Principal Category Manager - Site Services

Site Services is seeking an experienced and dynamic Principal Category Manager to lead the team, shape and deliver category strategies, and take on complex, high-impact sourcing activity.

You’ll set the direction across the Site Services categories and help deliver the commercial solutions that keep AWE’s sites safe and operational. You will manage the end-to-end Category Management process for a diverse and exciting portfolio which includes Hard and Soft Facilities Management, Fleet and Transport, Logistical Services, Utilities, Waste Management Services, Strategic Goods & Services, Off Site Leasing Arrangements and Security & Minor Works.

Location:

Reading, with free onsite parking.

Package: £60,000 to £90,000 (depending on your suitability, qualifications, and level of experience)

Working pattern: AWE operates a 9-day working fortnight, with every other Friday as a non-working day. This role is eligible for hybrid working, meaning employees typically spend three days on site in a long week and two days on site in a short week. We support flexible working where possible, including part-time and varied working hours.

At AWE, it’s not just a job, it’s far more than that. Our shared purpose is to help keep the nation safe.

• Lead the development and implementation of category strategies aligned with business objectives, delivering measurable savings, benefits and value for AWE.
• Ensure alignment with organisational priorities, Category Management objectives, regulatory requirements and market developments.
• Oversee end-to-end sourcing activities for high-value and complex procurements, including the review and approval of key documents such as sourcing strategies and contract award recommendations.
• Inform strategic decision-making through comprehensive market, commercial and supplier analysis.
• Apply appropriate forms of contract, including NEC, GCA agreements and AWE Standard Terms, to support the preparation, negotiation, award and delivery of contracts.
• Develop and manage effective relationships with key suppliers to promote collaboration, performance and innovation, acting as a senior escalation point where required.
• Lead, coach and develop a team of Category Managers, while influencing stakeholders across specialist and functional areas to deliver agreed objectives and priorities.

We are seeking a motivated category management and procurement professional with effective leadership, management, stakeholder and technical skills.

Whilst not to be considered a tick list, we’d like you to have experience in the following:

• Leadership and development of high-performing teams.
• End-to-end category management and delivering public regulated procurements.
• Senior stakeholder management and commercial governance.
• Cross-functional working across multiple programmes.
• Demonstratable experience and understanding of tendering, evaluation, negotiation and contract award, including drafting and negotiating complex contracts and frameworks.
• Understanding of markets, supplier analysis and commercial drivers.
• Support the delivery of procurement change and continuous improvement.
• MCIPS qualified or planning to work towards accreditation.

• 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…