Category Manager

On behalf of AWE, we are looking for a Senior Category Manager (Inside IR35) for an 8 month contract based 3 days per week in Reading, remainder WFH/Remote. What if you could work on something that you can’t test… but cannot afford to fail? Something that could have spent years on a submarine, is launched into outer space (where the temperature is below -250c), comes hurtling through the atmosphere, being heated up and shaken and then must work? Some challenge.   That’s exactly what the team of over 6,500 people at AWE do every day: delivering important work, in support of the most important mission – keeping the nation safe. AWE plays a crucial role in national nuclear security. Their role in nuclear deterrence and their specialist technical assistance to nuclear threat reduction is vital in the defence against the most serious threats faced by the UK. Working to support the defence of our country, AWE has a clear mission: to keep everyone, the environment, their products and information, sites, and everything around them, safe and secure. As a Senior Category Manager, your main responsibilities will be:  Develop and implement category strategies for assigned categories, balancing short- and long-term objectives aligned with business goals and efficiency targets. Lead and execute complex strategic sourcing activities including RFx processes, supplier evaluation, negotiations, and contract award. Manage and administer contracts to ensure commercial value, compliance, and effective contract performance. Provide commercial and contract performance support to business stakeholders to manage project and commercial risk. Drive supplier relationship management for key and critical suppliers, including segmentation, performance monitoring, and risk mitigation. Identify and develop supplier value opportunities, participating in Management Business Reviews (MBRs) and Executive Business Reviews (EBRs). Maintain and manage the Preferred Supplier List (PSL), ensuring a competitive and resilient supplier base. Deliver category targets and KPIs in line with the Category Management Framework. Use market intelligence, benchmarking, and business insights to support category development and strategy. Secure and track cost reductions, supply chain continuity, and contract performance across the assigned categories. Prepare and execute contracts appropriate to the sourcing strategy, scope, value, and risk profile. Monitor and manage commercial risks, forecast spend, and manage change impacts with key stakeholders. Ensure suppliers are managed in line with supplier relationship management frameworks, including quality, performance, and risk oversight. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on sourcing strategies, supplier performance, and category plans. Demonstrate positive behaviours aligned with environmental, sustainability, safety, health, security, quality, and ethics standards.   Essential: SC Clearance Proven experience in Category Management, Strategic Sourcing, and Contract Management. Strong background working within Facilities Management (FM) and/or Construction procurement categories. Experience leading complex RFx processes and supplier negotiations. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement category strategies that deliver measurable value and cost savings. Strong commercial acumen with experience managing contracts and mitigating commercial risks. Experience managing supplier relationships, performance, and risk within a structured framework. Ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders across multiple business functions. Strong analytical skills with experience using market intelligence and benchmarking to inform decisions. Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a complex environment.   Desirable: Experience working within highly regulated, government, defence, infrastructure, or nuclear sectors. Professional procurement qualification (e.g. CIPS or equivalent). Experience implementing or working within formal Category Management and Supplier Relationship Management frameworks. Knowledge of supply chain risk management and supplier segmentation methodologies. Experience supporting large-scale capital projects or complex service contracts. Familiarity with sustainability, ESG, or responsible sourcing initiatives in procurement.