Senior Category Manager

Overview

AWE is recruiting a Senior Category Manager to implement category strategy for Capital Projects supporting our utilities infrastructure. Salary starts at £63,270 and the role is based in Reading (Green Park) with free onsite parking.

AWE operates a 9‑day working fortnight. Flexible working requests are considered so your work may fit your lifestyle.

• Shape wider category strategy for utilities infrastructure and deliver strategic frameworks.
• Run tenders within agreed frameworks and work with the strategic sourcing team to procure complex procurements.
• Oversee performance of agreed frameworks and lead commercial negotiations across technically and high‑risk contractual environments.
• Manage NEC4 infrastructure contracts, translate business requirements and drive value for money using industry leading contract management techniques.

• Commercial contract management experience with public procurement regulations knowledge.
• End‑to‑end procurement process understanding, including pre and post contract, and utilisation of contract management tools such as CEMAR.
• Previous experience leading the commercial management of high‑value frameworks supporting utilities or critical infrastructure programmes.
• Proven track record of delivering complex commercial negotiations, excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong understanding of NEC4 contracts, pricing options and placing call‑off contracts is essential.
• Preferred: CIPS membership or willingness to start training.

• Developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers.
• Supervising contract execution to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Monitoring the implementation and performance of KPIsli>
• Managing and mitigating risks.
• Creating meaningful relationships with stakeholders.

• 9‑day working fortnight – every other Friday off and 270 hours of annual leave.
• Market‑leading contributory pension scheme – 9% to 13% of pensionable pay.
• Family‑friendly policies: 39 weeks full‑pay maternity leave and 4 weeks full‑pay paternity leave.
• Professional career development funding for membership of a relevant professional body.
• Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
• Life Assurance – 4× annual salary.
• Discounts on everyday spending.
• Special leave policy – paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

Hybrid working available on an informal, non‑contractual basis – typically 2‑3 days onsite per week.

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives. If you feel this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please apply – we’d love to receive your application.

• Apply promptly – the role may close if applications are high.
• Security clearance – you must obtain and maintain the necessary clearance. AWE will fund the SC clearance. You must be a British citizen resident in the UK for the past 5 years for SC clearance and 10 years for DV clearance.
• Adjustments/ accommodations – let us know on your application form if you need any during the recruitment process.
• Interviews typically over Teams and a one‑stage process for most roles.

AWE is committed to creating workplaces that recognise and celebrate differences. We encourage diverse applicants and maintain a genuine culture of openness and inclusion.