On behalf of AWE, we are looking for a Senior Category Manager (outside IR35) for a 9 month hybrid contract based in Reading.
What if you could work on something that you can’t test… but cannot afford to fail? Something that could have spent years on a submarine, is launched into outer space (where the temperature is below -250c), comes hurtling through the atmosphere, being heated up and shaken and then must work? Some challenge. That’s exactly what the team of over 6,500 people at AWE do every day delivering important work, in support of the most important mission - keeping the nation safe.
AWE plays a crucial role in national nuclear security. Their role in nuclear deterrence and their specialist technical assistance to nuclear threat reduction is vital in the defence against the most serious threats faced by the UK. Working to support the defence of our country, AWE has a clear mission to keep everyone, the environment, their products and information, sites, and everything around them, safe and secure.
SC Clearance is an essential requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks. Please note, due to the exceptional requirements of this position (short-term nature of this role and speed at which we require a postholder in situ) preference may be given to candidates who meet all of the essential criteria and hold active security clearance.
As a Senior Category Manager , your main responsibilities will be:
- Develop and deliver category strategies that drive value, savings and business outcomes.
- Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including RFx, supplier selection and contract negotiation.
- Manage strategic supplier relationships, performance, risk and continuous improvement.
- Deliver cost reduction, supply chain resilience and category KPI targets.
- Oversee contract management, commercial governance and compliance across assigned categories.
- Partner with stakeholders to influence procurement decisions and maximise commercial value.
Essential:
- Experience procuring security-related categories within highly regulated environments.
- Strong knowledge of category management, strategic sourcing and supplier markets.
- Expertise delivering complex procurement projects and commercial outcomes independently.
- Working knowledge of NPSA security standards and government procurement requirements.
- Proven experience operating under PA23, PCR2015 or equivalent public sector procurement regulations.
- Skilled in developing category strategies, sourcing plans and supplier performance reporting.
- You must also be a sole UK National
Desirable:
- MCIPS qualified (or working towards) is desirable.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
AWE’s ambition is to create workplaces that recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and where people feel able to be themselves at work. They strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, AWE guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
AWE guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".
