Category Manager - Indirect

at  Oxford Instruments plc

At Oxford Instruments, we enable the world’s leading industrial companies and scientific research communities to image, analyse and manipulate materials down to the atomic and molecular level. With a sixty-year history, and fourteen Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, our world-class products and technologies are helping our customers to address the greatest challenges of the 21st century.
As the GSS Category Manager (CAPEX and Indirect Spend), you will play a vital role in providing strategic sourcing leadership to the Oxford Instruments Group businesses. Your focus will be on driving projects that minimise cost and risk while maximising quality, service, and sustainability. Collaborating with business unit leaders and managing cross-functional teams, you will ensure compliance with Group Strategic Sourcing policies and procedures.

EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:

Ideally, you hold a degree in a related field, which provides a solid foundation for this role.
MCIPS certification is preferred, but not essential.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Your exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, enable you to convey your ideas effectively.
With a highly commercial mindset, you can unlock value for the business through your procurement skills.
You are delivery-focused and have a pragmatic, hands-on approach to executing strategies.
Experience working in a matrix organisation and influencing at all levels is a valuable asset.
Join our team at Oxford Instruments and contribute to our success as we continue to lead in our industry.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability

You will support the Group Strategic Sourcing Director in achieving business goals through best practice sourcing and supply chain processes.
You will also be responsible for managing group CAPEX (Capital Expenditure) and Indirect spend. This includes developing and implementing category sourcing strategies for CAPEX and Indirect spend categories.
Managing key supplier relationships, performance, and commercial agreements will be among your top priorities.
You will plan and implement category sourcing strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams and suppliers.
Continuous improvement of sourcing practices and efficiencies will be a key part of your role.
Coordinating with business leaders and functional teams, you will implement strategies consistently across the organisation.
Developing and maintaining supplier financial performance reports will help you monitor supplier KPIs such as delivery, quality, and cost.
You will manage the Group Approved Vendor List, ensuring the selection of reliable and high-performing suppliers.
As the accountable party for category management, you will lead cross-functional team meetings and effective communication.
Implementation of procurement processes, supplier quality management, and cost improvement projects will be within your purview.
Handling contracting, contract management, and risk assessment/mitigation will be part of your responsibilities.
Personal Attributes
With considerable procurement experience, you have a solid understanding of sourcing policies and procedures.
Your strategic mindset, analytical skills, and research capabilities enable you to make informed decisions.
Knowledge of the commercial and financial aspects of procurement, both direct and indirect, is essential for success in this role.
Your strong interpersonal and leadership skills allow you to influence and resolve conflicts effectively.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration and stakeholder management.
Being results-oriented and proactive, you constantly strive for improvement and challenge the status quo.
Your external/market orientation keeps you informed about industry trends and best practices.