Group Strategic Sourcing Graduate

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. At X-Ray Technology, we manufacture components and devices used across a range of sectors from healthcare to high-volume manufacturing in any situation where exceptional magnification and image quality are essential.

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

Ready to start your journey?

If you’re looking for a role where you can learn, grow, and make a real business impact from the outset, we’d love to hear from you.

 Apply now and start shaping your future with Oxford Instruments.

Selection Process: If you are sucessful in being selected to progress, we will be running cognative assesments that will be sent to you in advance of an interview.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.

Note to recruitment agencies: Oxford Instruments operates a Preferred Supplier List, and we do not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not forward candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Oxford Instruments employees or other company locations. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.