Sourcing Event Senior Buyer

Position Overview

AWE is looking for a Sourcing Event Senior Buyer to join our Sourcing Event Management Team (SEMT). This 15‑month fixed‑term contract requires leading complex and high‑profile Source‑to‑Contract activities, ensuring compliance with public procurement regulations while delivering maximum value and mitigating risk. The role is based in Reading and offers a starting salary from £47,760, depending on suitability, qualifications and experience.

• Work closely with category management teams to upload and process sourcing event details into JAGGAER.
• Administrate all on‑system activities through the full sourcing lifecycle: government gate approval, strategy, tender readiness, issuing tenders, gate approval for award, contract signing and mobilisation.
• Collaborate with the SEMT Lead to monitor system performance and implement system and process improvement opportunities.
• Serve as first point of contact for escalations within the sourcing event team.
• Support the SEMT Lead in oversight of all projects, developing and reporting on SEMT performance, and providing cover where required.
• Take ownership of end‑to‑end Source‑to‑Contract activities for complex procurements assigned.
• Manage tender processes and governance using procurement systems such as JAGGAER.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and SEMT colleagues.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives and best practice.
• Provide training and mentoring to team members and cover SEMT Manager duties when required.

• Good general standard of education, including Maths and English, or equivalent experience.
• CIPS qualification or willingness to study towards the qualification.
• Proven track record of Source‑to‑Contract activities for complex procurements.
• Experience using electronic purchasing systems (JAGGAER, Oracle, Ariba, or similar).
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to analyse data and manage tender documentation.
• Experience working in a highly regulated environment.
• Ability to plan, prioritise and deliver objectives on time.
• Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel and Word.

• Knowledge of contractual arrangements and public procurement regulations.
• Experience with contract amendments and category management.
• Proactive approach to problem solving, tackling issues before they become problems.

• 9‑day working fortnight (every other Friday off) and 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market‑leading contributory pension scheme with employer contribution of 9%–13%.
• Family‑friendly policies: 39‑week maternity leave at full pay, 4‑week paternity leave at full pay.
• Opportunities for professional career development and funding for annual professional body membership.
• Employee Assistance Programme and occupational health services.
• Life assurance of four times annual salary.
• Discounts and savings on a wide range of everyday spending.
• Special leave policy allowing paid time off for volunteering, public service, and caring.
• Hybrid working available on an informal, non‑contractual basis (typically two days onsite per week).

AWE operates a 9‑day working fortnight. Flexibility is considered to fit work with lifestyle, and hybrid working is available informally.