Company: AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
Location: Reading
Posted: May 13th, 2026
AWE is currently recruiting for an experienced Principal Category Manager to create and implement category strategies and provide leadership to a team that focuses on Site Services, ensuring our sites remain operational.
Managing the end to end Category Management process for a number of categories such as Hard and Soft Facilities Management Services, Transport, Logistical Services, Utilities, Waste Management Services, PPE, Off Site Leasing Arrangements and Small Construction Projects.
Location: Reading, with free onsite parking.
Package: 63,270 to 90,000 (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 the Principal Category Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing category strategies, support and execute strategic sourcing activities, and manage supplier relationships.
You will report to the Head of Category - Site Services and lead a category team, driving high performance and setting the direction for the categories ensuring strategic sourcing, contract management and commercial contract management are carried out efficiently, to meet business objectives.
This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams in AWE and, where applicable, Government stakeholders.
You will be accountable for directing and implementing category strategies for site services sub categories as well as executing the sourcing process, including tendering for multi-million-pound contracts, negotiating large complex contracts, supporting and operating frameworks, and building and managing relationships with senior stakeholders to influence strategy endorsement. As part of your role you will:
Ensure category strategies, which deliver business objectives, are developed in collaboration with the business and are implemented to deliver benefits (cost reduction) and value to AWE
Lead the team to ensure alignment with organisational goals, Category Management objectives, regulatory requirements, and market dynamics
Prioritise activities to ensure efficient delivery of category management initiatives
Oversees the delivery of sourcing activities throughout, including sourcing strategies and their execution for high value/complex procurements
Drive strategic decision-making through in-depth market and supplier analysis
Utilise various forms of contract terms (e.g. NEC, AWE Standard Terms) for the preparation, analysis, negotiation, award and delivery of contracts.
Development and maintenance of strong relationships with key suppliers to enhance collaboration and innovation, acting as a senior escalation point as required.
Leading, coaching and developing a team of Category Managers and influencing others at specialism or functional level to create and develop operational plans to achieve Category Management objectives and AWE business priorities
Who are we looking for?
We are seeking a motivated category management professional with strong leadership and management skills, and strong stakeholder management skills. An analytical thinker, with excellent communication abilities, and experience in large, complex organisations, delivering and executing category strategies and strategic sourcing. The ideal candidate will have worked in highly regulated environments, understand the importance of governance and have a keen eye for detail.
MCIPS is advantageous, 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 the following:
Category management.
Managing and driving teams to high performance
Drafting, reviewing and negotiating complex contractual arrangements, framework agreements.
Managing multiple stakeholders and priorities.
Preparing tender packages, conducting tender conferences, developing evaluation criteria, analysing and evaluating proposals, negotiating subcontract provisions, subcontractor selection.
Working within a strategic Procurement Function.
Delivering change programmes.
Working in cross-functional teams across multiple programmes.
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.
Hybrid working is available for this role on an informal, non-contractual basis. Typically 2 days onsite per week.
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