If you’d like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.
AWE is an organisation with a unique and vital purpose: protecting the UK through world-class nuclear science and technology. Acting as a senior leader within the Science & Engineering Category Management space, in the role of Senior Category Manager, you will drive the design, management and implementation of targeted category strategies focusing on Science and Engineering, in particular lab equipment, chemicals and consumables categories.
Location: Reading, with free onsite parking.
Package: £63,270 to £85,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)
Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight.
We will consider flexible working requests so that your work may fit in with your lifestyle. Just let us know your preferred working pattern on your application.
Ready to play your part?
At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe. Could this role be the opportunity for you to play your part?
As a Senior Category Manager within the Science & Engineering function, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering category strategies that support AWE’s mission and operational priorities. You will provide commercial leadership across complex and highly regulated areas, ensuring that sourcing, supplier management, and contract delivery are aligned to business objectives and governance requirements.
This role combines strategic oversight with operational delivery.
You will lead the development and execution of category strategies across consumables and equipment, working closely with senior stakeholders to influence direction, secure endorsement, and drive measurable value. You will also ensure robust contract management and supplier performance, supporting continuous improvement, resilience, and long-term capability across the supply base.
Operating within a highly regulated environment, you will be expected to apply strong commercial judgement, ensure compliance with established processes, and contribute to the wider evolution of the Commercial function.
Key responsibilities include:
Leading the development and implementation of category strategies across Science & Engineering consumables and equipment
Providing end-to-end commercial ownership of contracts within your area of accountability, from sourcing through to delivery and ongoing management
Driving strategic sourcing activity, including market engagement, tendering, negotiation, and supplier selection
Building and maintaining effective relationships with senior internal stakeholders to influence requirements, priorities, and strategic outcomes
Managing and developing supplier relationships to improve performance, deliver value, and support long-term partnership objectives
Monitoring supplier performance and leading structured performance and review activities
Applying appropriate contracting approaches (e.g. NEC, AWE standard terms) to ensure effective risk allocation and commercial outcomes
Supporting the delivery of commercial strategies and programmes aligned to AWE’s organisational objectives
Leading, coaching, and influencing others within the function to support delivery of team and functional plans
Driving operational efficiency and continuous improvement in line with Commercial processes and governance requirements
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for experienced procurement professionals who can operate credibly in a complex, regulated environment. You will be confident managing senior stakeholders, applying sound commercial judgement, and balancing delivery with strong governance.
Experience within the public sector or similarly regulated industries is advantageous. A CIPS Level 4 qualification (or working towards) is desirable.
You may bring experience in some of the following areas:
Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex contracts and framework agreements
Developing and delivering category strategies
Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
Commercial pricing models (e.g. target cost, incentive-based arrangements)
End-to-end strategic sourcing (strategy, tendering, evaluation, negotiation, award)
Working within established Procurement or Category Management functions
Operating within cross-functional teams across programmes or projects
Knowledge of public procurement regulations, including PA23 (desirable)
You will be able to work calmly and effectively in a changing environment, managing your own workload and priorities. A proactive, flexible approach and the ability to deliver against deadlines are essential.
Work hard, be rewarded:
We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:
9-day working fortnight – meaning you get every other Friday off work, in addition to 270 hours of annual leave.
Market leading contributory pension scheme (we will pay between 9% and 13% of your pensionable pay depending on your contributions).
Family friendly policies: Maternity Leave - 39 Weeks Full Pay and Paternity Leave - 4 Weeks Full Pay.
Opportunities for Professional Career Development including funding for annual membership of a relevant professional body.
Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
Life Assurance (4 x annual salary).
Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.
Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 2-3 days onsite per week.
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Next steps:
Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don’t always ‘tick every box’. That’s why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don’t meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we’d love to receive your application.
Important things you need to know:
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We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
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You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV.
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We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
- Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.
Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.
Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.
