Group Strategic Sourcing Graduate

Category Graduate role within Oxford Instruments' global procurement team, supporting sourcing strategies, supplier management, spend analysis, and cost improvement initiatives across international business units.

Start your career in global procurement with Oxford Instruments

Are you a recent graduate with a passion for business, data, and problem-solving? Looking to build a long-term career in procurement and supply chain within a global, technology-driven organisation?

We’re offering an exciting opportunity to join our Group Strategic Sourcing team as a Category Graduate—a dynamic, hands-on role designed to give you real experience, structured development, and exposure across our international businesses.

About the role

As a Group Strategic Sourcing Category Graduate, you’ll work closely with experienced Category Managers and cross-functional teams to deliver impactful projects that improve cost, quality, service, supply resilience, and sustainability.

This is a Group-level role, offering exposure across multiple business units, categories, and supplier markets giving you a unique opportunity to understand how procurement drives business performance.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting the development and execution of category sourcing strategies

• Analysing supplier and spend data to drive informed decision-making

• Collaborating with Operations, Engineering, Quality, and Finance

• Monitoring supplier performance, including:

  • Cost (PPV)

  • On-Time Delivery

  • Quality metrics

• Supporting supplier management and Approved Vendor List maintenance

• Contributing to cost improvement initiatives and sourcing projects

• Assisting with new product development sourcing activities

• Supporting contracting, risk management, and supplier performance tracking

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for motivated, curious individuals who are eager to learn and make an impact:

Education & Experience

• Recent graduate or 1–3 years’ experience in procurement, supply chain, operations or similar

• Degree in a relevant field preferred

• MCIPS (or working towards) is a plus

Skills & Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Good understanding of commercial and financial concepts

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail

• Confidence using Excel and PowerPoint

Personal Qualities

• Proactive, enthusiastic, and eager to learn

• Collaborative and relationship-focused

• Curious, with a continuous improvement mindset

• Comfortable challenging ideas constructively

• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment

Why join us?

• Structured programme with built in progression

• Exposure to global procurement and supplier networks

• Work on real projects from day one

• Build strong cross-functional relationships

• Develop skills in strategic sourcing, data analysis, and supplier management

• A clear pathway towards a long-term career in procurement and supply chain