Senior Category Manager

If you'd like to be considered for this opportunity we encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment as if applications are high the role will close before the closing date given.

AWE is recruiting a Senior Category Manager to implement a technology category strategy that focuses on Hardware, Software and IT Services, ensuring the technology estate is successfully negotiated and maintained.

Location: Green Park, Reading.

Package: £63,000 to £80,000 (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 and expect that hybrid working would typically be 3 days in the office per week. 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 the Senior Category Manager, you will be developing and implementing category strategy, supporting and executing strategic sourcing activities, contract management and supplier relationship management.  

You will monitor and drive supplier performance, assist with the development of supplier value including planning and preparation of external management review meetings, and drive operational efficiency in alignment with the Commercial Processes and Strategies.

You will be accountable for directing and implementing ICT category strategy, providing category solutions for negotiating and maintaining Software and Services. Supporting and operating frameworks, building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders to seek and influence strategy endorsement. As part of your role, you will:

• Ensure end-to-end management of all contracts within area of accountability.

• Utilise various forms of contract terms (e.g. Government frameworks and AWE Standard Terms) for the preparation, analysis, negotiation, award and delivery of contracts.

• Contribute to the development of commercial strategy and delivering activities and programmes to support achievement of the AWE Vision, Mission and Strategic Objectives.

• Management of allocated supplier relationships (where appropriate).

• Leading, coaching and developing your team and influencing other specialists and stakeholders to create and develop operational plans, aligned with the Category strategy.

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking Category specialists with strong stakeholder management skills, who ideally have previous public sector procurement experience or worked in a highly regulated environment and understands the importance of governance.

CIPS level 4 is beneficial, but candidates currently studying or planning to study will also be considered.

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

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex contractual arrangements, framework agreements.

• Strategic category management.

• Managing multiple stakeholders and priorities.

• Pricing arrangements e.g target cost, incentive fee.

• Preparing sourcing strategies, tender packages, conducting tender conferences, developing evaluation criteria, analysing and evaluating proposals, negotiating, and supplier selection.

• Working within a Procurement or Category Management Function.

• Working in cross-functional teams across multiple programmes.

• Influencing senior leadership teams to adopt technology strategies.

You'll need to have the ability to work calmly and constructively in a priority changing environment and be able to manage your own workload. You will also have initiative, enthusiasm, a flexible approach, and ability to work to tight deadlines.

Work hard, be rewarded:

We ask a lot and set the bar high because our work truly matters. In return we offer balance, with award winning benefits including:

• 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 Assurance (4 x annual salary).

• Discounts – access to savings on a wide range of everyday spending.

• Special Leave Policy including paid time off for volunteering, public service (including reserve forces) and caring.

The 'Working at AWE' page on our website is where you can find full details in the 'AWE Benefits Guide'.

Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 3 days onsite per week.

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Next steps:

Everyone who works at AWE brings unique skills and perspectives to the table. We recognise that great people don't always 'tick every box'. That's why we focus on your potential, your fit with our values, your transferable skills as well as your experience. Even if you don't meet every point above, but you feel that this role and AWE are a great fit for you, please go ahead and apply, we'd love to receive your application.

Important things you need to know:

• We encourage you to apply promptly to avoid disappointment if applications are high and the role therefore closes.
• You will need to obtain and maintain the necessary security clearance for the role. This will be funded by AWE. The nature of our work does mean you need to be a British Citizen who has been resident in the UK for the past 5 years in order to apply for SC clearance and 10 years for DV. 
• We want you to feel comfortable and able to shine during our recruitment process. Please let us know on your application form if you need any adjustments/accommodations during the process.
• Our interviews typically take place over Teams and for most roles are a 1 stage process.

Our ambition is to create workplaces where we recognise and celebrate differences, encourage diverse contributions and our employees feel able to be themselves at work. We strive to create a genuine culture of openness and inclusion and encourage diverse applicants. Any inclusion information you provide will be stored in accordance with GDPR and kept separate from your application form and CV, and the information will not be shared with anyone involved in interviewing or making hiring decisions.

Please note that you must be a British Citizen to apply for a role with us.