Senior Category Manager in Teaching, STEM and Research

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 Senior Category Manager role in Teaching, STEM and Research is a key strategic role that takes on leadership in driving transformation within the category. This role manages high-value contracts, leads supplier negotiations, and works closely with University stakeholders to deliver value through innovative procurement solutions.

This role has line management responsibility for the Category Manager in the People and Development Services spend category.

Based at our Headington campus and reporting to the Strategic Category Lead, the Senior Category Manager for Teaching, STEM and Research and in Academic and Student Services will be responsible for delivering significant cashable savings from the spend category of at least 15% 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?

• Undertake comprehensive category management across the designated spend categories, including developing and executing a comprehensive category strategy.
• Conduct in-depth analysis of the supplier market, assessing market conditions, cost drivers, and trends to drive cost reduction and maximise value for money.
• Lead and manage the end-to-end procurement processes in the categories of spend in the designated spend categories.
• Drive enhancements in procurement policy, practice and process across the University delivering innovation and continuous improvement in the delegated or designated spend categories.

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