Job Description

On behalf of AWE, we are looking for a Senior Category Manager (Outside IR35) for a 12 months contract based in Reading 3 days per week.



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.



As a Senior Category Manager, your main responsibilities will be:



Develop and implement Category Strategies for assigned sub-group of categories, balancing short and long-term objectives to meet business strategy and efficiencies (savings) in alignment with business stakeholders. Support and execute complex strategic sourcing activities in line with approved category strategies and preferred suppliers list, including the execution of the RFx process, supplier evaluation and selection, contract negotiation, business award and contract handover to the business, in compliance with the business requirements as well as AWE policies and directives, including Code of Conduct and Code of Business Ethics. Responsible for contractual and commercial management and effective contract administration to the relevant team providing commercial assurance to deliver commercial value. Support and execute Supplier Relationship Management for key and critical suppliers within the sub-group of categories, including supplier segmentation, contract management, supplier risks identification and mitigation and suppliers' performance. Identify and develop supplier value including planning and participating to external management review meetings with segmented suppliers (Management Business Reviews and Executive Business Reviews) in accordance with AWE Supplier Relationship Management framework and the agreed supplier strategy. Support and provide input to the Process and Performance team as appropriate. Support the development and interface with the Service Centre.

Essential:

Category Strategy Development - Proven experience creating and implementing category strategies aligned with business objectives and CCS frameworks. Strategic Sourcing & Procurement - Hands-on experience managing RFx processes, supplier evaluation, contract negotiation, and award. Contract Management - End-to-end experience in preparing, executing, and administering contracts, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) - Expertise in supplier segmentation, performance monitoring, risk management, and conducting strategic reviews. Technology & Market Intelligence - Skilled in leveraging ERP systems and tools for procurement, applying market insights and benchmarking to drive efficiency. Active SC Clearance

Desirable:

MOD Background Palantir

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".