meetings, and undertake supplier relationships and supplier performance improvement activities etc.
• Undertake relevant complex or high-risk procurement activities, and all those carried out under the Procurement Act 2023, to ensure strict compliance.

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.

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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