Senior Category Manager

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 with in 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…